We wish everyone a wonderful pride week across the nation as we are still struggling for equal rights for all.  Gays, Lesbians, Transgendered, Bisexual, and the big hearted straight people joining us for the big parades across the nation all contribute to fabulous celebrations across the U.S.

From San Francisco to Oklahoma City to New York City to Houston we celebrate pride 2009.  Everyone have a safe weekend and make sure you drink the liquors that advertise in our parades and support our community whether it be a beer or a vodka.  Remember the banks and other organizations and busineses that take part in the gay pride festivals and parades and support them!!  Support your drag queens and bartenders too haha!

While gay pride parades and similar events bring the entire GLBTQ community together, there are some events and activities particularly geared toward lesbian, bisexual or queer identified women. These range from socially active and politically motivated to opportunities for rest, play and relaxation. Your local Pride celebration probably offers activities and events planned specifically for women, but if you have the time and funds to travel or are located near one of these lesbian or lesbian inclusive events you may want to make it a “gay-cation” this year.

Dinah Shore Week in Palm Springs, California is the largest lesbian event in the country. Held in the spring (the 2010 dates are March 31 to April 4), Dinah Shore Week includes entertainment planned and organized by the well known L.A based GirlBar, pool parties, and plenty of time to socialize. Dinah Shore Week 2009 boasted an impressive line up of performers, including Macy Gray, Kat Deluna, Julie Goldman, and the Cliks. Reservations fill up quickly, so book by December if you want to stay in the Wyndham Hotel or Hotel Zoso.

Another major lesbian event each year is the Michigan Womyn’s Music Festival. While controversy has surrounded the festival, it remains a popular destination for any woman looking to share and experience  a space designed just for her. The festival features intensive workshops of all sorts, performances, and a time to share in a unique space and experience. Moms should note that families with male children 5 and over will need to camp in Brother Sun and use the childcare available there as boys over 4 are not welcome on the festival grounds. This year’s Michigan Womyn’s Music Festival will take place from August 4th to 9th. Visit michfest.com for more information.

Gay Days Orlando has become a popular destination for both single and partnered members of the LGBTQ community. During this week, a number of events designated for Girls at Gay Days occur as well, making it a popular lesbian event destination. You can also take advantage of Gay Day Disney during this event. Comedians, concerts and plenty of dancing await lesbians of all ages at Girls at Gay Days. See girlsatgaydays.com for schedules for this year’s June party.

While not specifically a lesbian oriented event, if you are more concerned with the arts than with a party, consider making Homo A Go Go your event destination. This gay and lesbian oriented arts festival includes music, art, film, performance art and activism from August 13 to August 16, 2009 in San Francisco, California.

Top 5 Lesbian Clubs in the U.S.

While nearly every city in the US is home to at least a few gay and lesbian bars, there are relatively few bars that cater primarily to a lesbian crowd, even in major cities. In fact, you can only find one in Washington DC and Baltimore and no lesbian specific bars at all in Boston. Look for lesbian nights in cities without lesbian bars to find the nightlife you’re looking for, but if you’re near or visiting an area with one of the best, stop in for drinks and dancing.

Girl Bar in Los Angeles has inspired the L-Word and remains one of the most happening lesbian hot spots on the West Coast. Girl Bar now runs lesbian nights in Chicago, Las Vegas and Phoenix as well as LA. The dance floor is active and energetic and drinks flow freely. While this bar has a reputation for a lipstick lesbian crowd, the actual mix is much more varied.

Henrietta Hudson Bar and Girl in New York City offers a variety of music, with live music twice a week. Drink specials, dancing and pool make Henrietta Hudson’s a good bet for both West Village locals and tourists. Henrietta’s is open 7 days and nights a week.

Chances in Houston, Texas offers something for nearly every lesbian, with four distinct bars and clubs under one roof. You can dance the night away at G-Spot, hang out with friends in the neighborhood bar Chances, lounge in the ChiChi Martini lounge or two step in The New Barn.

Phase 1 on Capitol Hill in Washington DC is the oldest lesbian bar in the country, opened in 1970. Music at Phase 1 ranges from hip hop to queer punk, with drag king nights, pool and drinks located near everything in the city.

Sue Ellen’s in Dallas, Texas is situated in the old Throckmorton Mining Company. Since the reopening in the spring of 2008, it is one of the largest lesbian bars in the country and one of the best gay or lesbian bars in the country.  Sue Ellen’s includes a lounge, dance floor and space for live music.

While these are some of the best lesbian nightclubs in the US, you may find lesbian nights at great gay clubs throughout the country or find that your local gay and lesbian club is the right fit for your community.  You might want to check out each bar or clubs website and see their calendar of events for live bands and Pride activities.

Times are tight, but you still want to have a memorable holiday season. With fall approaching many of us are turning our thoughts to the holidays ahead. Whether you traditionally entertaining over the holidays or would like to for the first time, keeping to your budget is likely critical. Several simple tips and tricks, plus a few new holiday entertaining ideas can make all the difference.

Cost cutting measures can make a big difference in your budget. If you do opt for your traditional holiday open house, dinner party or cocktail party, limit the drinks served. Alcohol is a huge expense when entertaining, especially if you fully stock a bar. Consider serving a spiced cider or a lovely cranberry based cocktail to all your guests to reduce your expenses. Old fashioned, non alcoholic holiday punches are another great idea and are typically much more affordable than alcoholic drinks. There are several good boxed wines on the market now that are significantly more economical, but still quite drinkable.  Less expensive cuts of meat or vegetarian meals are another way to reduce the expense of your traditional holiday party. You might also consider sharing costs and hosting responsibilities with a friend or family member if you have the same or similar guests lists.

One of the best ways to fit holiday entertaining into your budget is to rethink your party planning. Replace your cocktail party with a family tree trimming party. Invite everyone and their kids, serve cocoa and cookies and string popcorn and cranberries or sing holiday songs. You could also consider organizing a cookie swap to share baked goods with friends in lieu of the usual party, or even plan a party around a much anticipated holiday season ball game and serve sandwiches and snacks. Casual meals also offer the option of an old fashioned potluck. Let everyone bring a dish to share and relax.

More formal holiday activities can work without breaking the bank, as long as you step away from plans to throw large dinner or cocktail parties. Dessert parties are a great choice, allowing you to entertain for an evening with limited stress and without spending a lot. You can make dessert or splurge and buy a luxurious treat or two to share with friends or family. Serve coffee, a hot alcoholic beverage or a dessert wine, depending upon the treat you choose. Hosting a breakfast or brunch may also cut your costs and help you stay within budget. Consider throwing a wine tasting, asking each guest to bring their favorite to share. Serve a variety of fondues and dips. Fortunately, many of these money saving ideas can save valuable time during the holiday season as well.

TIP: Takes some notes from our Summer party ideas.

Throwing a Halloween Party?

We recommend Dry Ice arrangements to make a spooky fog or maybe a fog machine to make things more fun.  There are several games you can play such as where you say Halloween related phrases in a circle or your typical party games.  Why not a spin the bottle Halloween style?  Well, I guess an OUIJA board would serve that purpose a little better to be in the ghostly spirit.

Themed Parties

Think of a theme such as a 80’s, 90’s, or White Trash Theme.  This year with the presidential election you could come up with a theme party.  Dress up as Sarah Palin, Ellen, or even Hillary.  I always thought it would be fun to have a Party Monster party or even a Drag Queen party where every one has to dress as the opposite sex.

Christmas Parties

If you are throwing a serious Christmas extravaganza then consider some of these top ten gift ideas for your friends and relatives.  If for fun, then go for these gag gifts for the Secret Santa.

Summer is a great time for a party, whether you’re planning a backyard barbeque, a pool party or a more formal dinner party. Making sure your party is a success is critical year round, but summer parties bring their own joys and challenges. There are a few critical components to any party. Food, beverages, location, and the guest list can all make or break your summer party. Furthermore, most of us find ourselves entertaining on a budget, and this can add to the challenge. For an overview of summer entertaining tips, see Oprah’s tips .

A casual party can be a great summer choice. Backyard barbeques around the grill are a traditional choice or a pool party if you have one. You might also consider hosting a get together or family reunion at a local lake. You should always keep the temperature in mind, and make certain to provide plenty of cool drinks and shade for an outdoor summer party. A good host will also make certain sunscreen and bug repellent are available. Water safety is an important consideration, especially if children will be attending. Old fashioned summer lawn games can be a fun choice, including options like croquet and badminton. You might consider a sprinkler for the kids for a family friendly event, but do be prepared to have towels and fresh clothes handy for your small guests.

More formal events are common in the summer as well. You may find yourself planning a summer wedding or a baby shower, an afternoon tea or even a formal evening dinner party. Cabanas, gazebos or other shelter, possibly even a large tent for a major occasion, can make the day a lot more pleasant. Formal events in the summer may require extra attention to be certain that your food, centerpieces and decorations can stand up to the heat.

Food is the center of nearly every party. Planning smart summer food for your event or party will help to make sure everyone enjoys themselves. Food should be heat tolerant for outdoor events, seasonal, fresh and plentiful. The summer barbeque is a traditional choice, but cold salads, an array of fresh, light appetizers, or dishes that make the most of fresh, seasonal foods are ideal. For a relaxed casual meal, consider making gourmet burgers or allowing everyone to grill their own shish kabobs. Easy food is often some of the best in the summer. Sales in local stores can allow you to keep your party cost effective, or for a casual family party, consider making it potluck.

Whether you plan a quiet adults only dinner party in the garden or a loud and playful family barbeque, summer entertaining is always fun. Make a pitcher of homemade cherry limeade, iced tea, or margaritas and enjoy spending time with friends and family.

Orlando’s Gay Days are a popular attraction for GLBT people throughout the country. Taking place from June 3rd to June 9th this year, Gay Days includes a number of special Girls’ Days events. Some 140,000 gay and lesbian individuals venture out to Orlando for a vacation at Gay Days, so you are sure to enjoy surrounding yourself in the vibrancy and liveliness of gay culture. These are sure to broaden the appeal of Gay Days to lesbians everywhere looking for a fun vacation with a partner, or a great party alone (although perhaps you won’t stay that way if you go to Girls’ Days alone…). For more information on Girls’ Days, see girlsatgaydays.com to book your tickets and make your reservations.

You can also take in any of Orlando’s other attractions while at Gay Days, and the location, the Regal Sun Resort, is conveniently close to Disney and other Orlando fun. You’ll even find activities for children at Gay Days in Orlando, making this a good choice for queer families. Girls’ Days is being billed as a kid friendly event, so if you have considered a Disney vacation, perhaps this is the time to take it. Your kids are sure to especially treasure the memory of a Disney visit during this time, since they can become one of the crowds of kids with two moms or two dads.

There are several special Girls’ Days events planned. These include daily pool parties at the host hotel, a lesbian comedy show featuring Susan Westenhoefer and others, vendor fairs, and a great retro dance party aimed at the girls. Staying at the Regal Sun Resort will allow you to meet and greet other women from all over the country and the world who have come out to enjoy Girls’ Days at Gay Days.

You may also want to check out some of the other Gay Days events not specifically associated with Girls’ Days. All Gay Days events welcome both men and women, so you might enjoy taking in the Miss Gay Days pageant, wine tastings, or buy tickets for Gay Days at Disney World. You’ll also find other theme parks welcoming the gay community during Gay Days.

Pack up a red shirt and head for Gay Days. Whether you are traveling with your family or alone, a full schedule of pool parties (might need a new swimsuit), fun and new friends awaits you in Orlando.

Sue Ellen’s Grand Opening

If you have not been to the Oaklawn gayborhood of Dallas you may not know they are hiding some of the nation’s biggest hot spots. A few of the Caven owned clubs in Dallas have the theme of that soap opera “Dallas” with Sue Ellen as the lesbian bar and JR’s as the gay pub. You cannot blame them for naming them these names because they are sexy names and do stick out. I just wonder how many straight people pull up wondering if they can buy souvenirs from the soap opera.

Sue Ellen’s recently closed down to re-open at its new location which used to be TMC a.k.a. Throckmorton Mining Company (located just behind Throckmorton and Cedar Springs). TMC used to be a hole-in-the-wall bar stuck behind JR’s that was known for being dark and mysterious. A few Republican senators probably hung out in the closet inside there somewhere. TMC remodeled several years back which was good for awhile but now things have changed and its time for Sue Ellen’s to break out with its new mega-club.

You certainly cannot call this a bar anymore. Sue Ellen’s has grown up into a mega-club with a bigger dancefloor, huge upstairs with a live band area, and all-new lipstick lounge that is modern and sleek. Make sure you arrive early on Saturday nights because there is normally a line outside since everyone wants in the newest club opening. The upgrade is definitely 2 times bigger and 2 times hotter than the old version.

Now if they can only do something with JR’s the block will have all new clubs. I have been told they will someday connect all of the clubs so you can pay one admission to get in Station 4 and Sue Ellen’s and this may be the first step in that direction. If you like specials you may want to check out their website at Caven.com for the Cruisin The Crossroads schedule. The times are from 9:30pm to 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays for No Cover and $2 Well Drinks and move on to the other clubs. Below are some live bands coming and some pics from the new lesbian mega-club.

LIVE BANDS and Coming Events at Sue Ellen’s Nightclub:

• May 1 - Creme Girlee
• May 2 - Ya! Ya
• May 5 - Cinco de Mayo Celebration
• May 8 - Izzy Scott
• May 9 - Girl in a Coma
• Prom 2008 - Friday, May 16

This concert tour is going to be huge.  It is the first time I can think of a Gay and Lesbian event organized to have so many great bands and presenters since the Lilith Fair. I was just thinking the other day how it would be great to put something together like the Lilith Fair where Sarah McLachlan, Martina McBride, and many others joined in to sing and we drank beer and had a fabulous time.  I remember people at the radio station calling it a “Lilly-licking fair” instead of Lilith fair — and yes lots of gays and lesbians attended it even though it was a mainstream event.  Come to think of it you see fellow lesbians at most outside concerts even if there is not a gay act involved.

True Colors will be a concert marketed directly to gays and lesbians and their rights. It is nice to have something to do since Madonna is not touring this year.  The True Colors tour touring through 15 cities across America represents people standing together with music representing Equality for All.  Margaret Cho will be the host of the event benefiting the Human Rights Campaign (HRC).

The True Colors event will be held in cities such as San Diego, Atlanta, Las Vegas, with 15 cities in total.  Cyndi Lauper will be the headliner along with Erasure who has had lots of top ten dance songs throughout their career including “Chains of Love” and “Always”.  Rosie O’ Donnell will be a special presenter at some dates along with the Indigo Girls (Las Vegas date only), The Cliks, and Amanda Lepore the “#1 Transsexual in the World”.

I was already sold when it said Erasure and Cyndi Lauper but all of these are fabulous acts and it will be a night of erotica and euphoria.  I cannot forget to mention two other huge names Debbie Harry and Rufus Wainwright (D.C. & Boston).  You will also see The Dresden Dolls, The Gossip, and The Misshapes.

Matthew Shepards’ mother Judy Shepard will be joining Cyndi on stage during the Denver and NYC shows. This is a great opportunity for gay families to come out and enjoy each other and embrace the wonderful music. You may want to catch more than one show since there are so many acts you do not want to miss that may only play in some cities.