The Gayborhood: New Year, Better You, More Fun

It’s 2010, the end of a decade (though some would argue that) and the start of a new year. Everyone’s in hyper-resolution mode…for at least the next 30 days anyway. 

While we rally to support friends and family vowing to lose weight, quit smoking, get back the gym, volunteer, budget better or become more actively involved in the community, lets not forget to enjoy January, get out, be social and take pleasure in being who we are. No one said that celebrating had to stop once the holidays ended. 

So, here are a few Gayborhood-friendly options to help keep you entertained all month long. 

January 5 – The Women’s Resource Center is starting 2010 off with a bang. The first new-year installment of the popular “Coffee & Conversation with Cool Women” event in The Center’s library features host Tryce Czyczynska interviewing special guest, Julie Warren. Warren is an artist, graphic designer and educator who lives in North Park and shares her life with longtime partner, California State Senator Christine Kehoe. Starting at 7PM, the free event features coffee, desserts and some dynamic interaction with San Diego’s coolest women.

January 9 – It's been two years since Doug Manchester, owner of the Manchester Grand Hyatt Hotel in San Diego, contributed $125K to anti-LGBT rights campaigners - an early infusion of cash that paid for the signature-gathering drive that put Proposition 8 on the ballot. Join LGBT allied groups for a jolly good protest to ring in the New Year and continue the ongoing boycott against the hotel property and Papa Doug’s bigotry. Protest starts at 2PM outside the hotel.

January 10 – The Henrickson’s are back with more turmoil, twists and threats that are sure to test their will, devotion and family unit. Return to Juniper Creek in the season 4 premier of Big Love at 9PM. It’s not TV. It’s HBO.

January 12 – 12 dates, one evening, no pressure…sort of. At 7:30PM sharp, The Glass Door restaurant atop Little Italy’s stylish Porto Vista Hotel is hosting its first-ever gay men’s speed dating event. Single lads, here is your chance to break through the bull and meet your potential match in just six minutes. $20 fee includes event registration and valet parking. Register online or call (858) 349-4535 for details.

January 13 – Our favorite burly bartenders at Pecs are hosting a new monthly event called WOOF. No drama. No dancing. Just booze, bears and those who love both. Happy hour prices all night long. January’s WOOF event features special guest bartender back behind the well, Matty Matt Rose!

January 17 – It’s awards season, and what better way to start than with the 67th Annual Golden Globe Awards, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association’s answer to the Oscars. Live at 8PM on NBC, we’ll see if Meryl, Matt, Marion, Sandra and Gabourey take home prizes…and more importantly, who they’re wearing.

January 19 – Get ready to meet the men who move San Diego’s LGBT community at the debut Two Cents with moi, Aaron Heier monthly event, part of the Men @ The Center programming. First up is Joseph Christopher Rocha, the former Navy dog handler who brought hazing in the Military to international attention, gave up an appointment to the Naval Academy and left the Navy under the Military’s destructive ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ policy. He continues to be a powerful advocate for DADT’s repeal and the implementation of HR 1283, the Military Readiness Enhancement Act of 2009 that institutes a policy of nondiscrimination based on sexual orientation. The free, interactive 'talk show social' features a Q&A interview followed by a unique mix and mingle cocktail hour, with food generously provided by Gossip Grill, allowing attendees some rare up close and personal face time with the month's special guest.

January 22 - Assemblymember John Pérez made history when his colleagues elected him Speaker of the California Assembly, making him the third most powerful officeholder in California and first openly gay man to assume the role. The Center will host Speaker-elect Pérez during their 2010 kick-off of the Quarterly Community Coalition Breakfast at 7:30AM. Attendees can meet Pérez and listen to how he made history, the importance of coalition and his plan for addressing California’s budget crisis. Full breakfast is $10, coffee and tea are complimentary. RSVPs are not required.

January 22 – It’s no secret that during ancient Roman and Grecian times, same-sex relationships were matter-of-fact parts of society. Movies like Gladiator and 300 opted for homoerotic over homo-inclusive, though recent television series like HBO’s Rome eluded to some same-sex coupling. But, the Starz Channel new original drama series, Spartacus: Blood & Sand, sets the record straight, er gay, about real life - and love - as a Gladiator. The show, which tells the tale of Spartacus, the Republic’s most infamous rebel, has received rave reviews from critics and preview screening audiences. Without giving away any details, much is revealed in the fourth episode in a way not seen on American television to date.

January 28 – Actor, comedienne and out lesbian Lily Tomlin performs An Evening of Classic Lily Tomlin, pulling from all phases of her extraordinary life and career. The show starts at 7:30PM at the historic Balboa Theater in Downtown San Diego. Hurry, as tickets are going fast.

Until next time, stay up-to-date on everything important to the LGBT community at GLTNewsNow.com.