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Happy freakin' pride weekend, bois & grrlz. Though I'm old enough now to remember when pride marches were a lot more adversarial and a lot less commercially endorsed, I have to say that seeing the majority of mainstream America embrace LGBT pride celebrations doesn't particularly send me into paroxysms of horror. Exhibit A: this pride month special maki roll from London eatery Chino Latino:

Om nom nom. Sushi and gay-- two great tastes that taste great together. In further commercial endorsement of our tribe, Entertainment Weekly has gone even gayer than usual with their pride month cover extolling the praises of several out and proud Hollywood types, including our own beloved Jane Lynch. Sure, the male to female ratio is still 3 to 1, but the point is, progress. 

And for once, I happen to be in complete agreement with EW's assessment of why this kind of assimilation is actually still pretty radical on the whole:

Even if it’s accomplished in a subordinate clause or a passing reference, coming out casually is, in its way, as activist as DeGeneres’ Time cover, although few of these actors would probably choose to label themselves as such. The current vibe for discussing one’s sexuality is almost defiantly mellow: This is part of who I am, I don’t consider it a big deal or a crisis, and if you do, that’s not my problem. It may sound like a shrug, but it shouldn’t be mistaken for indifference. By daring anyone to overreact, the newest generation of gay public figures is making a clear statement that there is a “new normal” — and it consists of being plainspoken, clear, and truthful about who you are.

See, that's what I'm talking about. Keep on rockin', gay Hollywood, and we'll keep watching.

If you're in NYC for the pride weekend saturnalia, here are a few not-to-be-missed events that Velvetpark will be sure to hit. See you there, darling queerlings! Happy Pride!

TODAY:

• 8th Annual NYC Trans Day of Action for Social and Economic Justice, 3pm at Washington Square Park. 

                                             

                 

• NYC Dyke March, 5pm at Bryant Park. 20th annual, bitches! Our little babydykes are growin' up so fast. Next year we'll have to buy the parade its first legal drink. Pink Pride Punch, anyone?