Gay To Play

Philadelphia's annual Equality Forum has emerged as one of the premier LGBT-oriented events in the nation. Founded in 1993, it focuses on the community's constantly evolving civil rights movement. "We hope to bring mainstream attention to the way homophobia impacts the lives of America's gay and lesbian citizens," says co-founder and executive director Malcolm Lazin. Political relevance notwithstanding, one of the best things about the EF is its ability to entertain both the scholarly types and the party animals. Here's a taste of our favorite EF events.

Media Panel: Blogs

Wed., May 3, 7-8:15 p.m., free, Prince Music Theater, 1412 Chestnut St.

While my, uh, your Web page about Tobey Maguire isn't contributing much to society, many bloggers are making tangible headway in the political realm. This discussion will highlight how the blognomenon impacts modern news-gathering. Guests include Americablog publisher John Aravosis and Jeff Gannon, a former White House correspondent whom Aravosis publicly criticized. Gannon has since revealed his bisexual status, and is now a freelancer for the Washington Blade. This will be the first time the men meet face-to-face.

Beyond Barebacking Health Panel

Wed., May 3, 8:30-9:45 p.m., free, Prince Music Theater

You're now entering the no-tasteless-Brokeback-jokes zone. This panel deals with the serious health risks that affect homosexual men in America. "There's a debate about why safe-sex messages are not reaching young gay men," says programming director Mike LaMonaca. "Why are they engaging in unsafe behavior, and what can be done about it?"

Emerging GLBT Civil Rights in China

Thu., May 4, 7-8:30 p.m., free, Prince Music Theater

In 2003, the forum began highlighting a specific country for its contributions to LGBT progress. Past honorees include Germany and Canada. This year's featured nation is China. Spearheading this emergence is Shanghai lawyer Dan Zhou, who will discuss his struggle for equality in the world's largest country.

Saint of 9/11 Premiere

Fri., May 5, 8-10 p.m., $10 ($5 students), Gershman Y, University of the Arts, Broad and Pine sts., www.saintof9-11.com

This exclusive documentary premiere chronicles the life of Father Mychal Judge, an openly gay priest who was the first recorded victim of the 2001 terrorist attack.

BB"Q" at Kahn Park

Sat., May 6, 5-8 p.m., free, Kahn Park, 11th and Pine sts.

Mix and mingle with Forum attendees and eat some grub. Word to the wise: It's difficult to navigate cobblestones in goldfish platforms, believe you me.

Equality LIVE! Concert

Sun., May 7, 6-9 p.m., $15-$20, Great Plaza at Penn's Landing, Columbus Blvd. and Chestnut St., www.ticketalternative.com

This huge closing show is headlined by Taylor Dayne, who's told it to my heart since 1988. Opening acts include my first dance-pop crush, "Ooh, Ahh, Just A Little Bit" singer Gina G., and performance troupe Alo Brasil, who definitely look better than you in small bikinis.