Briefs

by James F. Mills

Get Your Motor Running

Help choose the hottest biker in town as the Mr. SoCal Gay Biker contest roars into Pistons on Sunday, July 12. “The patrons will be the judges,” explains Howard Ferguson, the contest creator. “Patrons will get 10 tickets when they pay their cover charge. And they can buy additional tickets if they want. The contestants will be judged in three categories and then will mingle with the crowd for votes. Patrons give their tickets to the contestant they like best. At the end of the afternoon, the contestant with the most tickets is the winner.” All proceeds go to Out and About Long Beach.

AIDS Walk Totals

AIDS Walk Long Beach raised over $120,000 and had 687 participants during its June 20 event. The number of participants was up this year, although the total raised was down. “We were expecting about 400 people in total, but had 515 walkers and 172 runners,” reports Executive Director Garry Bowie. “We were surprised but delighted about that.” Although the $120,000 raised was down from last year’s $175,000, it’s less of a drop than they were expecting given that fundraising is down all across the county due to the poor economy. “A lot of our top fundraisers were saying, ‘we’re sorry we can’t raise as much this year,’” Bowie adds. “We’re just grateful for what they did bring in. We know it was challenging for them.” Monies raised will be distributed to local AIDS service agencies.

South Bay LGBT Youth Program

The South Bay Center in Torrance has started a Youth Outlet group, a social network for LGBT youth aged 18-30. “We’re trying to provide a safe environment for LGBT youth to develop a sense of community and self,” says Executive Director Dottie Wine. “A lot of people were tired of having to go to L.A. or Long Beach to be part of such a group. We’re trying to promote awareness of LGBT issues in the South Bay and also teach them about queer culture and history.” The group hopes to eventually work with gay student associations in area high schools. The Youth Outlet meets on second and fourth Tuesdays of the month at 6:30 p.m.

Imperial Court Spreads Wealth

The International Imperial Court of Long Beach is now offering grants to worthy area organizations and individuals. For years, St. Mary’s CARE program has been the sole beneficiary of the Court’s fundraising activities, but now other area groups can apply for grants. “It came about because of the economy,” explains Crown Princess Tina. “We want to be fair to everybody, and right now a little bit can go a long way. We still love St Mary’s and the CARE program and will still give to them. But we want to expand to help out others too.” The Court also plans to create a scholarship program for people to go to school as well as a burial fund for those unable to pay funeral costs.

the details

AIDS Walk Long Beach
aidswalklb.org

Imperial Court of Long Beach
longbeachimperialcourt.org

Mr. SoCal Gay Biker contest
July 12, 4-6 p.m.
mrsocalgaybiker.com

South Bay Center Youth Outlet
2nd and 4th Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m.
southbaycenter.org