Northern Exposure: Seattle's (Sunny) Pride 2010

Monday, 28 June 2010 11:52 | Written by Byron

Brian Westbrook (left) and buddies at Purr Block Party on Saturday night.

SWEET-ATTLE: When I found out Seattle's gay pride celebration just so happened to coincide with celebrating my partner's birthday in the same city—at the same time—I knew we were in for a trip "over the rainbow" (the theme of this year's pride parade) that would knock our ruby slippers right off of our socks.

Saturday afternoon was all about Seattle's gayest district, Capitol Hill, and it's weird-ass Pride Festival. It was winding down by the time we got there (drunk people + free frisbees = watch your head!) but we did get a chance to visit UnderU4Men's fabulous new store located just off of Broadway.

Not far from The Space Needle (which for the first time ever was topped by a GIANT rainbow-hued pride flag that could be spotted for miles) we had one of the best pasta meals of our entire lives at Tavolata, the super-swank and incredibly cool Belltown hot-spot owned and operated by Ethan Stowell (who just so happens to be the brother of Oregon Ballet Theatre's own Christopher Stowell).

Following dinner it was back to Capitol Hill and the Purr Block Party. The sprawling soiree was packed with sweaty, hot dudes (including several who traveled north from Portland), twin DJs from Los Angeles, and at least one celebrity: porn star Jordan Jaric (his ex, Aden Jaric, was performing the same night at nearby Neighbors). We planned to check out The Cuff (where Portland's own Logan Lynn was performing on Sunday), but by the time we got there the line was at least 100 hotties long.

Sunday morning we had to leave before the big parade made its way down Fourth Avenue, but not before we had a chance to visit the cute kids setting it all up just outside our home-away-from-home, Hotel Monaco Seattle. I have nothing but love for this incredibly gay-friendly hotel. Not only did they give up their entry-way to make room for the parade's organizers, but they take really good care of their guests, too. Besides a nifty gift for the birthday boy (a wonderful Washington state Syrah), we had a chance to visit with "Sue," one of the goldfish that comes with every room. And we loved our view, which was of the futuristic Rem Koolhaas-designed public library.

Honey, they don't call Seattle "The Emerald City" for nothing. This place is a gem.

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