THU. SEP. 9
Gay Life & American Society
In a year that saw the governor of New Jersey come out on national television and same-sex marriage become a “wedge” issue in the presidential election, the gay and lesbian community faces new challenges and opportunities. A three-part lecture series at the 92nd Street Y considers the implications. Speakers will include Mary Bonauto, the lawyer whose group, Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders, took the lead in legalizing gay marriage in Massachusetts and seeks the same in Connecticut. The series begins tonight with an interfaith discussion on gay clergy, continues Oct.5 with a panel on gay marriage, and concludes on Oct. 24 with Tony Kushner and friends in an evening-long tribute to Larry Kramer. $25 (Subscriptions to all three lectures in the series ”Gay Life & American Society: Where Values Matter” are $65.) 8:15 p.m. at the 92 St. Y, Lexingron Ave. and 92 St. 212.415.5500.
FRI. SEP. 10
Men’s HIV Retreat
Please join in a spiritual exploration of HIV with men who will spend a weekend together exploring the deeper aspects of HIV in our community and our lives. Join the group through Sunday, September 12 for an HIV “Storytelling Weekend,” an idea that was born at the Gay Spirit Culture Summit at the Garrison Institute. The weekend will be structured around three performances: “2 Men Talking,” “Breathe with Me” and “Innocence Lost.” The weekend is open to any man who is interested in listening to others and sharing his story. Everyone has a story, even though it may not be immediately obvious what it is. To register for the weekend, please see stonmountain.com or call 800 553 8235. $195-$495. Scholarships are available.
“The Perfect Kiss”
Bryce Wolkowitz announces the new exhibition by Enrique Marty featuring the artist’s paintings, sculptures and videos. Marty is one of Spain’s most acclaimed young artists. He evokes powerful idioms that complicate idealized notions of family life and friendship. Come to the opening night reception at 6 p.m. at 601 W. 26 St. Visit brycewolkowitz.com for more information.
“George & Martha”
Karen Finley, the most controversial woman in performance today, officially inaugurates a new play “George & Martha.” This broad two-character political satire combines the real-life antics of George Dubya and Martha Stewart with Albee’s “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” with a touch of George and Martha Washington. This co-production between Collective: Unconscious and P.S. 122 stars Finley as Martha and newcomer Neil Medlin (the self-described “Paris Hilton of Performance Art”) as George. Previews begin tonight. Thu. – Sat. at 8 p.m. $25 at 279 Church St. For reservations, call 212-352-0255 or visit TheaterMania.com.
SAT. SEP. 11
Leather Fetish Party
What happens when a 38-year-old leatherman, weighing a total of 280 lbs. (190 + 90 lbs. of gear) and a 25-year-old skin weighing a total of 161 lbs. (150 + 1 lb. of clothing + 10 lbs boots) slam into each other from across a room moving at an average velocity of 25 mph? Do the math. Or find out for yourself and make sure to head downtown for the fourth installment of the monthly union of N.Y.’s M8 & Tom of Finland parties. $10 at the Pussycat Lounge, 96 Greenwich St. 1, 9, 4, 5 trains to Rector St. Dress Hard. Be Serious. 10 p.m.
Midtown Cabaret Festival
Nearly 20 separate cabaret acts and artists perform during the 19-day “Festival of Stars.” With such headliners as theatre veterans Ken Prymus and Jana Robbins, as well as cabaret stalwarts Julie Reyburn, Jeanne MacDonald, Joan Crowe and Vickie Phillips, with many of the performers MAC and Back Stage “Bistro” Award winners. Where Eagles Dare Theatre, 347 W. 36th St., ground floor. Go to johncpresents.com for show times. $20 in advance, $25 at the door. 212 868 4444
A Date, a Dream and a Diaper
This event is for all queer singles who dream of having a partner and children. Through a series of fun, enriching and non-threatening interactive exercises, participants will meet and talk with a large number of singles of the same sex. Built into the evening will be the opportunities to exchange phone numbers with potential matches. This event will be led by Ken Page, CSW, a psychotherapist and workshop leader who has directed numerous events and retreats for the LGBT community, including at the Omega Institute, the Rowe Conference Center, and Columbia University , Teacher’s College. 7 p.m. at the LGBT Community Center, 208 W. 13 St. $15
Male Relationship Enrichment
Out Professionals presents “Relationship Enrichment,” an all-day workshop for male couples, led by Michael Cohen, CSW, a psychotherapist and life coach who invites couples to bring back the romance and excitement that brought them together in the first place. In a small group, you and your partner meet and interact with other couples working toward the same goal – building and sustaining a rich, satisfying and dynamic partnership. The workshop consists of two sessions – three hours in the morning, three hours in the afternoon. Advance registration a must. $100 per couple. To register, call 917-648-7585. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 208 W. 13 St.
SUN. SEP. 12
Rooftop Bash
Kick off the Jewish Community Center’s fall 2004 LGBT season and meet some of New York’s LGBT Jewish community. Come celebrate the Jewish New Year with a post-Labor Day party. Bring friends or make new ones. Newcomers and veterans are welcome! Karaoke, appetizers and all you can drink. Free. 3:30 p.m. at 334 Amsterdam Avenue at 76 St. Visit jccmanhattan.org for more information.
Therapy
Come see “The Angelique Ali Show” at Therapy. Boys really do love their divas, and tonight we get our chance to listen and adore Therapy’s Sunday night songbird Angelique Ali, looking like a luscious supermodel and sounding like a platinum selling superstar. $5 Absolut drinks flow all night! Showtime’s at 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. with music by DJ Marcus. Free! 348 W. 52 St. 212- 397-1700
Jewish Celebration
Lavender Latkes of Queens (a social organization for queer Jews and their friends and families) invites all to celebrate Rosh Hashanah 5765 at 4 p.m. at Astoria Center of Israel, 27-35 Crescent Street. This New Year’s party offers sumptuous food, live music, fun and Jewish merriment. The music is by Barry Goldsmith, concert pianist, and Socé the Elemental Wizard, hip-hop artist. This is the big membership drive. Tickets are $30 -$55. Call Stanley at 718-592-8650 for more information. (N train to Queens, 30th Avenue stop; walk west on 30th Ave., and turn right on Crescent St.)
TUE. SEP. 14
Rufus Wainwright Talks
Hear talented young singer-songwriter, Rufus Wainwright, discuss his music, his creative inspirations, and his struggles as an openly gay artist with New York Times critic Stephen Holden. Katie Murphy Ampitheatre in the Fred P. Pomerantz Art and Design Center at the Fashion Institute of Technology, Seventh Avenue at 27th St. at 6:30 p.m. $25. Order tickets online and save at nytimes.com/timestalks.
Marieann Meringolo
“This is My Time” opens its inaugural season at The Hideaway Room at Helen’s, Fridays and Saturdays in September. Multi-award-winning jazz and pop artist Marieann Meringolo has been described as “a strikingly effective singer. A forlorn quality-quite real-quite affecting” by the New York Post. 169 Eighth Avenue. Dinner seating begins at 8:30 p.m. Call 212 206 –0609 for reservations.
Getting an M.B.A.
Out Professionals presents “An M.B.A.and You,” first in a series on how business school can help you further or change your career. What’s it like to be lesbian or gay in business school? How can you leverage a business degree? What are enrollment options? How can you fund them? Led by Dartmouth M.B.A. David Ehrich, former marketing director for Out magazine and now manager of Platinum and Gold Card portfolios for American Express. Panelists include Peter Allen, Roland Jarquio, James D. Lynch and Gregg H. Passin. Audience Q&A. Out Professionals non-members $12, members $9 at 8 p.m. at 208 W. 13 St., the LGBT Community Center.
THU. SEP. 16
Drunken, Careening Writers
“Writers Named Steve”— Stephen Bassman, Stephen Policoff and Ed “Steve” Valentine, with your hostess, Kathleen Warnock, will present their work tonight at KGB Bar, 85 E. 4th St. at 7 p.m. Call 212 505 3360 or visit KGBbar.com for more information. Free.
FRI. SEP. 17
Asian Voters
“What’s At Stake In The Elections For LGBT Asians?” Immigrantion rights for gays? Same-sex marriage for Asians? Civil liberties and civil rights? Where do the candidates and political parties stand? Speakers include Rocky Chin, Working Families Party; Pauline Park, Guillermo Vasquez Democratic Club of Queens; Glenn D. Magpantay, attorney with the Asian American Legal Defense andEducation Fund and the Gay Asian Pacific Islander Men of New York. 8 p.m. at The LGBT Community Center, 208 W. 13th St. Free. Contact 212-802-RICE or gapimny@gapimny.org for more information.
Leo Bar Happy Hour
Asia Society welcomes Out Professionals members and friends to Leo Bar, a happy hour – shaken and stirred. There’s the drinking, the chatting, the eyeing that hot somebody in the corner, but in a museum, it’s sophisticated! Leo Bar is taking happy hour to a better place, one with intriguing people and fresh conversation bonded beautifully by exotic cocktails. There’s also free museum admission, with free exhibition tours at 6:30, 7:15, and 8:15 p.m. Don’t miss “In the Realm of Gods and Kings: Arts of India” and “When Gold Blossoms: Indian Jewelry from the Collection of Susan Beningson.” Asia Society and Museum at 725 Park Avenue at 70th St.
SAT. SEP. 18
Dance 208 Opener
Ready, set, dance, with DJ Louis Morhaim. Dance 208, recipient of the 2004 “Heart of the Center” award, kicks off its 2004-05 season with DJ Louis Morhaim. Dust off your dancing shoes and get ready for another stellar season of fun and dancing. Louis is sure to get you moving with his upbeat mix of vocals and positive house music. $10 admission and $6 for LGBT Community Center members or before 9:45. Dance the night away in a low-attitude, fun atmosphere at 208 W. 13 St.
Comic Book Convention
The stars shine at the Big Apple Con with celebrity guest, Denise Crosby, “Star Trek: The Next Generation”‘s Lt. Tasha Yar. Granddaughter to famous crooner, Bing Crosby, Denise will discuss her career in Hollywood & her role in the hit TV series. Also in attendance will be Broadway and screen star BarBara Luna (“Star Trek” episode “Mirror, Mirror” as Lt. Marlena Moreau) & “Buck Rogers” (Koori) fame. Through tomorrow from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. at Penn Plaza Pavilion, 7th Ave. at 33rd St., across from Madison Square Garden. $12 Free for kids under 12. Visit bigapplecon.com for more information.
Back to School Dance
This event benefits the Lesbian & Gay Big Apple Corps. Beginning two-step lessons start at 8 p.m. The line dance lesson is at 8:30 p.m. Open dancing is at 9 p.m. The Lesbian & Gay Big Apple Corps Marching Band will perform at 11:00pm. 39 W. 19th St., fifth floor. $10
