February 1, 2014

February can be a difficult month, Poppets. The holidays are over, but spring is nowhere to be found. Valentine’s Day is coming, but even that can be rough if you aren’t partnered. But never fear; I’ve got you covered with plenty to do to help push away the late-winter blahs.

Here in Bellingham, for the ladies among us, the Valentine’s Day Women’s Dance Party is taking place on February 8^th. It’s being held at the Underground Club, right around the corner from Rumors, so you know you can find it. Doors open at 7:00 pm and the dance runs through 11:00. DJ Stacy is going to be spinning, and taking your requests.  This is a 21+ event, so be sure to bring your photo id. Tickets are $10.00 and will be available at the door.

Later in the month, the Human Rights Film Festival comes to Bellingham, for the 14^th year. The themes this year are environmental justice, issues of gender equity and cultural rights, peaceful resolution of conflict, and sensible alternatives to corporatism. Opening night is February 20^th, and shows run nightly through March 1^st. There are several different venues for each night, so check the official website at http://bhrff.webs.com/ for details.

For those of you looking to get out of town for a bit, consider heading to Seattle the weekend of the 14^th. The Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI) has a new exhibit called Revealing Queer opening Valentine’s Day night. The exhibit looks at the LGBTQ community of Puget Sound, and how it has come into its own since before the Stonewall Riots. While the exhibit runs through July 6^th, the night of the 14^th will be a particularly fun night, with gay bingo, a burlesque, and other performances celebrating everything we are. Plus, all the museum galleries will be open. Recommended for ages 16+, feel free to bring along the older kids. From 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm, at the museum, on Terry Avenue N.

If that wasn’t enough gay bingo for you – because, really, is there any such thing as too much gay bingo? – the Lifelong AIDS Alliance is sponsoring a gay bingo fundraiser at Freemont Studios, 155 N 35^th Street, from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm. A $50.00 ticket gets you admission to a great show and 10 bingo cards. Even better, you support the work done by the Lifelong AIDS Alliance. Know this is a 21+ event. For more information, look to the website: http://www.lifelongaidsalliance.org/gaybingo

Finally, if you’re one of those looking to get out of town, but want to go a little farther afield, allow me to tell you about an event in my hometown of New Orleans – Gay Mardi Gras. Now, let’s be honest, Mardi Gras is a little gay anyway, if the straight, cis folks want to admit it or not. But this Mardi Gras, this really is Gay Mardi Gras. There are events throughout the month, but it really kicks into gear February 28^th and keeps right on going through Fat Tuesday on March 4^th. For more information about the gay krewes and events all month long, the website is http://www.gaymardigras.com/. Come to NOLA and learn the true definition of Southern hospitality.

Who says February has to be dreary and dull? We’re too fabulous for that. Spring is on its way, but that doesn’t mean we have to just sit around until it gets here.

Until next month, Poppets, take care of you.