GAYLETTER

This is one for all you theater fans: it’s a viewing party for the Tony Awards with drinks and special guests at The LGBT Center. I like Broadway, but I am not like some of you queens. Random side note: after listening to the Vogue podcast (see Wednesday) I learned that Anna Wintour is a MAJOR Broadway fan (as is her daughter, who has seen Hamilton 10 times). Apparently Anna sees at least 2-3 shows a week. Who knew? Back to Sunday’s event. “Join actor/emcee Rob Maitner and guests as they present an evening of music, trivia, camp and high drama in celebration of theater’s top night.” Tickets are $20 but that includes admission to the pre-show, the awards screening plus food and an open bar. That’s a pretty fucking good deal if you ask me! I’m sure it’ll be a night filled with carrying queens. This year’s ceremony is hosted by James Corden. If you saw his recent Carpool Karaoke with Lin Manuel from Hamilton and other Broadway stars, you’ll know he’s a big song and dance man and loves to put on a show — so it should be a fun night. Rest those vocal chords beforehand.  —tom

When I first read the description for this event I assumed that it was an outdoor event, I guess it’s the Summer and I am thirsty to do anything outdoors. I asked Joey, who’s the organizer of the event, and he clarified that it’s an indoor event. It’s the first time they’re doing their Swim N’ Spa Party. The spa is in Astoria, Queens — “It’s very clean and cozy, we’ll dress it up a bit with lighting, inflatable toys, a unicorn to ride on…” Joey told me more about the place “amenities include pool, hot tub, steam rooms, saunas, free snacks, and clothes check. There’s also a full cash bar, plus massages and spa treatments for special prices...”  This is not a nudist event, but you might as well check your clothes and walk around naked. I mean it’s a spa, you are paying some money to be there, so feel take it all off — don’t be boring and not show that ass. Someone will be into it, you’ll see. Click here for tickets.  —Abi

We went to this event a while back and had a ball. Bingo is one of those games that never gets old. It’s a very chill kind of gambling, it’s like a very slow slot machine. It’s great to play on your own, or in a group. I can’t wait till I’m 60 and I can play this every day at 11am with a Bloody Mary and a cigarette, in Palm Springs. Not Your Standard Bingo starts a little later at 10:30pm, but if you don’t have to be up early for work the next day it’s the perfect time. Try one of their giant punch bowls. They come with these very long red straws which allows everyone at the table to enjoy the punch at their own pace. The theme for this week’s bingo is “Bowie.” I’m assuming that means the hosts will be dressed like Ziggy Stardust and the music will be all David Bowie all the time. Sounds like a blast. Count us in! We’ll take 30 cards thanks.  —tom

Now this is an event I have a feeling many of our readers will be most certainly interested in. It’s a lecture by theatre producer Kyle Renick, at Bureau of General Services — Queer Division at The LGBT Center, on the history of gay porn from 1971 to 2016 with film excerpts. That’s right, with film excerpts. Why isn’t this a 100 part series?!?! It’s sure to be a busy event so we suggest you turn up early and find a good spot. We don’t have many details on the structure of the lecture except that it is a historical journey from the 70’s to today on gay porn. Honestly they had us at “film excerpts.” A word of warning for this event, avoid wearing sweatpants with boxer shorts underneath unless you want everyone to see your raging boner.  —tom

We haven’t written about DRAGNet in some time, and with Rupaul’s Drag Race airing its finale on Monday night (love Bob, but Kim Chi should have won, don’t even get me started) this is the perfect time to feature it. DRAGnet is “Brooklyn’s only performance based competition.” It’s held every third Thursday night at Metropolitan Bar. Here’s what host Merrie Cherry (pictured) has to say about it: “All performers are welcomed to showcase themselves and battle for Mrs. DRAGnet for the month, with the winner receiving $50 cash. At the end of this year’s competition cycle the winners from each month have the opportunity to win $150 cash prize and a 3 month co-hosting gig with me.” If you’ve ever thought about doing drag then this is the opportunity you’ve been waiting for. It’s like an open mic competition for female illusionists. Most people will be on their phones and drunk while you’re on stage, so you have nothing to lose, and $50 to gain! Ladies, start your engines, and may the best WOMAN, win!  —tom

I am so happy that I’m able to say pussy a few times in this post — it really is one of my favorite words. The Japanese “pussy artist” and mangaka (I just learned that mangaka is “the Japanese word for a comic artist or cartoonist”) Rokudenashiko is coming to NYC for the NYC Free Manko Tour Festival along with other Japanese Feminist comics. The festival will bring us several happenings including readings, book signings, panel discussions and parties, taking place at The Asian American Writers Workshop, Eyebeam and Powrplnt. The festival starts this Wednesday, May 18, with Japanese Feminist Comics — “two storytellers who are working at the edge of gender, sexuality, and the visual arts: graphic novelist MariNaomi, whose critically acclaimed new comic memoir explores her time working at hostess bars in Tokyo, and Japanese sculptor/manga artist Rokudenashiko, who was arrested last year in Japan for “distribution of obscenity.” Her crime? Creating explicitly feminist art based on her own vulva.” Also, do not miss, on May 19th, Lady Tech Guild and Friends “they will hold a fireside chat about the power of women working in technology...” (7:00-9:00PM) at Eyebeam in Brooklyn. Finally, there is the FREE MANKO Drink and Draw Party, for Rokudenashiko taking place at Powrplnt on may 21st. 7:00PM-11:00PM, it’s the celebration of Rokudenashiko’s “historic trial verdict and book release” where you can spend the night drawing vaginas. Sounds fantastic. Power to the Pussy!  —Abi