by Christopher Cappiello

Thursday, May 29

weekend-long T party

The Center’s Trans-Unity Pride grows to four days this year, with a Pride march, art show, brunch, awards, guest speakers, workshops, music and dancing. The substance-free, all-ages event welcomes transgender, transsexual, gender-queer and cross-dressing folks and those who love them. In addition to the events at the Center, the Friday night Black T Party at Akbar (21+) encourages black attire. May 29-June 1. Free. L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center, Village at Ed Gould Plaza. 1125 N. McCadden Pl., Hlywd. www.lagaycenter.org

Get lit

The Lambda Literary Foundation marks its move to L.A. by hosting its annual awards event—the Lammys—in West Hollywood. From biography to erotica, the Lammys honor the best in LGBT writing, and many of our best scribes will be on hand. Treat the book lover in you to a seat. 6:30 p.m. reception; 7:30 p.m. awards. $150. SilverScreen Theatre, Pacific Design Center, 8687 Melrose Ave., WeHo. www.lambdaliterary.org

lgbtv

Bruce Vilanch hosts a celeb-studded “state of the union” discussion of queer contributions to today’s TV programming in “LGBT Above and Below the Line in Prime.” From Ellen busting McCain to Kevin and Scotty’s Brothers & Sisters wedding, where are we and where are we going? 6:30 p.m. reception; 7:30 p.m. event. Free. Leonard H. Goldenson Theatre, 5230 Lankershim Blvd., NoHo. RSVP at LGBT@emmys.org.

the kids are alright

Tiger Heat prowls a few blocks east to its new home at Avalon. Same 18-and-over crowd, same pulsating pop party with DJ Ray Rhodes. Every Thursday, 9:30 p.m.-2 a.m. $5 before 10:30 p.m. Avalon, 1735 Vine St., Hlywd. www.clubtigerheat.com

5-minute freebies

Belly up to the bar at 9:15, 11:15 and 12:15 for five minutes of free drinks every Thursday at O-Bar’s Smack, the fastest open bar in the free world. Free. 9 p.m. O-Bar, 8279 Santa Monica Blvd., WeHo. www.tomwhitmanpresents.com

Can you feel the heat?

Ladies—in the mood for some Heat? Check out here lounge’s Thursday night party featuring loads of luscious lesbians and the illest mixes of your favorite hip-hop, Latin dance and reggaeton songs. here lounge, 696 Robertson Blvd., WeHo. www.herelounge.com

The Wetter the better

Get an eyeful at Thursday night’s Wet-and-Wild Shorts Contest. Winner takes home $100—and most likely a few phone numbers. Eagle L.A., 4219 Santa Monica Blvd., L.A. (323) 669-9472 or www.eaglela.com

friday, May 30

getting fresh

Jeffrey Sanker and Paul Nicholls freshen up the end of the week with Fresh Fridays at Eleven. 9 p.m. cocktails, 11 p.m. dancing. Eleven, 8811 Santa Monica Blvd., WeHo. www.jeffreysanker.com

no retablos here

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art takes on the sometimes unruly, sprawling world of post-Chicano art in Phantom Sightings, a major exhibition of mostly Los Angeles-based Mexican-American artists. Through Sept. 1. Thursday-Tuesday. $12 (free after 5 p.m.). LACMA, 5905 Wilshire Blvd., L.A. www.lacma.org

Saturday, May 31

takin’ it to the streets

Ever felt intimidated by the high-end boutiques and showrooms in WeHo’s Pacific Design Center neighborhood? Today’s Art and Design Walk gives you the chance to browse the goods at more than 300 shops and galleries whose doors will be wide open to the public. Refreshments and live entertainment make the day even sweeter. 4-8 p.m. Free. Melrose Avenue and Robertson and Beverly Boulevards, WeHo. www.avenuesartdesign.com

bern-ing up the stage

Broadway baby and seven-time Tony nominee Bernadette Peters comes west to join Men Alive, the Orange County Gay Men’s Chorus, for New York City Rhythm, a program of songs celebrating the Big Apple. From opera to the Great White Way, the diva, who has starred in Sunday in the Park with George, Into the Woods and Gypsy, tackles a range of music with her ageless talent. 3 p.m. & 8 p.m. $35-55. Segerstrom Hall, Orange County Performing Arts Center, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. www.menalivechorus.org

talk about ... pop music

The ever-popular Popular club night has morphed into the new Cherry Pop, taking over the newly renovated Ultra Suede space on Saturday nights. No house or techno here, kids, it’s pure pop, with Britney, Janet and Madonna high on DJ Josh Peace’s playlist. 9 p.m. doors open. $10. Ultra Suede, 661 N. Robertson Blvd., WeHo. www.tomwhitmanpresents.com

hitting the spot

Last year’s pet food recall caused panic for a lot of pooch parents. Check out the organic, green and carefully selected dog food and other pet products at the grand opening of Healthy Spot. In addition to food and accessories, the shop has a styling salon, doggie spa and daycare services. Healthy Spot, 1110 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica. www.healthyspotla.com

Sunday, June 1

are you worth it?

Bravo is looking to line up some gay and lesbian millionaires for the next installment of The Millionaire Matchmaker. The requirements? You have to be single, 21 or over and have a net worth of at least a million bucks. If you fit the bill, contact Goloka Bolte, casting producer, at (323) 472-6229 or 108casting@gmail.com for an interview.

the high seas

The ladies will be lined up in Long Beach for Booze Cruise 2, a summer kick-off event for lesbians looking for an afternoon of Love Boating. DJs Casey Alva, Kathy Valenti and Saratonin keep the musical waves crashing, while giveaways and free body shots keep things interesting. For details, call Liane Wilson at (714) 307-2643. 21+. Noon-5 p.m. $40 in advance; $50 at dock. The Grand Romance, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach. www.fusion-la.com

size does matter

Whoever said size doesn’t matter hasn’t been to here lounge on Sunday evenings for the big DJs, big drinks and big fun at Size. Doors open 4 p.m. Free. here lounge, 696 N. Robertson Blvd., WeHo. www.tomwhit

man.com

Monday, June 2

on the right foot

Start your week right with a stop at Eagle LA’s Monday Mayhem. Miss Kim keeps her “malicious margaritas” flowing till 9 p.m., when former IN coverboy Marcus takes over the bar. Free pool and the usual Eagle madness is part of the fun. 4 p.m.-closing. Free. Eagle L.A., 4219 Santa Monica Blvd., L.A. www.eaglela.com

Tuesday, June 3

there are no small parts

Out actor Leslie Jordan—best known for his Emmy-winning turn as Karen’s pint-sized nemesis on Will & Grace—marks the release of his new memoir, My Trip Down the Pink Carpet, by chatting with entertainment journalist Jim Colucci at the Santa Monica Public Library. The diminutive purveyor of high camp signs books after. First-come, first-served tickets are handed out one hour prior. 7 p.m. Free. Santa Monica Public Library, 601 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica. www.smpl.org

lacma’s broad shoulders

The Los Angeles County Art Museum gets serious about contemporary art with the new Broad Contemporary Art Museum. Funded by a $50 million gift from local collector Eli Broad, the three-story cube on Wilshire boasts an all-star cast of contemporary art and not a single square foot devoted to offices or storage. Thursday-Tuesday. $12 (free after 5 p.m.). 5905 Wilshire Blvd., L.A. www.lacma.org

Wednesday, June 4

wish that i was jesse’s girl

In August, the blue13 dance company will present a Bollywood-inspired extravaganza at the Ford Amphitheatre. Tonight, they’ll be raising money for the ambitious project with Legendary Bingo at Hamburger Mary’s. Jesse Brune, the out and über-hot star of Bravo’s Work Out, hosts. Come on down and you could go home with great prizes and silent auction items. 7-9 p.m. $20 donation. Hamburger Mary’s, 8288 Santa Monica Blvd., WeHo. www.blue13dance.com

get me to the abbey on time

T.R. Knight and the Matthew Shepard Foundation kick off Pride month with a mass commitment ceremony at the Abbey as part of the Erase Hate campaign. The first 50 couples to register will tie the knot in a sundown ceremony officiated by West Hollywood Mayor Jeff Prang. 7:30-9 p.m. The Abbey, 692 N. Robertson Blvd., WeHo. www.matthewshepard.org

soap opera

L.A. Opera stages Puccini’s delectably melodramatic tragedy, Tosca, this spring in celebration of the 150th anniversary of the composer’s birth. The headstrong diva Tosca, her revolutionary lover, Mario, and the villainous police chief, Scarpia, form sides of one of opera’s most vicious love triangles. Placido Domingo conducts some nights. Through June 21. $20-238. Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave., L.A. www.losangelesopera.com

Go Metro

Get over the hump with Club Metro at Ultra Suede as DJ Ben drops the hottest hip-hop, reggaeton and R&B beats, and L.A.’s hottest go-go dancers shake their stuff. Free with guest list before 11 p.m. $7 otherwise. Ultra Suede, 661 N. Robertson Blvd., WeHo. (323) 769-6333

Sing Out, Louise

What better way to get over the mid-week hump than guzzling two-for-one drinks at Fiesta Cantina and captivating your friends with your own rockin’ renditions of old karaoke standards? Karaoke with Kenny, 10:30 p.m.-1:45 a.m. Fiesta Cantina, 8865 Santa Monica Blvd., WeHo. www.karaokewithkenny.com

Thursday, June 5

hot men from yemen

Club Nur, L.A.’s only weekly LGBT Middle Eastern club night, makes Thursday Arabian night at MJ’s. Indulge in Middle Eastern cocktails and a hookah bar. The diverse crowd includes Armenian, Arab, Persian, Israeli and Turkish boys. 9 p.m. $5 before 10:30 p.m.; $10 after. MJ’s, 2810 Hyperion Ave., Silver Lake. www.myspace.com/clubnur

you can’t stop the beat

Join the one and only Jackie Beat as she hosts Thursday night karaoke at WeHo’s Hamburger Mary’s. $5 gets you a Texas maragarita or a martini. Refusing to sing gets you the wrath of Jackie. 8-11 p.m. No cover. Hamburger Mary’s, 8288 Santa Monica Blvd., WeHo. www.hamburgermarysweho.com

sophisticated ladies

Get your weekend started early with Platinum at East/West Lounge, a Sapphic soiree where L.A.’s chicest gals gather. Shannon Kampa hosts. East/West Lounge, 8851 Santa Monica Blvd., WeHo. www.eastwestlounge.com

Friday, June 6

Pull Over

You won’t find any 18-wheelers, blue-plate specials or squawking CB radios at this Truck Stop—just a bunch of hotties dancing on the bar to the tunes of DJ Herrick Hell. Every Friday. here lounge, 696 N. Robertson Blvd., WeHo. www.herelounge.com

Saturday, June 7

no bikes necessary

As an alternative to the traditional CSW bash over on the West Side, the first annual Dyke Day L.A. takes over Barnsdall Art Park on the East Side. The free, family-friendly event is for self-proclaimed dykes, their families and allies. Live music, community organizations and children’s activities are included. Pack a picnic. Noon-5 p.m. Free. Barnsdall Art Park, 4804 Hollywod Blvd., Silver Lake. www.myspace.com/dykeday

acoustic for a cause

The Pride month edition of Grassroots Acoustica benefits the Celebration Theatre, L.A.’s longtime producer of LGBT-themed works. Among the sterling performers on tonight’s bill are Louise Goffin, Cliff Eberhart and Tracy Newman (who won an Emmy for writing Ellen’s coming-out episode). 8-11 p.m. Free (voluntary donations accepted). UnUrban Coffeehouse, 3301 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica. www.grassrootsacoustica.org

Bumpin’ the night

Tune in to Indie 103.1 FM at midnight for Neon Noise with DJ Paul V. His weekly radio show features all the dirty electro, indie rock remixes and mashups you can shake a stick at. It’s the next best thing to being at the club! www.myspace.com/smasmix

Sunday, June 8

L.A. Pride

In the wake of the California Supreme Court marriage-equality decision, Pride weekend has an extra jolt of joy and hope this year. At the festival, IN cover girl Joss Stone headlines the WaMu Mainstage on Saturday, while Xanadu and Grease queen Olivia Newton-John closes things out on Sunday. Stop by the IN booth and say hi. Festival: Saturday, noon-midnight, Sunday 11 a.m.-10 p.m. $15 in advance; $20 at door. West Hollywood Park, San Vicente Boulevard south of Santa Monica. Parade: Sunday, 11 a.m., Santa Monica Boulevard from Crescent Heights to Robertson. www.lapride.org

without scissors

Start your Pride day on the right foot with an early morning 5K or 10K run or walk with the Frontrunners. Join Star Trek’s George Takei, a lifelong long-distance runner who met his partner in the ‘80s while doing a Tuesday night run with the LGBT group, this a.m. Lace up your New Balances and register online. 7:45 a.m. $25 registration fee; $20 college students; $15 retirees; $10 high school and under. Robertson Boulevard just south of Santa Monica. www.lafrontrunners.com

knock down, drag out

Oasis Nightclub’s latest installment of Drag Idol brings us weekly battles featuring some of the Southland’s most determined drag queens. It all leads to the July 20 finals and $1,000 prize. 10 p.m. Free before 10 p.m. (21+); $5 18-20. Oasis, 1386 E. Foothill Blvd., Upland. www.oasis-nightclub.com

far east on the east side

Following the Leftover Sundays beer bust, MJ’s gives us MasterBasian, an Asian-themed night from the folks who brought us Buddha Lounge. DJ Mike Bryant spins as Asian go-go boys strut their stuff for the mixed crowd. 9 p.m. MJ’s, 2810 Hyperion Ave., Silver Lake. www.mjsbar.com

Monday, June 9

Mondays are a Drag

Drop in to here lounge for Here’s Jackie!, the Monday night show featuring that sharp-tongued chanteuse Jackie Beat, who will have you rolling with her sassy shenanigans. here lounge, 696 N. Robertson Blvd., WeHo. www.herelounge.com