Its that special time when we all get together to show our love to the world. For thoes of us who live a very closeted life this is that one time of year when they come out into the light to celebrate. I praise your courage. We know how difficult it can be to suppress who you are and we know why its easier to just leave that part of yourself out of the mix at work, with family, with your church community, amongst straight friends and around anyone else who considers how and who we love as something other than natural. I encourage you all at this time to say a few word to those who are shut in, locked out, locked up, and not yet free to be. They need to know there is a good life out in the open…even if you just use this time to be out. Do it for yourself…its a life changing experience to just see all the beautiful women, couples and families in solidarity.

The entire Bay Area is all a buzz at this time of year…there is a pleathora of event to enjoy. Here are our pics not to be missed.

The National Queer Arts Festival which has a different event happening almost every single day in June has some spectacular performances that represents every group of queer people living in the Bay. (http://www.thequeerculturalcenter.org) Check out their full schedule and make a point to see at least 3 of the 30 or more listed. Bush Mag will be at “Insurgency: Mixed Queer Bodies” on June 18th, “Sweet Deliverance” on June 20th and The Public meeting on June 30th around Creating Community/Grants for the Arts at the Voice Factory.

The Trans March (http://transmarch.com) is a new event, only two years old is happening on June 28th at 3pm at Delores Park SF. Go and support your local tranny or your inner tranny. This event is special because your are highly encouraged to dress up. Boys get to be girls, girls get to be boys and everything in between is allowed to shine on this day. Its full of performances so be present and take it all in.

SF Dyke March (http://www.thedykemarch.org) June 28th from 3pm-10pm at Delores Park

The day starts off with you coming to the park with your picnic basket and good cheer. You find a great place to sit and watch all the perfomances of the day. Then you might enjoy walking around to see all the people you’ve never saw before in the club (avoiding ex’s of course). And then you march with a cazillion other women through the streets of San Francisco. Families and business owners clutter into their windows and doorways just to cheer us on, gawk at all the breast exposed to the wind and the magic that only a group of happy women could bring to the world. Be smart about partying during pride. Here are my tips to staying safe and having fun by being prepared in advance.

1. Wear layers…Sf can go from hot to cold in seconds

2. Wear comfy shoes. nothing makes a good march go sour like crunched toe or blistering soles.

3. Get cash before you get there. Atm’s run out, there is a line everywhere you go so just get it before you need it. leave cards and other important stuff you can loose at home

4. Wear a backpack or nap sack to carry your personal effects and all the crap you’ll collect during this event. You’ll want your arms free from all the hugs you give when you run into long lost friends (trust me on this one)

5. Going alone vs. Going with friends. either way you win. I say its always fun to have at least one friend along if you are not partnered up. But us butterflies also see the advantage of going alone, being on your own schedule and trust me once you get there you won’t be alone for long

6. Stay hydrated but don’t over do it. This is a safety measure, not to mention that a clean bathroom without a 50 person line is hard to come across and trust me after a few hours out there a port-au-potty is out of the question

7. Don’t Drive take public transit. It gets you to the seat of the action quicker and you won’t have a three mile trek back to the car when the festivities are over (invaluable lesson)

8. Have an after March plan. You will be scammed into thinking that the after march parties are all the rage but they usually suck. Most promoters use this time just to take your money, the energy is always off and its not worth it in the end. I suggest you go to parties where you already know the promoter or go to a private party with your own friends or the new friends you met that day…those are sure to be a better time spent.

*Instant Karma: if you see someone alone ask them to join you and your friends…they will be so happy you did. Brown Girls Unite!!!