Queen Party

by Natalie Hope McDonald

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Published: Jun 4, 2008

(CLICK IMAGE FOR LARGER VERSION)

If you're into brotherly love or Sapphic intentions (or both), the dawn of summer usually means two things: sipping margaritas on 12th Air Command's roof deck and breaking out the feather boa for the Philly Pride Parade and Festival.

"It's getting bigger and bigger," says Fran Price, executive director of Philly Pride Presents, a local volunteer group that also organizes October's OutFest. "It's turning into the largest gay network on the whole East Coast."

Now in its 20th year, the weekend kicks off Saturday evening at Penn's Landing with Philly's favorite flamboyant duo, Carlota Ttendant and Chumley, who will host a free sing-along Wizard of Oz. Not only will Dorothy wannabes get a chance to kick up their ruby slippers, but moviegoers will receive props such as fans, glow necklaces, bubbles and lollipops to use during the screening (or, you know, after, if that's your deal).

While belting out "Over the Rainbow," attendees will also be able to pre-purchase wristbands for the following day's events and avoid the notoriously long lines. Starting at noon Sunday, the Pride Parade revs up at 13th and Locust streets with Dykes on Bikes leading the procession's Emmy-winning headliner, Bruce Vilanch, who is famous for playing Edna Turnblad in the musical version of Hairspray and has made appearances on Hollywood Squares and Celebrity Fit Club.

The parade will snake through the Gayborhood to Old City, but anyone who wants to get a proper glimpse of fabulous MC Henri David or the always taut and toned Philadelphia Fins LGBTQ swim team can ogle away at four performance locations: 12th and Spruce, 12th and Pine, Market between Fifth and Sixth, and Market and Second.

"We've got Mummers' blood," says Price, who predicts this year's floats from the Metropolitan Community Church and the Bike Stop will not disappoint.

While the parade may end at Penn's Landing, vets of the weekend know the real party is only getting started. Live performers at the festival include BETTY of The L Word fame as well as local drag queen Les Harrison, who will perform the unofficial gay anthem "I Am What I Am" from Broadway's La Cage Aux Folles. Other local LGBTQ celebrities in attendance will be Miss Philly Gay Pride 2008 Desiree Evergreen, bartender/karaoke host extraordinaire Sandy Beach and, naturally, original gossip girl Brittany Lynn.

In between noshing treats from Valanni, getting health tips from 12th Street Gym and cheering on the Penn Jersey She Devils, prideful ones and their friends can cruise the family and pet zones and join DJ Maria V. in the dance area. Additionally, indie theater group Quince Productions will be performing previews from Victor Bumbalo's gay comedy, Niagara Falls, in anticipation of the show's three-week run at the Shubin Theatre this July.

Sound a little overwhelming? Well, that's kind of the point. "We've gotten to the point where we have 130 vendors, and 90 of them are organizations," says Price, who expects at least 8,000 attendees this year. "It's almost like a gay expo."

Philly Pride Parade and Festival Sat.-Sun., June 7-8, 215-875-9288 Visit phillypride.org for complete schedule.

 

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