John Waters’ outrageous movie Pink Flamingos opens in theaters and introduces the world to Divine (Harris Glenn Milstead). When the film was initially released, it caused a huge degree of controversy due to the wide range of “perverse” acts performed in explicit detail. It has since become one of the most notorious films ever made and is rated as #29 on the list of 50 Films to See Before You Die.

The House will vote on the measure Thursday, and if it passes, the Democratic-led Senate could vote on it as soon as Saturday.

House Speaker Paul Thissen, of Minneapolis, said that the 73-member Democratic majority he leads will produce at least the 68 votes needed to pass the bill. Senate leaders are also confident of passage, and Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton has promised to sign the bill, which would allow gay couples to marry as of Aug. 1.

“I think it’s in line with the tradition we’ve had in Minnesota about respecting people, making sure everybody is included in our community and the fullness of participation in that,” Thissen said.

If the bill passes, it would mark a stunning about-face on the issue in Minnesota, where only six months ago voters were asked whether they wanted to enshrine the current gay marriage ban in the state constitution. They didn’t.

No House Republicans have committed to vote for the bill. Thissen said while their votes are not needed, they would be appreciated. “It’s not a partisan issue. You’ve seen many prominent Republicans speak out on this issue,” Thissen said. One Senate Republican, Branden Petersen of Andover, publicly supports the bill.

Fifth-term Rep. Pat Garofalo, a Republican from Farmington, told The Associated Press he decided Monday night he would oppose the bill, saying he had concerns about the adequacy of religious protections. He said he preferred an alternate civil union proposal that would extend gay couples more legal rights, but wouldn’t allow them to marry.

“We would be much better off unifying the state behind civil unions,” Garofalo said. Another Republican, Rep. Tim Kelly planned to push an amendment Thursday to swap gay marriage for civil unions.

Unable to count on any Republican support, House Democrats have had to rely on support from several party members from rural, more socially conservative areas where voters strongly backed last fall’s failed proposed gay marriage ban. But in recent days, a number of those members have come out in support of the bill.

The world’s hottest leathermen will come together to compete for the title of International Mr. Leather 2013, as IML celebrates its 35rd Anniversary, Friday, May 24 through Monday, May 27, 2013 (Memorial Day Weekend) in Chicago.

About 400 gay leathermen gathered in Chicago in 1979 for the first International Mr. Leather contest. Today, the event has grown to be an annual tradition for thousands in the leather community – drawing contestants and attendees from around the globe. Once an event for “hardcore” leathermen, IML has expanded in recent years to include a more diverse crowd – from the experienced to the curious.

It’s May and the temperatures in Fort Lauderdale just start to get a little balmy and allow our men & bears to run around with little or no clothes (one better reason to make your travel plans at the Cabana’s Guesthouse= two clothing optional pools and hot tub surrounded by our lush tropical landscape).

For a weekend of fun in the sun with some of the sexiest men both locally and of course from all over BeachBear Weekend is filled with activities and functions from Sun up to Sun Down! Please visit their website for a list of night life and other options.

An international hit with more than 500 dazzling, 2011 Tony® Award-winning costumes, PRISCILLA features a hit parade of dance-floor favorites including “It’s Raining Men,” “Finally” and “I Will Survive.” The Hollywood Reporter calls Priscilla “funny and fabulous! Joyous entertainment with eye-popping visuals and unexpected heart!”

Priscilla will be playing April 2-7th in Miami for ticket information go to: www.arshtcenter.org

Events Schedule

Get Wet: Cool off with a refreshing swim or just relax on the warm sandy beach from 11 AM to 5 PM everyday when the bears invade Sebastian Beach. Umbrellas, lounges, wave-runners, paddle boards and the hottest men in America.

Wednesday (May 8th, 2013):

6 PM – 8 PM: Welcome Party At Village Pub, 2283 Wilton Drive. Wilton Manors Florida 33305

Thursday (May 9th, 2013):

5 PM – 8 PM: Go Nuts, BeachBear Happy Hour and Kick Off Dinner at Coconuts, 429 Seabreeze Blvd. Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Next to the Hotel).

9 PM: Cowboy Up. Come put your heels up and unwind on Scandals back patio. (Discounts given with BeachBear Weekend Bear tags) 
3063 NE 6th Ave. Wilton Manors Florida.

Friday (May 10th, 2012):

8 AM – 11 AM: Breakfast at host hotel. 440 Seabreeze Blvd. Fort Lauderdale Florida.

11 AM – 5 PM: Get Wet at Sebastian Beach. Jet Skis, Parasailing, and ton of hot men on our famous Gay Beach. Fat Tuesdays at the Beach will be giving all bears drink specials and discounts on their huge frozen drinks.

3 PM – 7PM: Club Fort Lauderdale host a pool party like no other. A private gay mens club with one of the most amazing out door pool areas. Open buffet to guests on this day. (Membership Required  Please see www.theclubs.com/page.cfm?location=FtLauderdale for details ) 110 NW 5th Ave. in Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33311.

6 PM – 8 PM: Wilton Drive Food Crawl. Wilton Drive has so many restaurants that we decided to include them all. Humpy’s, Tee Jay Thai, Courtyard, Alibi, Rodeo, Rosie’s and Wilton Bier Garden and many others will all be participating.

8PM – 12:01 AM: GROWL, A Friday night regular with the local bear community, Bill’s Filling Station and SunServe invite you to join them. (Voluntary/suggested donation towards SunServe – $5)

12:01 AM – 3 AM: Friday night at Ramrod is an institution with the bears of Fort Lauderdale. 1508 NE 4th Ave. (Wilton Drive) Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

1 AM: After party at Slammer. This is an adult gay male private club that really gets cooking in the wee hours of the morning. (Membership required www.321slammer.com ) 321 West Sunrise Blvd. Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Saturday (May 11th, 2011):

8 AM – 11 AM: Breakfast at host hotel. 440 Seabreeze Blvd. Fort Lauderdale Florida.

11 AM – 5 PM: Get Wet at Sebastian Beach. Jet Skis, Parasailing, and ton of hot men on our famous Gay Beach. Fat Tuesdays at the Beach will be giving all bears drink specials and discounts on their huge frozen drinks.

4PM – 8PM: WHERE THE BEARS ARE PARTY, Come Play the cast of the sensational series “Where the Bears Are” Rick Copp, Joe Dietl, Ben Zook, and Ian Parks at The Marriott.  This BeachBear Cruise Party with DJ Jeffery Jacobs is one of the hottest parties of the weekend. The Pool side party at the Host Hotel has one AMAZING view of Fort Lauderdale beach, and is packed with hot men!

5 PM – 9 PM: Wilton Drive Food Crawl. Wilton Drive has so many restaurants that we decided to include them all. Humpy’s, Tee Jay Thai, Courtyard, Alibi, Rodeo, Rosie’s and Wilton Bier Garden and many others will all be participating.

10 PM: The Meat Ball, 100% pure beef and loaded with testosterone, this event is far from organic and promises to have you begging for seconds. Beachbear takes Boom by the balls as DJ Alex Ramos and DJ Roke pounds out the beats. Doors hosted by Sunserve. (Voluntary/suggested donation towards SunServe – $5)

1 AM: After party at Slammer. (Membership required www.321slammer.com) 321 West Sunrise Blvd. Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Sunday (May 12th, 2012):

11 AM – 5 PM: Get Wet at Sebastian Beach. Jet Skis, Parasailing, and ton of hot men on our famous Gay Beach. Fat Tuesdays at the Beach will be giving all bears drink specials and discounts on their huge frozen drinks.

1PM– 5 PM: Spirit of Fort Lauderdale Adventure Cruise. Out on the open water eating and drinking in a huge catamaran with all of your new Bear buddies is a great way to spend a day. Enjoy the cruise right off the coast of the Gay Beach and take advantage of the inner tube trampolines and slides… 801 Seabreeze Blvd Fort Lauderdale Fl. Boat-slip A109/A111  For reservations go to http://tropicalsailing.com or call  954-579-8181  . . . A great time on the water $45
Mention Beachbear when you call!

5PM – 9PM: The Scandals Saloon. Relax and put your boots up after a great day of sun and fun at the beach. Enjoy some great drink specials while hanging out on the largest patio bars in Wilton Manors. 3063 NE 6th Ave. Wilton Manors Florida.

5 PM – 9 PM: Wilton Drive Food Crawl. Wilton Drive has so many restaurants that we decided to include them all. Humpy’s, Tee Jay Thai, Courtyard, Alibi, Rodeo, Rosie’s and Wilton Bier Garden and many others will all be participating.*

6 PM: GO GO Bear Dance Party at Manor with Superstar DJ Ted Eiel. GO GO Bears provided by Cubcuda Productions and Bear Nation. (Voluntary/suggested donation towards SunServe – $5)

12 AM: After party at Slammer. (Membership required www.321slammer.com) 321 West Sunrise Blvd. Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Monday (May 13th, 2012):

8 AM – 11 AM: Breakfast at host hotel 440 Seabreeze Blvd. Fort Lauderdale Florida.

11 AM – 5 PM: Beach day at Sebastian Beach

5 PM – 9 PM:  Alibi Recovery Party. 2 for 1 cocktails featuring Stoli Hot Bloody Mary’s and Stoli Honey iced teas.

10PM: Big Bear Beer Bash at Ramrod. This is a weekly party that is always kicking. This is also DJ Ted Eiels Birthday Party.  He will be 43 and Fabulous. 1508 NE 4th Ave. (Wilton Drive) Fort Lauderdale, Florida

12 AM: After party at Slammer. (Membership required www.321slammer.com ) 321 West Sunrise Blvd. Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Other Events

Friends of Bill W: 12 noon Interested guests are invited to stop by the Board of Director’s room on the second floor of the host hotel to meet. We are committed to help provide a safe and enjoyable weekend for all of our guests. (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) * With your registration for BeachBear Weekend you will be able to get discounts on food and beverages all over Wilton Manors and Fort Lauderdale beach. You can pick up the Bear Tags starting on May 9th, 2012 at The Pride Factory.

Please visit their website at BeachBearweekend.com

A majority in Ohio supports legalizing same-sex marriage, according to a new poll commissioned by the Columbus Dispatch.

In 2004, Ohio voters approved a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage with 62 percent. Now, a new poll finds that 54 percent of Ohioans back a proposed amendment to overturn the ban and allow same-sex couples to marry.

Last week, Ohio Gov. John Kasich (R) affirmed that he opposes both marriage and civil unions for gay couples, both of which are currently prohibited under Ohio’s constitution.

Saperstein Associates polled 1,003 Ohio adults from March 5 through 10 and has a margin of sampling error of +/- 3.1 percentage points. The results were slightly weighted to reflect known population parameters.

Clinton made the announcement in an online video released Monday morning by the gay rights advocacy group Human Rights Campaign. She says in the five-minute video that gays and lesbians are “full and equal citizens and deserve the rights of citizenship.”

“That includes marriage,” she says, adding that she backs gay marriage both “personally and as a matter of policy and law.”

Polls show that public opinion on gay marriage has shifted perhaps more rapidly than on any other major issue in recent times. In Gallup polling last November, 53 percent of adult Americans said same-sex marriages should be granted the same status as traditional marriages, while 46 percent felt they should not be valid.

Damion Washington and Tease Miami present Dancing with the XXX stars featuring Damien Crosse, Alex Marte, Randy Star and Diego and Wagner with music and Videos by DJ Willy Gee.

The Pavillion at Coconut Creek presents Glenn Packard’s The Knockouts Burlesque show at 9pm with tonight’s special guest Jeff Timmons from 98 Degrees.

From tonight through Sunday is the first of 2 weekends of Ultra Music Festival at Bayfront Park in Miami. For more information or to purchase tickets go to UltraMusicfestival.com.

Bubble Gum Fridays at the Manor presents special guest, direct from RuPaul Season 5, Serena Cha Cha as the divas (Estephania, TP and Sasha) take on Glee.

Saturday, March 16 The Manor Complex has 2 big events tonight. In the Epic Room they present WMC 2013 Wilton Manors edition with 4DJ’s and 4 amazing sets starring DJ Rod Green (11pm-1am), Midnight Society DG Curtis Atchison of New York (1am-2am), DJ Rafello (2am-3am from Puerto Rico) and DJ Zio Zambrano (3am-4am from Spain).  In the Latin Room and Patio Noche Latina Saturdays presents, direct from RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 4, Puerto Rican Madame LaQueer. The night will also be the farewell Party for bartender Joshie as he is moving to New York City to pursue his dreams. NLS is hosted by Viva Mirage and features the sounds of DJ Larry Larr. 10:30pm to 4 am with no cover!

Celebrate St Patricks Day at Discotekka where the party continues afterhours until the sun comes up. Enjoy the sounds of DJ’s Renn, Jalil Z, and Dj Miik and afterhours with resident DJ Carlos G. Entertainment by the Discotekka diva’s Poizon Ivy, TP Lords, Sasha Lords, Gina D’Angelo, Cherry Selene and special guest Vinna Rouge. Don’t forget the go-go gods for your viewing pleasures.

Score and Citrusonic Stereophonic present Bigger Saturdays WMC’13 kick off party featuring DJ/Producer Hector Fonseca and a live performance by #1 Billboard Dance artist and Former Pussycat Doll Jessica Sutta.

<strong>Sunday, March 17</strong> The Depot Cabana Bar and Grill will be celebrating their 5th anniversary with 3 huge events. The anniversary party is all day with giveaways, drink specials and much more. At 1 pm the SFAAA Softball After party, and also starting at 1 pm and going to 5 pm is the monthly Fuzz T-Dance with host Chad Bush and DJ Jeffrey Jacobs with no cover charge. The annual Equality Florida Miami Gala takes place once again at the Bass Museum (2100 Collins Avenue in Miami Beach) from 5:30 to 8 pm. This year the honorees will be Richard Blanco, Robert Lupo and David Bloom. Tickets are $125 and can be purchased by calling&nbsp; 305-335-2102&nbsp; or by going to MiamiGala.org.

Club Boi in association with Score present HIP Sundays “Saint Patricks party” with Hip Hop, R&B, House and Reggae by resident deejays Diaz & Gavin T. and no cover.  Hotspots Magazine

Scandals Saloon presents the Flamingo Auto Club Car Show in their front and back parking lot from noon till 4pm.

Make sure you grab a copy offor all your night life and dining options!