Feeling Blue: Philadelphia's Blue Ball Welcomes Thousands of LGBTQ Visitors!

What's that saying again? Gays just want to have fun? That sounds about right. Today's generation of youth live in a carefree and excited state of mind, often glossing over the alarming social issues that are presented. Don't get it wrong-there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. It's our prerogative to be sexy, act young and have fun. When addressed with any persisting social issue that is affecting us as a nation or even world we often are compelled to wonder why should I care? It's a natural, instinctive reaction. However, thanks to the Blue Ball, there's a pretty interesting alternative: having fun while caring at the same time! That's exactly what you can do at this year's Blue Ball. Read ahead for a history of Philadelphia's hottest party, who they help and how you can have fun while helping. And that's a turn-on!

Past Tense
Okay, kids, first up is the history of the event because the one and only thing you need to have straight is your info! The Blue Ball is a prolific benefit that is run by the Sapphire Fund. It is currently in its 17th year of existence. The goal of Blue Ball is to act as a conduit for getting funds to a multitude of non-profit organizations that help benefit the well-being of the LGBT community, including the William Way Community Center and Philadelphia Family Pride. It began in 1991, created by Heshie Zinman and Jimmy Hamilton, who were struck with inspiration while overhearing someone commenting on the lack of a blue party. Thus the Blue Ball entered the Circuit scene. It has always been volunteer-driven event, honoring the volunteer-driven organizations. With every passing event, Blue Ball has made more and more money, raising upwards of $1.5 million in recent years. Proving itself to be an equal opportunity entertainer, Sapphire Fund launched a successful women's event, Emerge, last year.
The Sapphire Fund's objective is quite clear-cut. It was established to support the efforts of organizations contributing to beneficial LGBT organizations that needed the help to stay afloat. The beneficiaries that are supported through the Sapphire Fund are organizations that promote education, advocacy and arts in the LGBT community, as well as organizations focused on the research, education, support, prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS and that's a cause that every gay guy and lesbian lady can get behind.

Present Perfect
With the theme of "Basic Training," this year's Blue Ball promises to be nothing short of spectacularly sexy. On Friday, May 4th, things kick off with a familiar and signature event-an all night dance party, ShamBlue, hosted at Shampoo Night Club, going from 9pm-6am. It'll be tempting, with DJs Escape and Seth Gold spinning beats, but don't wear yourself completely out on the first night! The next night sees the main event, Basic Training, at the illustrious Trocadero Theatre from 10pm-5:30am. DJing the event is Roland Belmares and Zathan, providing some killer, grade-A worthy tunes to get low to. Don't worry if you're still feeling pumped up at 5:30-there's Cobalt, an after-party, starting immediately at Pure with DJ Billy Carroll spinning. The weekend spectacular is topped off with a fabulous dance party, Release, for the VIP with the passes (easily obtainable, don't you worry!). The party is going on at Fluid, from 4-10pm with a fabulous set DJed by Carl Michaels. All events will feature star-studded line-ups. The featured organizations that will be benefited are the Linda Creed Breast Cancer Foundation, William Way Community Center, AIDS Law Project of PA and Philadelphia Family Pride.

Future Female
Emerge, an event for women, created by women returns with bigger badder lesbianess. Created last year and due to its immense popularity, the event has returned! The main event is taking place 8:30pm-2:30am on Friday, May 4th at the Trocadero Theatre, with celebrity guests Kim Stolz (the cutie of America's Next Top Model fame), Milenna Saraiva (the delicious trainer from Bravo's Work Out and last weeks cover-gal) and the stars of Loving Annabelle, Erin Kelly & Diane Gaidry. Additionally, the HellCat Girls will be performing and DJs Melissa and Erica the Baraness are spinning. The closing party takes place on Sunday the 6th, 2-9pm at Bleu Martini featuring DJs Jivey and JD. Ladies, you don't want to miss this.
Wow, that is one show-stopping weekend of thrills ad chills for homosexuals of all ages. Held in partnership with Equality Forum weekend, this is a great way to participate in homo-history. Blue Ball has only been getting bigger and better with every passing year. It's not an event you want to miss out on!

Emerge Main Event, The Trocadero Theatre, 10th and Arch Sts, Fri, may 4, 8:30pm.

Blue Ball Main Event: Basic Training, Trocadero, 10th and Arch Sts, Sat, May 5,10pm.

For more information on Emerge and Blue Ball, emerge.sapphire.org or blueballphilly.com.

For information on Equality Forum, equalityforum.com. blueballphilly.com, sapphirefund.org.