Houston Gay & Lesbian Pride 2001

What’s better than Houston’s 23rd annual Pride Parade? How about over a month of pride events to go along with it! The Pride Committee of Houston is once again pleased to promote an array of social, cultural, educational, and charitable events where you can celebrate pride.

Houston is unique among pride celebrations around the country in that we celebrate pride for an entire month. While some might think that’s too long, the Pride Committee and the other community organizations who sponsor all these events know that in a diverse city such as ours, one or two weekends is just not enough time to commemorate, investigate, and celebrate pride. How could you fit all the life and culture of the entire Houston Gay & Lesbian Film Festival 5 in one weekend? You simply couldn’t attend all the workshops and seminars–on everything from GLBT history to writing to spirituality–in just 48 hours. Then there are the numerous sporting events, radio shows, dinners, theatrical performances, dances, and art shows that will entice and engage you. Of course, don’t forget all the parties. From the Pride Kickoff Party to the Pride Festival, there is no lack of gatherings to make a true celebration.

You are sure to find an event or activity in the following pages that will entertain and inspire you. Embrace diversity this year and try something new. Go to an event that you normally wouldn’t think of attending. Make this the year that you step outside the box and into a vibrant, diverse community.

For the most up-to-date listing of pride events, check out Pride Committee website, www.pridehouston.org. All events are open to the public and attire is casual, unless otherwise noted. Since event details are subject to change, contact the individual event sponsors for any changes, cancellations, or additional information.
–Ken Donnelly, Pride Committee Houston

Friday, June 1

Pride Kickoff Party

Start off Pride 2001 and a very busy pride weekend with a free buffet, a cash bar, and entertainment. Meet the Pride Parade grand marshals, the Pride Committee, and other members of the community. 7-10 p.m., Sonoma, 1415 California, 713/529-6979.

Movie Night

The community center begins Pride Month with a screening of Before Stonewall, the acclaimed 1984 documentary. 7 p.m., Houston Lesbian & Gay Community Center, 803 Hawthorne, 713/524-3818, e-mail: hlgcc@hotmail.com, web: www.hlgcc.org. $2.

What Did You Call Me? Contest

The Houston Lesbian and Gay Community Center sponsors this first annual name-off to find one moniker for our GLBT family. Select one of the choices on our form or write in your own ideas. Entries will appear in a future HLGCC newsletter and on the community center website. Houston Lesbian & Gay Community Center, 803 Hawthorne, 713/524-3818, fax: 713/639-7595, e-mail: hlgcc@hotmail.com, web: www.hlgcc.org, $1.

Sleep in a Nest of Flames

A documentary about Charles Henri Ford, who blazed onto the literary scene in 1931 with The Young and the Evil (an honest and celebratory depiction of gay life in Greenwich Village) and became a regular fixture in the contemporary art world, mingling between continents and aesthetic movements. Directors James Dowell and John Kolomvakis will present a Q & A. Part of Houston Gay & Lesbian Film Festival 5. 7 p.m., Rice Media Center, University Blvd. at Stanford. 713/527-9590, e-mail: hglff@cs.com, web: www.hglff.org. $5; $4 students, seniors and SWAMP members.

G...A...why?

What makes something gay? Is it content? Intent? Or is it a matter of perspective? This collection of short works asks that question. The evening includes: Cucumber Chronicles, a campy, post-Monty Python semiotic study of a gay personals ad. Screen Test No. 1 looks at the double life of Timmy, Lassie’s owner, and Screen Test No. 3 reinterprets a 1957 filmed studio personality test for actress Tuesday Weld. Tell Me Who Ruby Was creates a composite image of Ruby Wells drawn from the memories of various people in her life. Filmmakers Bryan McHenry (Cucumber Chronicles ) and Carolyn Coal (Tell Me Who Ruby Was) will be in attendance. A panel discussion on "what makes something gay?" with filmmakers, scholars, and ordinary folks will be held after the films. Part of Houston Gay & Lesbian Film Festival 5. 8 p.m., DiverseWorks, 1117 E. Freeway, 713/527-9590, e-mail: hglff@cs.com, web: www.hglff.org, $6, $5 members.

Not Love, Just Frenzy (Más que amor, frenesí)

Yeye, Monica, and Maria throw a wild party in the hope of finding a roommate. Instead, they become targets of an ex-boyfriend-turned-male-prostitute running from the law, a homophobic undercover cop, a transsexual lesbian pimp, and a trio of drag queens who terrorize Madrid’s mass transit system. In the spirit of Almodóvar, this hilarious and raunchy comedy set in the twilight world of Madrid’s club scene features devilishly sexy performances from an attractive, young cast set to the pulsating rhythms of an energetic dance soundtrack and drag costumes from out of this world. Shows with Forever Bottom, a humorous and clever look at the stigma attached to being on the receiving end in gay male relationships. Part of Houston Gay & Lesbian Film Festival 5. 9:45 p.m., Rice Media Center, University Blvd. at Stanford, 713/527-9590, e-mail: hglff@cs.com, web: www.hglff.org, $5; $4 students, seniors and SWAMP members.

Big Eden

Henry Hart, a successful New York artist, returns to Big Eden, Montana, the town of his childhood, to care for the ailing grandfather who raised him. Back in Big Eden, Henry must come to terms with his relationship with his best friend from high school and the object of his unrequited love. Part of Houston Gay & Lesbian Film Festival 5. Angelika Film Center, 510 Texas Ave., 713/527-9590, e-mail: hglff@cs.com, web: www.hglff.org, $6.75; $4.50 discount shows, seniors, and children.

Glory Box

Written and performed by Tim Miller, this performance piece is a funny, sexy, and politically charged exploration of love, gay marriage, and the struggle for immigration rights for gay people and their partners. Theater LaB Houston, 8 p.m., 1706 Alamo, 713/868-7516. $30 tickets benefit the Lesbian and Gay Immigration Rights Task Force, or $20 general public. Also Saturday, June 2.

Saturday, June 2

Pride Day at Six Flags AstroWorld

Spend a day or two at Six Flags and share your pride. Your $30 Pride Committee ticket covers admission to AstroWorld on Saturday, including a free BBQ buffet in the private picnic area, free admission to Rich’s on Saturday night, and a free pass to WaterWorld on Sunday (or any other day through the season). Holders of pride tickets also get into the park an hour before the general public. Headlining entertainment for Pride Day will be the legendary Village People! Tickets are available at Basic Brothers (1232 Westheimer) or by mail from the Pride Committee of Houston, P.O. Box 66071, Houston, TX, 77266-6071. A special room rate of $55 for up to four people will be available at the Radisson Hotel Astrodome, 8686 Kirby. Call 800/333-3333 and ask for the "Pride 2001 event" rate. 10 a.m., Six Flags AstroWorld, 9001 Kirby at the 610 Loop, 713/529-6979, e-mail: info@pridehouston.org, web: www.pridehouston.org, $30, $35 at the gate.

Finished

This documentary explores the life and death of Alan Lambert, a performer in gay pornography who knew his time as a hot commodity was limited and acted on this knowledge with a logic that led to his suicide at the age of 25. Shows with The Fall of Communism as Seen in Gay Pornography, a disturbing critique of the gay porn industry’s infiltration into Eastern Europe. Q & A with director William E. Jones. Part of Houston Gay & Lesbian Film Festival 5. 5 p.m., Rice Media Center, University Blvd at Stanford, 713/527-9590, e-mail: hglff@cs.com, web: www.hglff.org, $5; $4 students, seniors and SWAMP members.

Women

A mysterious and attractive young woman enters the lives of Tom and Karen, a straight man and a lesbian who share a life-long friendship. When they discover their mutual attraction for the enigmatic stranger, they both agree not to see her again in an attempt to preserve their own relationship. However, when their desire becomes more than they can control, the former friends go all out to win over the girl of their dreams. Q & A with first-time director Maia Akiva. Part of Houston Gay & Lesbian Film Festival 5. 7 p.m., Rice Media Center, University Blvd. at Stanford, $5; $4 students, seniors, and SWAMP members, 713/527-9590, e-mail: hglff@cs.com, web: www.hglff.org.

Live Nude Girls Unite!

This documentary focuses on a strike by the director and her fellow exotic dancers and their fight with the California State Labor Board for the right to establish a strippers’ union. Shows with Home for Christmas, a Norwegian short film. While her mother is preparing the Christmas turkey, Annie tells her she is a lesbian. Part of Houston Gay & Lesbian Film Festival 5. 9 p.m., Rice Media Center, University Blvd. at Stanford, 713/527-9590, e-mail: hglff@cs.com, web: www.hglff.org, $5; $4 students, seniors, and SWAMP members.

Houston Gay & Lesbian Film Festival 5 Closing Party

Directors of films at Rice Media Center and DiverseWorks will be in attendance at this party, which feaatures food, alcohol, and a DJ. 9:30-11:30 p.m., Rice Media Center, University Blvd. at Stanford, 713/527-9590, e-mail: hglff@cs.com, web: www.hglff.org.

Big Eden

See description Friday, June 1.

Glory Box

See description Friday, June 1.

Sunday, June 3

Pride Day at Six Flags WaterWorld

Use the return ticket you received at Pride Day at Six Flags AstroWorld for a day in the sun and water. 11 a.m., Six Flags WaterWorld, 9001 Kirby at the 610 Loop, 713/529-6979.

Massillon

Director William E. Jones’ astonishingly mature first feature is a beautifully contemplative cinematic poem on growing up gay in the Midwest. Over pastoral images of his hometown, Jones narrates intensely personal and at times painful recollections of growing up in conservative Ohio and his eventual misguided migration to California in search of a gay-friendly oasis. Part of Houston Gay & Lesbian Film Festival 5. 5 p.m., Rice Media Center, University Blvd. at Stanford, 713/527-9590, e-mail: hglff@cs.com, web: www.hglff.org, $5; $4 students, seniors, and SWAMP members.

Just One Time

When New York City fireman Anthony reveals to his fianceé Amy his fantasy for a threesome with her and another woman, she reluctantly agrees after making him promise that he would do the same for her. To douse Anthony’s burning desire, Amy enlists Victor, who makes no secret of his crush on Anthony. Part of Houston Gay & Lesbian Film Festival 5. 7 p.m., Rice Media Center, University Blvd. at Stanford, 713/527-9590, e-mail: hglff@cs.com, web: www.hglff.org, $5; $4 students, seniors, and SWAMP members.

Not Love, Just Frenzy (Más que amor, frenesí)

See description Friday, June 1.

Big Eden

See description Friday, June 1.

Monday, June 4

Lesbian and Gay Voices

Tune in for this magazine-format radio show featuring interviews with both local and national GLBT community leaders and ordinary activists. Each week’s show includes a music segment, reviews of GLBT cultural events, and a few comments along the way. 8-10 p.m., KPFT 90.1 FM, 713/526-4000, fax: 713/529-6929, e-mail: LGVoices@aol.com.

Big Eden

See description Friday, June 1.

Tuesday, June 5

Lost and Delirious

Paula, Tori, and Mary (Mouse) are the best of friends at a prestigious boarding school where each helps the other overcome the inherent pains of academic routine, homesickness, and first love. When Paula and Tori’s feelings toward each other become romantic, Mouse becomes their confessor and accomplice until the lovers are discovered and she must choose between succumbing to the immovable conventions of society and remaining a loyal friend. Part of Houston Gay & Lesbian Film Festival 5. 7 p.m., Rice Media Center, University Blvd. at Stanford, 713/527-9590, e-mail: hglff@cs.com, web: www.hglff.org, $5; $4 students, seniors, and SWAMP members.

Big Eden

See description Friday, June 1.

Wednesday, June 6

Live Nude Girls Unite!

See description Saturday, June 2.

Just One Time

See description Sunday, June 3.

Big Eden

See description Friday, June 1.

Thursday, June 7

Remembering the NAMES

View 12’x12’ blocks of the AIDS Memorial Quilt honoring local residents; learn about the quilt & how to schedule a quilt display for your school, community group, or company. 5:30—9 p.m., NAMES Project Houston, 4617 Montrose , Suite C-140, 713/526-2637, e-mail: nphinfo@namesproject.org, web: www.namesproject.org. The "Remembering the NAMES" exhibit is on display June 7—28, Thursdays, 5:30—9 p.m.; Saturdays & Sundays, 1—5 p.m.

Reception for Grand Marshals

Join the Stonewall Lawyers Association of Greater Houston and special guests in honoring the 2001 Pride Parade grand marshals, honorary grand marshals, and honorary grand marshal organization. Proceeds benefit Stonewall Lawyers and PFLAG-Houston. 6:30—9 p.m., Sonoma, 1415 California, 713/779-8441, e-mail: nechlaw@bigfoot.com. Attire semi-
casual. $5, students free with ID.

Big Eden

See description Friday, June 1.

Saturday, June 9

Houston Gay & Lesbian Pride 5K Fun Run/Walk

The Houston Montrose Athletic Association hosts this 3.1-mile race. Proceeds benefit AssistHers. 7:30 a.m., Memorial Drive at Sabine St., 713/874-1686, web: www.geocities.com/houstonpride5k/index.html. $15 after June 1; pre-registration available.

Remembering the NAMES

See description Thursday, June 7.

Sunday, June 10

Family Storytime

Family storytime is sponsored by the GLBT Interest Group of the Texas Library Association and includes books featuring non-traditional families such as Heather Has Two Mommies, Daddy’s Roommate and other titles. The public is invited to this outreach to families with GLBT parents. 2 p.m., Houston Lesbian and Gay Community Center, 803 Hawthorne, 713/466-4438, e-mail: vschill@hcpl.net, web: www.txla.org/groups/glbtig.html. Donations welcome.

Annual Interfaith Pride Worship

This interfaith workshop service celebrates gay and lesbian spirituality. 7 p.m., First Unitarian Universalist Church, 5200 Fannin, 281/463-7891, e-mail: vschill@hcpl.net.

Monday, June 11

Mayoral Liaison Forum

Janine Brunjes, Mayor Lee Brown’s
liaison to the GLBT community, hosts her monthly public meeting open to everyone. 5—6:30 p.m., Houston Lesbian and Gay Community Center, 803 Hawthorne, 713/524-3718,
e-mail: hlgcc@hotmail.com, web: www.hlgcc.org. A moderated online chat with Brunjes follows on Wednesday, June 13, 9:30—10:30 p.m. at www.talkcity.com in the GLBTForum room.

Dreamweavers: The Craft of Writing Fiction

This new group open to all fiction writers focuses on pride-inspired work this month. 6:30—8:30 p.m., Houston Lesbian and Gay Community Center, 803 Hawthorne, 713/524-3718, e-mail: hlgcc@hotmail.com, web: www.hlgcc.org. $5 donation.

Lesbian and Gay Voices

See description Monday, June 4.

Tuesday, June 12

2001 Pride Participant Mandatory Meeting

All groups participating in the Pride Parade are required to attend this meeting, except for those located outside a 50-mile radius of the city. The meeting is also the deadline for all organizations submitting a parade entry application with a late fee. 7 p.m., Metropolitan Multi-Service Center, 1475 W Gray, 713/529-6979, fax: 713/529-6929, e-mail: info@pridehouston.org, web: www.pridehouston.org.

Thursday, June 14

GCAM Time Capsule

Tonight, the Gulf Coast Archive & Museum of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender History will begin collecting small objects and paper items for a time capsule to be opened in 25 years. Collecting will continue throughout the year and the time capsule will be sealed at Empower 2001 in October. GCAM encourages everyone to bring something to be placed in the time capsule. 7—10 p.m., Gulf Coast Archive & Museum, 1609 W. Main #4, 713/227-5973, e-mail: info@gcam.org, web: www.gcam.org. Donations welcome.

Friday, June 15

Ranglers’ Annual Pride Ride

Skip the traffic and ride the Rainbow Ranglers’ chartered bus as we visit five Montrose-area bars. The bus departs from and returns to the Brazos River Bottom. In between are stops at E/J’s, Mary’s, Chances, and The New Barn. Attendees must be over 21 and valid IDs are required. 8:30 p.m.—12:30 a.m., Brazos River Bottom, 2400 Brazos, 713/524-9500, e-mail: h2k@rainbowranglers.org, web: www.rainbowranglers.org. $5. Proceeds benefit Rainbow Ranglers Dance Club.

Lesbians United in Coalition Potluck

LUC celebrates pride with a potluck. Hot dogs and sodas are provided. 7—9 p.m., Houston Lesbian and Gay Community Center, 803 Hawthorne, 713/524-3818. Donations welcome. Proceeds benefit Lesbians United in Coalition and the Houston Lesbian and Gay Community Center.

A Buddhist Approach to Achieving Victory Over Homophobia

Discrimination is a form of violence. Any form of violence, whether active or passive, is harmful to the individual and to our society. SGI-USA-Houston, an American Buddhist organization whose members support and believe in the inherent value of all life, presents a Buddhist approach to achieving victory over homophobia and the video story of Trevor, a gay youth dealing with homosexuality, rejection, and homophobia. This video was written by an SGI member and became an Academy Award-winning story. An open dialogue will follow our presentation. 7 p.m., SGI-USA-Houston, 3465 W. Alabama, Suite B, 713/622-6181, e-mail: boricuajp@netzero.net, web: www.sgi-usa.org.

EuPHONEia

Enjoy an evening of live acoustic music performances by Kristi Rae and Joel Stein and Bocados’ food and drinks. 8:30—11 p.m., Bocados, 1312 W. Alabama, 713/529-3211, e-mail: mcc@neosoft.com, web: www.gayswitchboardhouston.org. $10. Proceeds benefit the Gay & Lesbian Switchboard Houston.

Saturday, June 16

Fifth Annual Houston Billiard Open

The Independent Billiard League of Houston sponsors this annual pool tournament to help raise money for local community organizations. This year’s beneficiary is the Montrose Clinic. The tournament is an amateur event open to everyone. Noon, Slick Willies, 1200 Westheimer, 713/522-4814, e-mail: mds@ev1.net, web: www.iblhouston.net. $10 in advance, $15 at the door; pre-registration available.

Ranglers’ Day of Dance Country

Join the Rainbow Ranglers for three hours of dance workshops devoted to beginning-level two-step, waltz, shuffle, and swing. No partner is required. Attendees must be 21 and up and may drop in at any time during the event. Leather-soled shoes are recommended. 3—6 p.m., Brazos River Bottom, 2400 Brazos, 713/524-9500, e-mail: h2k@rainbowranglers.org, web: www.rainbowranglers.org.

"That’s Entertainment"

The Gay Men’s Chorus of Houston shares the stage with the Capital City Men’s Chorus of Austin to perform many of your film favorites. Purchase advance tickets by phone at 800/494-8497 or 877/833-8497 (TDD). 8 p.m., the Kaplan Theater of the Jewish Community Center, 5601 South Braeswood, 713/521-7464, e-mail: info@gmch.org, web: www.gmch.org. Also Sunday, June 17, 3 p.m. $18 adults, $10 juniors (under 20) and seniors (over 60).

Sunday, June 17

"That’s Entertainment"

See description Saturday, June 16.

Dinner at the Center

The Houston Lesbian and Gay Community Center celebrates pride with a potluck supper open to everyone in the GLBT family. Bring your favorite dish and nosh with friends while enjoying some live dinner music. 6—8 p.m., Houston Lesbian and Gay Community Center, 803 Hawthorne, 713/524-3818, e-mail: hlgcc@hotmail.com, web: www.hlgcc.org. Donations welcome. Proceeds benefit the community center.

Monday, June 18

Pride Parade Grand Marshal Reception

Join the Imperial Court of Houston as we salute grand marshals Mitchell Katine, Dalia Stokes, Blake and Gordon Weisser, and PFLAG-Houston. 7 p.m., Guava Lamp, 2159 Portsmouth, 713/529-3482, e-mail: heir21@aol.com. Attire semi-casual.

A Stroll through GLBT History with Ray Hill

The celebrated nationally known activist/playwright/raconteur appears in the world premier of his latest performance piece. 7:30—9 p.m., Houston Lesbian and Gay Community Center, 803 Hawthorne, 713/524-3818. $10. Proceeds benefit the Houston Lesbian and Gay Community Center. Seating is limited.

Lesbian and Gay Voices

See description Monday, June 4.

Tuesday, June 19

Ranglers’ Night of Dance Country

See description Saturday, June 16.

Parade/Festival Volunteer Orientation

Pulling off the annual nighttime Pride Parade and the Pride Festival wouldn’t be possible without the help of dozens of volunteer parade marshals and festival staff. Individuals who would like to volunteer are requested to attend this meeting to prepare for the big weekend of pride. 7 p.m., Metropolitan Multi-Service Center, 1475 W. Gray, 713/529-6979, e-mail: info@pridehouston.org, web: www.pridehopuston.org.

Sing 2001

Celebrate the spirit with a variety of Christian musical performances and readings. 7:30 p.m., Community Gospel Church, 4305 Lillian, 713/880-9235, www.communitygospel.org. Pre-registration required.

Thursday, June 21

Human Rights Campaign Pride Celebration

Anyone interested in the work of HRC is invited to this informal gathering; features a cash bar, complimentary hors d’oeuvres, and a self-hosted dinner. 6—10 p.m., Farrago, 318 Gray at Bagby, 713/526-2903, e-mail: robertcreeves@aol.com, web: www.hrc.org.

"Whosoever . . ."

This art program affirms being gay (GLBT) and Christian and serves as a catalyst for promoting an effective voice for social change for all. On display Thu.& Fri., 6—10 p.m.; Sat., 9 a.m.—3 p.m.; Sun., 9 a.m.—5 p.m., Resurrection MCC, 2025 West 11th St at TC Jester, 713/861-9149, e-mail: mccr@neosoft.com.

Ranglers’ Night of Line Dances

See description Saturday, June 16.

Nancy Ford’s Dyke Show

Join Nancy Ford and the Vulvamatics for a very special Pride 2001 Dyke Show with drink specials, giveaways, and special guests from the community. 9 p.m.—midnight, N Between, 1100 Westheimer, 713/521-5822, e-mail: txtrihoust@aol.com.

Friday, June 22

Parade Eve

This community center open house features wine and hors d’oeuvres followed by a screening of the 1996 film Stonewall hosted by Lesbian Film Night. 7—10, Houston Lesbian and Gay Community Center, 803 Hawthorne, 713/524-3818, e-mail: hlgcc@hotmail.com, web: www.hlgcc.org. Donations welcome. Proceeds benefit the Houston Lesbian and Gay Community Center.

Saturday, June 23

Pre-Pride T-Dance

Come park and dance before the Pride Parade. 2—8:30 p.m., Sonoma, 1415 California, 713/522-7066, e-mail: longboy @howdy.net.

Parade Party at Katz Deli

Have a great view of the Pride Parade while raising money for AIDS Foundation Houston and the Pride Committee of Houston. Ticket includes food and drink with a cash bar. Purchase tickets at Katz or charge by phone. 6—11 p.m., Katz Deli & Bar, 616 Westheimer, 713/623-6796, e-mail: kellyk@afhouston.org, web: www.aidshelp.org. $30 pre-paid, $40 at the door; pre-registration available.

2001 Houston Gay & Lesbian Pride Parade

Join 150,000 under the glow of an 8 1/2-foot disco ball at the fifth annual nighttime Pride Parade, the largest GLBT event in the Southwest. 8:45—11 p.m., Westheimer, Woodhead to Whitney, 713/529-6979, e-mail: info@pridehouston.org, web: www.pridehouston.org.

Sunday, June 24

2001 Houston Gay & Lesbian Pride Festival

The Pride Festival returns after a long five-year hiatus. Come experience the local GLBT culture first-hand. Speak with club representatives, shop the vendor bazaar, enjoy the artists and entertainers, and be energized by motivational speeches. Most of all, participate and meet other members of our "family" on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Tickets are available at Basic Brothers (1232 Westheimer) or by mail from the Pride Committee of Houston, P.O. Box 66071, Houston, TX, 77266-6071. 1—7 p.m., Garden in the Heights, 3926 Feagan, 713/529-6979, e-mail: info@pridehhouston.org, web: www.pridehouston.org. $10 advance/$12 at the gate.

Monday, June 25

Lesbian and Gay Voices

Tune in for this magazine-format radio show featuring interviews with both local and national GLBT community leaders and ordinary activists. Each week’s show includes a music segment, reviews of GLBT cultural events, and a few comments along the way. 8-10 p.m., KPFT 90.1 FM, 713/526-4000, fax: 713/529-6929, e-mail: LGVoices@aol.com.

Dreamweavers: The Craft of Writing Fiction

This new group open to all fiction writers focuses on pride-inspired work this month. 6:30—8:30 p.m., Houston Lesbian and Gay Community Center, 803 Hawthorne, 713/524-3718, e-mail: hlgcc@hotmail.com, web: www.hlgcc.org. $5 donation.

Thursday, June 28

Key West

Tonight’s special performance of this mad-cap, gay male generational comedy benefits the Houston Lesbian and Gay Community Center. Key West is a frothy, fun, perfect summer bonbon that runs 8 p.m., Fri. & Sat., June 29—August 18, Theater New West at Sonoma, 1415 California. $25 benefit, $20 regular performances, 713/522-2204, e-mail: joeleewatts@aol.com.

Saturday, June 30

Tootsie Benefit Screening

Hollywood Frame Gallery presents this showing of the great Dustin Hoffman/Jessica Lange picture to benefit the Houston Lesbian and Gay Community Center. 8 p.m., Houston Lesbian and Gay Community Center, 803 Hawthorne, 713/524-3818. Donations welcome.

Wednesday, July 4

Ranglers’ Annual 4th of July Boots & Boxers Ball

Think it’s too hot to dance? Check your clothes and check out those boxers! A contest will be held for the best, worst, and most patriotic boxers. 8:30—10:30 p.m., Brazos River Bottom, 2400 Brazos, 713/524-9500, e-mail: h2k@rainbowranglers.org, web: www.rainbowranglers.org.