Outings

CP's list of can't-miss parties/brunches/exhibits to hit up at this year's Equality Forum.

by Josh Middleton

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Arrive prepared to shake your lady parts to the beats of DJ Steve Singer and last year's Battle of the DJs winner DJ Kash. Sisters General Manager Denise Cohen says after 11 years, this les-tastic soiree is one of the top fundraisers for the Equality Forum. If you have what it takes to be Philly's reigning famous dyke, bring your game to the first-ever Celesbian contest. Cohen says a $1,000 prize package will go to the woman able to rally the largest display of crowd approval through talent or flat-out sex appeal.

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Honey, you haven't been served brunch till it's brought to you on a platter by a drag queen. Darling's General Manager Dan Contarino solicited two handfuls of she-men to serve, host and whip out a ditty or two. And because we all know we can't depend on a diva to wait on us hand and foot, Contarino says a slew of hot-bodied men-men will be in attendance to make sure everything runs smooth and delicious-like. A temporary liquor license has been garnered to supplement the regular brunch fare menu, so drink up and tip generously unless you want one of those bitches to mix a little 'tude into your huevos rancheros.

After a full week of festivities, Equality Forum climaxes with a SundayOUT bash that Executive Director Malcolm Lazin calls the largest in Philadelphia pride history. This year they're housing the party in a grander venue than Independence Mall. The Piazza allows room for two street festivals and enough merriment to rival Wigstock. The street fairs will be packed with more than 100 vendors. You can pick up a few gay films at the TLA booth, ogle the Velvet Lily's sex toys or rummage through a selection of local-made crafts provided by Rainbow Alternative. When you're in the mood to get your grub on, promenade along the five blocks at Liberties Walk, where restaurants like A Full Plate Café, Home Slice Pizzeria and the Candy Shoppe will dish out specially priced treats all day long. Another first this year is the six hours of live entertainment scheduled on the main stage under the Piazza's Jumbotron. Look out for a concert by Philadelphia Freedom Band, a performance by dance choreographer Zane Booker and a musical number from Rent's Anthony Rapp accompanied by the Philadelphia Gay Men's Chorus. The final hour of the evening will be dominated by clubby pop-tartlets Kristine Elejaz and Samantha Marq and Swedish idol Agnes. Lazin describes the last as a toned-down Lady Gaga, so be prepared to get your boogie on.

SundayOUT isn't all fun and games: Messages promoting gay empowerment will be sprinkled throughout the day. One of the most compelling of these messages is a commitment ceremony drawing attention to the 1,138 federal marital and protection benefits denied to same-sex couples. Nearly 100 gay twosomes have signed up to take part in the event that will be officiated by three interfaith clergy representing a variety of spiritual backgrounds. Lazin says the couples participating have been together anywhere from a short period of time to more than 40 years. "It's a statement to bring attention to the fact that by virtue of being prohibited from marrying," says Lazin, "we're denied what others take for granted."

Richard Renaldi wasn't attracted to Fall River, Mass., because of the men who lived there. At first. The photographer would travel through the working-class town while on his way to vacation in Cape Cod, but stopped to check out the old industrial buildings. Soon he became fascinated with the idea of male coming-of-age in a town that "had seen its payday a long time ago," according to Renaldi. "I decided to go photograph them one day," he says about his subject. "It just organically evolved into something much bigger and much deeper."

(joshua.middleton@citypaper.net)