Fri. and Sat., June 17-18
The New York City Gay Chorus will perform songs that made the gay community laugh, comforted it and pushed it forward through the 25 years of gay rights movement. Skirball Center of the Performing Arts, New York University, 8 p.m. Tickets ($35-$85) may be purchased online or by phone from the Skirball box office (212-992-8484).
Sat., June 18
“Qwik Dates Night” at the L.G.B.T. Center, at 208 W. 13th St. at 8 p.m. A speed-dating event where participants meet each other one-on-one in a series of three-minute “dates,” then use the free mingling period to meet anyone else in the room. Participants can tell the Center who they want a second date with, and they will try to set it up. The event is $20 or visit www.qwikdates.com for a $5 coupon.
sun., June 19
Metro Wrestling Club and guests celebrate their 2nd annual Metro Wrestling Annual Pride Tournament & Wrestling Classes. Competitors must have U.S.A. Wrestling cards, which can be purchased at the event. Warmup and weigh-in for wrestlers begins at 12:30 p.m.; wrestling class from 1 p.m.-3 p.m.; tournament begins at 3:30 p.m. Admission is free to those competing in the tournament, $20 for general admission. R.S.V.P. by e-mail: cweisbecker@nyc.rr.com.
Sun., June 19
SAL Book Discussion Group, a lesbian-only book club to discuss contemporary and classic lesbian literature, at 1 p.m. Visit www.acm.org/chapters/nycacm/mort or e-mail SalBookGroup@yahoo.com for more information.
Mon., June 20
The L.G.B T. Center Garden Party, on the Hudson River Park’s Pier 54 (at the Hudson River at 14th St.) from 6 p.m.-10 p.m. Help launch Pride Week by joining the week’s largest outdoor celebration, which attracts thousands of people who come to socialize, savor delicious food and enjoy entertainment by top talent. in the Center’s largest fundraising campaign of the year. Scheduled entertainers include emcee Kate Clinton, Delta Burke, Leslie Uggams, Jimmy James and more. Tickets are $50 for Center members, $60 for nonmembers and $75 at the gate. Visit www.gaycenter.org to purchase advance tickets or for further information about the Garden Party.
Thurs., June 23
Join the Queer Book Club at the L.G.B.T. Center at 7 p.m. for a reading, “Fresh Men: New Voices in Gay Fiction,” bringing together 20 outstanding stories by new authors. Entry fee is $6 for Center members and $10 for nonmembers.
Thurs., June 23
The Manhattan Mustangs Annual Country & Western Gay Pride Dance at the L.G.B.T. Center. Do the L.G.B.T. two-step, line dance, swing and waltz to the hot country sound of D.J. Andrew. Cover is $12 at the door, which includes free lessons — beginner and review lesson at 7 p.m. sharp with Mr. Lou and line-dance instruction and review throughout the evening with Miss Marie. Call 212-475-7099 or visit info@manhattanmustangs.org for more information.
Thurs., June 23
Queer Songbook will host an evening with singer/songwriter Debra Barsha, whose songs have been recorded by such artists as George Clinton and Marty Balin. Barsha’s off-Broadway musical “Radiant Baby,” about subway artist Keith Haring won the Jonathan Larson Performing Arts Foundation Award. She will be joined by Broadway performer Michael Winther, who is currently performing in “Songs from an Unmade Bed” at the New York Theatre Workshop. 7 p.m. at the L.G.B.T. Center. Tickets are $10 for Center members, $15 for nonmembers and are available in advance by visiting www.gaycenter.org.
Fri., June 24
The L.G.B.T. Center features “Lesbian Deeper Dating,” from 7 p.m.-10 p.m. The evening consists of a brief talk and a series of enjoyable exercises enabling women to interact with a large number of other participants and to exchange numbers as well. Refreshments will be served. The event costs $20. Find more information at www.deeperdating.com.
Sun., June 26
Join the YES program for a free Youth Pride Breakfast at the L.G.B.T. Center from 10 a.m.-11 a.m. before heading Uptown to march in the Heritage of Pride March. Everyone will get a T-shirt and a MetroCard. Eat, make your own sign to carry and join in the march behind the Center’s banner on Fifth Ave. For those 13-to-21-years old.
