After far too long a winter, we’ve finally broken through the cold and leapt into spring. With some of the city’s biggest events on tap in the coming weeks, the change couldn’t have come at a better time. Athletes from all over the country are currently “duking it out” at the Penn Relays (April 21-25), while others are finishing preparations for the Broad Street Run (May 3) and the Dad Vail Regatta (May 8-9). Many outdoor charity events, such as the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure (May 10), will take to the Eakins Oval at the Philadelphia Museum of Art to raise money and awareness. For LGBT Philadelphia, spring is the beginning of “phestival season,” where a series of special events adds character to our local LGBT community, attracting throngs of tourists and supporters to enjoy everything Philadelphia has to offer.

Over the past several years, Philly Black Gay Pride has evolved from a humble community gathering to an annual attraction for LGBT people of color and supporters from all over the region. Now in its 10th year, Philly Black Gay Pride celebrates this weekend with a series of amazing events. Here are a few highlights, but for the entire rundown, check out www.phillyblackpride.org.

— This evening from 6-8 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel Main Line, 4100 Presidential Blvd., in the Fairmount Ballroom is the opening reception for Black Gay Pride. This meet and greet is the perfect opportunity to get all the information you need to have an amazing weekend. The cover charge is a donation of $5.

— Arguably the most exciting event this weekend is tomorrow evening’s Legends Awards Ball. From 6-10 p.m. in the Crowne Plaza’s ballroom, organizers will honor local and national leaders who have helped catalyze growth, movement and positive change on behalf of Philadelphia’s black LGBT community and organizations. Honorees include choreographer Zane Booker, AIDS educator and activist James Roberts and straight ally/youth activist Judith Peters. Tickets are $65 per person or $600 for a 10-person table. Contact phillyblackpride@gmail.com for admissions information.

— After two days of community building and recognition, Sunday is the big celebration. From noon-5 p.m., Shampoo Nightclub, 417 N. Eighth St., will host An Explosion of Hip-Hop, Black Gay Pride’s wrap-up party. Winners of the “Sing Out Strong” and “Miss Philadelphia Black Gay Pride Pageant” will be announced during the day. Cover is $10.

Just as Black Gay Pride is wrapping up, Equality Forum will begin in Philadelphia on Monday, April 27 and run through Sunday, May 3. If you’re not familiar, Equality Forum is part political activism, part professional networking, part social engagement and part civic awareness. You’re best served by visiting www.equalityforum.com to map out your schedule, but here is a little info on the events about which I’m most excited:

— On May 2 from 7-10 p.m., the National Constitution Center, 525 Arch St., will host the International Equality Dinner. Gov. Rendell is the Honorary Dinner Chair and San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom will be on hand to receive the 14th annual “International Role Model Award.”

— On Sunday, May 3 at 3 p.m., you can join activists for the National Equality Rally on Independence Mall, where our first gay pioneers launched the movement in 1965. Since many of us will be in Old City celebrating SundayOUT, there’s nothing to keep you from participating in this meaningful demonstration. From repealing the Defense of Marriage Act to LGBT health issues to overturning “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” our community has a lot to fight for. Join the rally and the movement for equality!

That’s it for this week, but I want to congratulate Charlie Biggs, who was crowned Mr. Gay Philadelphia 2009 at PURE last Saturday evening. Thanks to www.nightlifegay.com, the Greater Philadelphia Tourism and Marketing Corporation, 12th Street Gym, The Independent Hotel and Privileged Communication, as well as my other sponsors, volunteers, performers, contestants and ActionAIDS, for organizing a phenomenal silent auction. I’m so thrilled to have an event like this that generates such excitement and support across the entire community. I promise to make next year even bigger and better!

’Til next time, get offline and see what your community has to offer!

If you have comments or information on upcoming events, e-mail bruce@nightlifegay.com, reference Offline.