Summer is here and some of the best patios are at Bourbon Street, Pecs, #1 Fifth Ave., Babycakes, The Caliph, Gossip Grill and The Hole. Stop by and have a cold drink and enjoy their great outdoor patios.
AIDS Quilt coming to San Diego
Word is that the Names Project/AIDS Memorial Quilt may be coming back to San Diego, with panels to be displayed at the San Diego Museum of Art in Balboa Park.
My good long-time friend, Cleve Jones, founded the AIDS Quilt in the 1980s and he has traveled the world with it.
I was chairman of the committee that brought the AIDS Quilt to San Diego the first time; it was displayed at Golden Hall, downtown. Then county supervisor and future mayor, Susan Golding, played a big part in its presentation. Now it’s too huge to be displayed in its entirety, but panels continue to be sent around the world. San Diego’s first presentation of the AIDS Quilt was made possible by a $10,000 donation by the late Mr. Greg Vasic of F Street Corporation. For more information: 619-252-9711.
It’s Nicky Awards voting time
This week the nominees were officially announced for the 2012 Nicky Awards … the gay Academy Awards of San Diego. The Nicky Awards are one of the oldest GLBT community awards shows on the West Coast; founded in the early 1970s, the Nickys have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for countless non-profit agencies and charities. Allan Spyere is serving as chairman of the board of governors of the Nicky Awards for the third year; he promises some exciting changes and outstanding performances. The 37th annual Nicky Awards will be held Sunday, Aug. 26 at the Marriott Hotel in Mission Valley. Get your tickets and tables early as there will be an early purchase price special, so that you can save some money.
You can start voting for the 2012 Nicky Awards starting July 15. For more information: 619-300-1232 or nickyawards.com
Congratulations to Jeri Dilno and Larry Baza
KPBS and Union Bank have announced this year’s “Local Heroes” honorees for this years GLBT Pride month. This is the second year that they have included our community and established GLBT honorees.
Congratulations to this year’s “2012 Local Heroes,” that being long-time activists (since the 1970s) Jeri Dilno and Larry Baza; and I am proud to say I nominated both of them.
New Lei Lounge is awesome
Last week, I got a sneak peek of the now-reopened and remodeled Lei Lounge, and it’s more awesome than ever.
The Weis brothers and managers gave me a tour; it’s not only beautiful, but I felt like I was in an aquarium or in the rainforest. The designers should be given an award for this great new-looking venue.
New look, new menu, new and former popular staff members … I predict this place will become a super-popular summer spot to eat, dance, drink and party. Welcome back Lei Lounge, and get ready for the return of your loyal fans and big crowds. Put this on the top of your must-check-out list.
Tijuana is safe; Club Fusion is over the top
Stuart Milk and I went to Tijuana to address a meeting of almost 100 GLBT Mexican leaders, and then to have him be given the honor of being the grand marshal of Tijuana Pride.
Let me tell you, that Tijuana is very safe for any American tourist; and as for Club Fusion, which is walking distance from the border; this club is wild, exotic and over the top. About a dozen nude dancers, private lap dancing rooms etc; I’ll be stopping by anytime I can.
Popular owner, Oswaldo Casares pulled out the red carpet for us and I will leave the names of my VIP guests anonymous.
For more info: clubfusion.mx or Facebook clubfusionmx
LGBT Weekly, its publisher and editor have no opinion or advice regarding the safety of Tijuana, Mexico as a tourist destination. –Ed.
Nicole Murray Ramirez has been an award-winning columnist since 1973, and a Latino and gay activist for well over 40 years. He is currently a city commissioner and has served the last five mayors of San Diego. He is also a national board member of the Harvey Milk Foundation and chairman of the International Court Council of the USA, Canada and Mexico. Nicolemrsandiego@aol.com
