Weekend Preview: "Call It Lover's Day" Edition

TNG Events Editor Jolly brings you visions of weekend-events-to-come every Thursday afternoon.

R. Buckminster Fuller once said, "Love is omni-inclusive, progressively exquisite, understanding and tender and compassionately attuned to other than self." And I believe it was The J. Geils Band in the early 80s who eloquently informed us that "Love Stinks."

It seems that this time of year tends to send people flocking to one extreme or the other. Valentine's Day generally triggers my meh-reflex: it's kind of silly to get all worked up one day a year when you should be showing your love everyday, but getting angry and contemplating attacking happy couples on the street at random also takes way more enthusiasm than I'm willing to invest. I'm planning on eating red velvet cupcakes and taking in a crappy rom-com this Saturday, and you're welcome to join.

Anyway, whether Cupid's got you in a chokehold or "Single Ladies" is your anthem of choice for the weekend, there are plenty of upcoming events to meet your needs. Know something we don't? Send the details to events@thenewgay.net or leave them in the comments below!

Today

• Learn about the history of the gay rights movement here in the District at "Gay Is Good": Stonewall-Era Activism in Washington, D.C. at the University of Maryland. Details: Art-Sociology 2309, University of Maryland, 5:00PM, Free.

Friday

• Join the discussion at the 16th Annual Lavender Languages & Linguistics Conference at American University which begins today. And be sure to check out the pre-conference workshop, "Is Hope Enough?" Details: American University, February 12th-15th.

• Imperial China, whose lead singer, Brian Porter, was the subject of our first ever "Ask a Straight Guy," play the Rock and Roll Hotel. Details: Rock and Roll Hotel, 1353 H Street, NE, 9:00PM, $10.

• Interested in sex, spirituality, and BDSM? Then join in on the fun at Dark Odyssey's Winter Fire '09 Valentine's Weekend event, which begins on Friday Night.

Saturday

• Spend your Valentine's Day with TNG's Michael and Zack as they DJ Mousetrap. Details: Black Cat Mainstage, 1811 14th St., NW, 9:30 PM, All Ages, $10.

• Share the love at the Big Love Gala to benefit the Mautner Project. Details: Omni Shoreham Hotel,2500 Calvert St. NW, 6:30PM, $200 ($125 tax-deductible).