The 3rd annual Valentine’s Day Party to benefit the GLBT Historical Society (GLBTHS) was held at Lime bistro in the heart (get it?) of the Castro on Feb. 13 to a sold-out, packed house of pre-V-day celebrants. PG&E and the GLBTHS hosted “Cupid’s Back,” which some might call San Francisco’s most prominent gay Valentine’s party. Many of the partygoers dressed in festive outfits – pretty in pink and romantic in red. The room was festooned with pink and clear balloons. The walls were lit in pink. The sexy bartenders wore pink clinging underwear and pink feathered angel wings.

Faux Queen Anita Cocktail – dressed in pink and black with sky-high blond wig topped with pink feathers and wrapped up in a big pink boa – co-hosted in her usual peppy, bubbly style. “This night has been a huge success,” Anita told Bay Times. “Everyone is having a great time while helping out a vital organization that savors and records our queer history.” Happy party people danced the night away, courtesy of DJ Adrian (from Bootie) and Lee Decker. All proceeds from this holiday extravaganza helped the GLBT Historical Society raise funds to support their world-class archives of queer history and the celebrated exhibits of GLBT history and culture. The hosts were Don Romesburg, Larry Lindsey, Shannon Murray, Chris Jansen, Taso Kolonelos, Konstantin and Reno. The event was organized by Mark Rhoades. “I am so grateful that PG&E stepped in and decided to sponsor our Cupid’s Back Valentine’s Day event,” Rhoades told Bay Times. This is our 3rd year, and if it was not for PG&E, we would have not been able to host our fundraiser.”

“Especially at this moment, when same-sex relationships are at the heart of struggles for greater inclusion and civil rights, Valentine’s Day represents the heritage of openness and freedom of spirit that has made San Francisco a worldwide homeland for GLBT people,” said GLBT Historical Society Executive Director Paul Boneberg. “The GLBT Historical Society is excited to co-promote this party with PG&E and to celebrate our community’s relationships - past, present, and future.”

The party included an open vodka bar with drinks sponsored by p.i.n.k. Vodka and Chandon vintners, which poured complimentary pink champagne for the occasion.  Also myPartner.com was on hand to give tips on romance and personal relationships. Representatives from the website handed out “Flirt” cards, so cruisers could hand them to people they were attracted to. Among the printed flirty sayings were the queer queries: “Is it hot in here?” “Where have you been all my life?” and “If I take you home, can I keep you?” Two other cards stated quite matter-of-factly: “I’m picturing you with me” and “OMG, you’re SO the one!” 

“What’s not to love? This annual Valentine’s tradition unites a hot crowd and great energy to support the home for our history,” GLBT Historical Society board member Don Romesburg told Bay Times. “Third time was definitely the charm.” 

It was a great time to celebrate with the GLBT Historical Society. In December 2008, they launched a new exhibit, “Passionate Struggle: Dynamics of San Francisco’s GLBT History,” in a storefront at Castro and 18th Streets. Thousands of new visitors, many inspired to learn more about their past by the Oscar-nominated film, MILK (now playing at the Castro Theatre), have discovered the power of the institution as the home for their history. Each attendee received a complimentary $3 ticket to the museum. 

Other current exhibits, programming, and more can be found at glbthistory.org. 

The mission of the GLBT Historical Society is to increase public understanding, appreciation, and affirmation of the history and culture of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and other sexual minority individuals and communities. But that night’s mission was just to have a hot time. Mission accomplished!