That first step inside a gay bar, that first kiss between two girls, that first sighting of a trans or drag performer, are rites of passage for most of us, whether magical or awkward. It's a part of coming out and coming of age.

Yet again the fine folks at the San Francisco Bay Area Leather Alliance, along with a small army of dedicated volunteers and supportive sponsors, produced their Leather Alliance Weekend on March 5-8.

It was a festive atmosphere at the Eagle bar Tuesday, November 18 when Folsom Street Events, producers of the Folsom Street Fair, Up Your Alley fair, and related parties, presented checks to this year's beneficiaries.