Gosh, I've been so caught up in DADT, work and wrestling with my bike that I haven't given very much attention to Pittsburgh PrideFest. 

It is right around the corner. 

This coming week, we'll see a political rally with Cleve Jones, the Dyke March and the GLENDA Diva's for Diversity.

The official pride site.

The official Pride Guide 2010. I like that its up now so you can check it out before the event. 

Perspective?  Moscow Pride is thrilled they managed to march for five to ten minutes.  Pride is illegal in Moscow.

Love, love the guy using his smart phone while marching!  Such a me thing to do.  I usually live tweet the Dyke March and inevitably trip over something. 

I'm curious which politicians show up.  Onorato, I'm betting.  Sestak, I'm hoping (especially because protocol dictates he goes first, eh?).  State folks are trickier because "GET THE BUDGET DONE"  Ahem. 

Any thoughts?

Just got word that Dyke March permit is in Eli's hands so we are all set.  Here's the route:

The speaker will be Miranda Vey of the Pittsburgh Dykes on Bikes. She's an articulate, insightful woman with a wonderful ability to inspire.  I think it will be a great event. 

Here's hoping the police show up as promised.

For the second year in a row, we are live blogging from Celebrate Life, Celebrate Art -- Persad's annual art auction and reception.  This is the final year the event will be held at the Carnegie Museum of Art in Oakland due to renovations at the museum. 

Next year they may be at the August Wilson Center, according to inside sources.  That would be very cool.  And closer to my house.

More than 200 artists have donated.  More than 1800 guests are expected.

And @Ledcat is tweeting. 

Hold on. 

Just made my first visit to Police HQ. They have a silly little machine to gain entrance and not-so-loveable curmudgeon at the gate.  He started the hell out of me by looming over while I was waiting for someone -- anyone -- to answer my button pushing.  Not a good start. I almost dropped by Blackberry and that would have been a problem.

But the permit for the Dyke March is notarized and submitted.  The route has been changed to Bloomfield which is very appropriate as a response to the recent gay bashings.  I've spoken with Mayor Ravenstahl's team so I anticipate little problem getting things formalized.  Hopefully, it will all be sewn up by Friday.

Kudos the Mayor's LGBT Advisory Committee for intervening to ensure all community events are treated fairly.