Can't get enough of Dancing With the Stars? If you think that show's gay, forget it. You don't know great gay dancing. See some of our community's stars at California Dreaming at the Hotel Whitcomb this weekend. The largest same-sex dance festival in the country waltzes and foxtrots its way into San Francisco for a third year, starting with a welcome party Fri, Nov. 6, 7pm-10pm. Prelims through Nov. 7, with Standard and Latin finals 8pm. The exhibition show has a special "saloon" theme at 9:30pm, with So You Think You Can Dance performers Mitch & Misha, then open dancing 10:30pm-12am. $10-$40. Market St. at 8th. 204-7879. Top it off with a dance workshop with dance champions Sun., Nov. 8 at Vima Dance Studio, 560 3rd St. at Bryant. 977-0203. www.californiadreamingdancesport.com

Being gay is now so cool everybody's trying to be like us. Take Electric Six. Their pop tune (I wanna take you to a) "Gay Bar" is hilarity you can dance to.

The lyrics imply that a straight man cool enough to take his female date to a gay bar is the ultimate in fag stag chic.

Too much introspection? Yep. Just the sort of thing The Gay Blades would hate. They're not gay, either –maybe– which is so, like, ironic. But their music is hilarious and infectiously fun. And they're opening for Electric Six Wednesday, Nov. 12 at the Independent. Millions of Brazilians (who aren't Brazilian) also play. $16. 21+. 8pm. 628 Divisadero St. 771-1420. www.electricsix.com www.myspace.com/gayblades www.independentsf.com

While those bands manage their faux-gay status, Fauxnique, who conquered the realm of Trannyshack as a faux queen (see Victor/Victoria), has more than earned honorary queer status. Her new show Luxury Items lavishes in a solo dance-performance-theatre extravaganza about Coco Chanel, handbags and other glamorous, useless stuff. $15-$18. 8pm. Also Nov. 8 at 7pm. ODC Dance Commons, 351 Shotwell St. www.fauxnique.net www.odctheater.org

Can one get any gayer than being the most famous porn star of the 90s? How about if he's charming, British, and an author? Aiden Shaw shares the history of his rise to sex tape fame in his new book Sordid Truths. 7:30pm at A Different Light bookstore, 489 Castro St. 431-0891. www.adleventscastro.blogspot.com

Also popping in from across the pond, DV8 Physical Theatre, the amazing London male dance-performance group, performs To Be Straight With You, Lloyd Newson's searing look at intolerance, religion and homosexuality in the UK. Yeah, being gay isn't always fun, but seeing a wrenching dance interpretation of it is. That's why they call it art. $13.50-$34. 8pm. Nov. 12 – 14 at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts' Forum, 700 Howard St. Also, see two dance films by the company, Nov. 8, 2pm. 978-2787. www.dv8.co.uk www.ybca.org

Thu 5

Ashford & Simpson @ The Rrazz Room

Legendary R&B duo perform at the intimate cabaret. $47.50-$55. 8pm. Sun at 7pm. Thru Nov. 15. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. (866) 468-3399.

Beautiful Me @ Yerba Buena Arts Center

South African choreographer Geoffrey Maqoma, founder and Artistic Director of Johannesburg-based Vuyani Dance Theater, performs his acclaimed solo works. $20-$25. 8pm. Thru Nov. 7. 701 Mission st. 978-2787. www.ybca.org

Bisexual Support Group @ New Leaf

Weekly meetings. Free. 2pm. Hayes St. at Market. 626-7000.

California Academy of Sciences @ Golden Gate Park

Completely new science museum, with an aquarium, planetarium and natural history exhibits, and an all-green (eco-friendly) design. New evening parties each Thursday, with music, cash bar, entertainment, and guest lectures. $10. 18+. 6pm-10pm. Reg. $15-$25. 55 Music Concourse Drive. 379-8000. www.calacademy.org

Dykeotomy @ Center for Sex & Culture

Kimberly Dark's solo show about gender fluidity and sexual feminism. $12-$20. 8pm. Thru Nov. 8 (2pm). 1519 Mission St. at 11th. 255-1155. www.kinberlydark.com www.sexandculture.org

Jonathan Safran Foer @ Kanbar Hall

Author of Everything is Illuminated discusses his new book, Eating Animals. $10-$18. 8pm. Jewish Community Center, 3200 California St. at Presidio. 292-1233. www.jccsf.org

Out in the Bay @ KALW 91.7 FM

LGBT radio show. 7pm (right after NPR's Fresh Air). www.KALW.org www.OutInTheBay.com

SF Hiking Club @ Bernal Heights

Four-mile after-work hike to see Mission murals and the great view from the peak of Bernal Heights. Meet 5pm at the 24th St. Mission BART station. (510) 409-5832. www.sfhiking.com

South Asian Film Festival
@ Castro Theatre

Unique and independent films from India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Kashmir, Australia, Canada, Germany, UK and USA.$10. Thru Nov. 8. 429 Castro St. www.castrotheatre.com

Tings Dey Happen @ Marines Memorial Theatre

Dan Hoyle's fascinating solo show (premiered at The Marsh) about oil industry corruption in Nigeria returns in a different theatre. $25-$45. Thu-Sat 8pm Sun 2pm. (no show Nov. 19, 26; 9pm Nov. 7)Thru Nov. 29. 609 Sutter St. 2nd floor. 771-6900. www.marinesmemorialtheatre.com

Tranny Film Fest
@ Mama Calizo's Voice Factory

Opening night of the local transgender film festival, with live acts by Sean Dorsey, King TuffNStuff, Chan Fantastique, StormMiguel Florez, Shawna Virago and MC Fairy Butch. Films on other nights. $12. 8pm. Thru Nov. 7. 1519 Mission St. at 11th. www.freshmeatproductions.org

Transgender Law Center
Awards @ The Endup

Chaz Bono and others are honored at this event for trans rights, with performances by Tita Aida, Josh Klipp, Monistat, Lipstick Conspiracy and the Rice Rockettes. $50-$150. 6pm VIPs, 7pm main event. 401 6th St. at Harrison. www.transgenderlawcenter.org

Fri 6

Abby Denson @ Modern Times Bookstore

Author/creator of the queer comic Tough Love: High School Confidential discusses and signs copies of her latest, Dolltopia, about a world of punk Barbies and stripped-down Kens. 7pm, 888 Valencia St. Also Nov 7, 1pm, at A Different Light, 489 Castro St, Nov. 7, 6pm at Giant Robot, 618 Schrader St., and Nov. 8, 1pm, at the Cartoon Art Museum, 655 Mission St. All readings free. www.abbycomix.com/dolltopia

Aileen Clark @ Exit Cafe

How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Lost My Virginity, Clark's autobiographical solo show, treks to Alaska, Nicaragua, and into the realm of falling in love with a gay man. $20. Thu-Sat 8:30pm. Thru Nov. 21. 156 Eddy St. at Mason. (8000 838-3006. www.amp-sf.org

AmFAR Gala @ The Four Seasons

Martha Wash performs at the annual elegant fundraiser for the American Foundation for AIDS Research; Rex Lee of HBO's Entourage MCs. $250 and up. 6:30pm. 757 Market St. 402-0303. www.amfar.org

As It Is In Heaven
@ Live Oak Theatre, Berkeley

Actors Ensemble of Berkeley performs Arlene Hutton's unique drama about the women of the Shaker religion, with traditional music performed live. $12-$15. Fri-Sat 8pm. Thru Nov. 21. 1301 Shattuck Ave. at Berryman. (510) 649-5999. www.aeofberkeley.org

Axis Dance Company @ Malonga Arts Center, Oakland

Innovative dance company who commission guest choreographers to create works for their diverse ensemble of disabled and abled perfoemrs, premiere works by David Dorfman, Alex Ketley and poet Carol Snow. $10-$22. Fri Sat 8pm. Sun 2pm. 1428 Alice St. (510) 625-0110. www.axisdance.org

The Bald Soprano @ Exit Theater

Cutting Ball Theater company's production of Rob Melrose's translation of Eugene Ionesco's chaotic comedy of a dinner party gone awry. $15-$30. Thu-Sat 8pm. Sun 5pm. Thru Nov. 22. 277 Taylor St. (800) 838-3006. www.cuttingball.com

Beach Blanket Babylon @ Club Fugazi

Musical comedy revue, now in its 35th year, with ever-changing lineup of political and pop culture icons, all in gigantic wigs. $25-$80. Wed, Thu 8pm. Fri, Sat 6:30, 9:30pm. Sun 2pm, 5pm. (Beer/wine served; cash only). 678 Beach Blanket Babylon Blvd. 421-4222. www.beachblanketbabylon.com

Beautiful Thing
@ New Conservatory Theatre

Jonathan Harvey's sweet play about two British teens who fall in love. Previews thru Nov. 13. Opening night Nov. 14. $22-$40. Wed-Sat 8pm. Sun 2pm. Thru Jan. 3. 25 Van Ness Ave., lower level. 861-8972. www.nctcsf.org

Beloved: A Requiem for
Our Dead @ The Lab

Mangos With Chili presents a night of story, song, drag and performance works commemorating slain queer people of color, with Nalo Hopkinson, Charleston Chu, E. Rose Sims, SoliRose, Nico Dacumos, Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha, Ms. Cherry Galette; video by Storm Florez, Alexis Pauline Gumbs, Kortney Ryan Ziegler, Dulce Reyes, Nadia Abou-Karr. $12-$16. 8pm. Also Nov. 7. 2948 16th St. 864-8855. www.thelab.org

The Big Knife @ Oddball Films

Jack Palance, Ida Lupino and Shelly Winters star in director Robert Aldrich's (Whatever Happened To Baby Jane?) over the top noir melodrama penned by Clifford Odets about the dark side of Hollywood. $10. 8:30pm. 275 Capp St. 558-8117. www.oddballfilm.com

Cesar's Latin All Stars @ Metronome Dance Center

Weekly live music by the orchestra, with salsa, Latin and other dance instruction and open dancing for same-sex and opposite-sex couples. $8-$12. 9pm-2am. Also Saturdays. 1830 17th St. at DeHaro. 252-9000. www.metronomedancecenter.com

The Creature @ Thick House

Black Box Theatre Company's new production of Trevor Allen's (Working for the Mouse) adaptation of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, with Gabriel Marin and James Carpenter. $20-$30. Thu-Sat 8pm. Sun 7pm. Thru Nov. 7. 1695 18th st. at Arkansas. 401-8081. www.thickhouse.org

Cy Coleman Tribute @ San Mateo Performing Arts Center

Broadway up Close and Personal: a Tribute to Cy Coleman, with David Zippel, Michel Kerker, Donna McKechnie, Sharon Wikins, Judy Blazer and Jason Graae. $5-$48. Thu-Sat 8pm. Also Sat 2pm, Sun 1:30pmn & 5pm. Thru Nov. 8. 600 N. Delaware Ave. www.broadwaybythebay.org

Devo @ Regency Ballroom

Renowned robotic pop band whips it good. Reggie Watts opens. $40-$75. 9pm. Also Nov. 7. 1300 Van Ness Ave. at Sutter. www.clubdevo.com www.theregencyballroom.com

Fat Pig @ Aurora Theatre, Berkeley

Neil LaBute's dark comedy about body consciousness in America. Tom falls in love with a large woman, and his friends freak out. $15-$55. Tue 7pm. Wed-Sat 8pm. Sun 2pm, 7pm. Previews thru Nov. 4. Opens Nov. 5. Thru Dec. 6. 2081 Addison St. (510) 843-4822. www.auroratheatre.org

Goldfish @ The Magic Theatre

Heartbreaking comedy by John Kolvenbach, performed in repertory with its sequel, Mrs. Whitney. Various times, Thu-Sun. Thru Nov. 8. Building D, Fort Mason Center, Marina Blvd. at Buchanan. 441-8822. www.magictheatre.org

I Heart Hamas @ Off-Market Theater

Jennifer Jajeh's tragicomic autobiographical solo show about returning to her parent's hometown of Ramallah, Palestine at the start of the second Intifada. $20. Thu & Sat 8pm. Thru Nov. 21. 965 Mission St. at 5th. www.ihearthamas.com

Kitka @ St. Gregory of
Nyssa Episcopal Church

Acclaimed local women's vocal ensemble performs tradiional ethnic music. $15-$20. 8pm. 500 De Haro St. Also Nov. 7, 8pm, at St. Vartan's Armenian Apostolic Church. $20-$25. 650 Spruce St, Oakland. (510) 444-0302. www.kitka.org

The Little Dog Laughed @ New Conservatory Theatre

Douglas Carter Beane's Tony Award-nominated comedy about a gay actor who falls for a rent boy while his crafty agent wants to keep him closeted. $22-$40. Thru Nov. 8. Thu-Sat 8pm. Sun 2pm. 25 Van Ness Ave. at Market, lower level. 861-8972. www.nctcsf.org

Love's Labour's Lost
@ Zellerbach Hall, Berkeley

Cal Performances presents Shakespeare's Globe Theatre's touring production of The Bard's classic romantic comedy. $48-$90. Wed-Sat 8pm. Also Sat 2pm, Sun 3pm. Thru Nov. 8. Bancroft Way at Telegraph Ave. (510) 642-9988. www.calperformances.org

Lt. Dan Choi @ UCSF

Iraq War veteran who came out and now faces discharge from the Army discusses his situation in context of Don't Ask, Don't Tell. Free. 12pm-1pm. Health Sciences Bldg, West 300, 513 Parnassus Ave. 502-5593. www.lgbt.ucsf.edu

Midnites for Maniacs @ Castro Theatre

Hetero serial killers and other freaks played by a bevy of popular actors: True Romance (7pm), Natural Born Killers (9:30) and The Doom Generation (12am). $10. 429 Castro St. www.castrotheatre.com

November @ American
Conservatory Theatre

David Mamet's farce about a corrupt president, wily lobbyists, and a naive lesbian speech writer, who all wrangle over pardoning a turkey. $10-$82. Tue-Sat 8pm. Sat, Sun 2pm. Thru Nov. 22. 415 Geary St. 749-2228. www.act-sf.org

Not a Genuine Black Man @ Off Market Theater

Brian Copeland's lengthy run of his solo show continues. $25. 8pm. Sat 5pm. Thru Nov. 21. 965 Mission St. at 5th. (800) 838-3006. www.briancopeland.com

Pearls Over Shanghai @ The Hypnodrome

Thrillpeddlers' revival of the comic mock operetta by Link Martin and Richard Koldewyn, performed by the gender-bending Cockettes decades ago, and loosely based on the 1926 play The Shanghai Gesture. Original Cockette Rumi Missabu reprises his role as the evil Madame Gin Sling. Katya Smirnoff-Skyy and Leanne Borghesi will alternate in the role of Petrushka, first created by disco diva Sylvester. $30-$69. 8pm. Extended, Fri & Sat thru Jan 1. Also, The Torture Garden and The Phantom Limb, strange stuff from the Grand Guignol era. $25 (regular seats) $69 (shock box seats or Turkish Lounge). Thru Nov. 20. 575 10th. (800) 838-3006. www.thrillpeddlers.com

Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? @ Actors Theatre

Local production of Edward Albee's classic drama about a booze-fueled fight between unhappy academics. $14-$40. Thu-Sat 8pm. 855 Bush st. 345-1287. www.actorstheatresf.org

The Who's Tommy @ Victoria Theatre

Ray of Light Theatre's production of Pete Townshend's classic rock opera about a boy turned blind, deaf and dumb who later become a pinball deity. $25-$36. 8pm. Thu-Sat 8pm. Sat & Sun 2pm. (Oct. 31 costume contest). Thru Nov. 7. 2961 16th St. at Mission. www.tommysf.com

Zombie Town @ Exit Theatre

Tim Bauer's satirical mockumentary about a small texas town that (barely) survived a recent zombie attack. $14-$20. Fri & Sat thru Nov. 7. 156 Eddy St. 913-7272. www.sleepwalkerstheatre.com

Sat 7

American Idiot @ Berkeley Repertory

Energetic rock opera based on the recent bestselling Grammy Award-winning Green Day album. $16-$86. Tue, Thu-Sat 8pm. Wed & Sun 7pm. Sat & Sun 2pm. Extended thru Nov. 15. Roda Theatre, 2015 Addison St. at Shattuck. (510) 647-2949. www.berkeleyrep.org

Barbershop Readings @ Joe's Barbershop

Shanti Sekaran (The Prayer Room), singer Joshua Klipp, and Rob Rosen (Divas Las Vegas) read and perform at the popular new monthly literary/music event. 8pm. $5 includes drinks and snacks. 2150 Market St. at Church. www.joesbarbershop.com

Bearracuda @ Deco Lounge

Special "underbear" and "pup" themed night for bears and their canine skivvy-clad pals. $8. 9pm-3am. 510 Larkin St. at Turk. www.bearracuda.com

California Dreaming @ Hotel Whitcomb

The largest same-sex dance festival in the country waltzes and foxtrots its way into San Francisco for a third year. $10-$40. Prelims through the day. Standard and Latin finals 8pm. Exhibition show with a special "saloon" theme at 9:30pm, with So You Think You Can Dance performers Mitch & Misha. Open dancing 10:30pm-12am. Market St. at 8th. 204-7879. Welcome party Fri, Nov. 6, 7pm-10pm $10 and a workshop with dance champions Sun., Nov. 8 at Vima Dance Studio, 560 3rd St. at Bryant. 977-0203. www.californiadreamingdancesport.com

Fauxnique @ ODC Dance Commons

The fabulous Monique Jenkinson performs Luxury Items, a solo dance-performance-theatre extravaganza about Coco Chanel, handbags and other glamorous, useless, extravagant stuff. There will be vogueing. $15-$18. 8pm. Also Nov. 8 at 7pm. 351 Shotwell St. www.fauxnique.net www.odctheater.org

Jack Curtis Dubowsky Ensemble @ Trinity Chapel, Berkeley

Contemporary electro-acoustic multimedia performance. $8-$12. 8pm. 2320 Dana St. (510) 549-3864. www.trinitychamberconcerts.com

Loveland @ The Marsh

Ann Randolph's multiple-character solo show about flying home to the midwest from LA. $15-$35. Thu 8pm, Sat 5pm. Thru Nov. 14. 1074 Valencia St. at 21st. (800) 838-3006. www.themarsh.org

Mighty Slim Pickens,
Meat Sluts, Aquamen @ El Rio

Queer rockabilly punk, lesbian hardcore, and Dean Martin meets AstroBoy; three uniquely toe-tapping bands. $7. 9pm. 21+. 3158 Mission St. at Cesar Chavez. 282-3325. www.myspace.com/themeatsluts www.myspace.com/theaquamen www.elriosf.com

Out of This World
@ California Museum, Sacramento

Exhibit of costumes from popular science fiction and adventure films; Star Wars, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Batman, The Wizard of Oz, original Star Trek, etc. $6-$8.50. Thru Jan. 10. 1020 O St. (916) 653-7524. www.californiamuseum.org

Pastor Tom Show @ KUSF

Dr. Tom Polcari's LGBT music and talk show. 4pm. Weekly on 90.3 FM.

Pulp Scripture @ Off Market Theatre

A Fringe Festival hit, William Bivin's naughty play takes on the steamy stories in the Old Testament, produced by Original Sin Productions and Piano Fight. $20. Sat 10:30pm, Sun 4pm. Thru Dec. 20. 965 Mission St. www.originalsinproductions.com

Rabbi Sam @ The Marsh

Charlie Varon's solo show about Sam Isaac, an ambitious rabbi; music by Bruce Barth. $20-$25. Sat 8pm. Sun 7pm. 1062 Valencia St. at 22nd. (800) 838-3006. Thru Nov. 22. www.themarsh.org

Ritual @ Femina Potens

Opening reception for an exhibit of human bodily rituals turned into art by Jeeti, Shelley Monahan, and Daisy Eneix. Discussion panel for members, 6pm. Opening 7:30pm. 2199 Market St. at Sanchez. www.feminapotens.org

Rob Anderson @ Ohlone College, Fremont

Artist's reception at his exhibit of unusual anatomical drawings; Anderson is also the designer of the iconic 1982 "Gay Olympic Games" poster. Free. 7pm. Exhibit thru Feb 6. Gary Soren Smith Center, 43600 Mission Blvd. (510) 659-6176. www2.ohlone.edu

Star Trek: The Exhibition
@ Tech Museum, San Jose

Exhibit of costumes, props, set recreations and more from all five Star Trek TV series and 11 feature films. Flight simulator extra. (408) 294-TECH (8324) www.thetech.org

Teatro Zinzanni @ Pier 29

Under the Gypsy Moon is the new show at the theatre-tent-dinner extravaganza with new guest chanteuse Duffy Bishop, comic Geoff Hoyle, and music, magic, comedy, aerial acts, a five-course dinner, and a lot of fun. $117-$195. Wed-Sat 7pm (Sun 6pm). Pier 29 at Embarcadero Ave. 438-2668. www.teatrozinzanni.com

Tiny Kushner @ Berkeley Repertory

Five short politically-themed plays about Nixon's shrink, tax cheats and Laura Bush, penned by Tony Kushner, the eloquent, Pulitzer Prize-winning (Angels in America) gay playwright. $27-$71. Tues-Sat 8pm. Sat also 2pm. Sun 2pm, 7pm. Thru Nov. 29. Thrust Stage, 2025 Addison St. (510) 647-2949. www.berkeleyrep.org

Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs @ de Young Museum

Fascinating new exhibit of ancient Egyptian artifacts from the famous empire, set in a unique maze-like series of galleries. $16.50-$27.50. Also, Yua, Spirit of the Arctic: Eskimo and Inuit Art from the Collection of Thomas G. Fowler; nearly 100 objects from approximately 500 B.C. to the contemporary era, with snow goggles, kayak models, cribbage boards, animal carvings, dolls, and stone sculptures in a variety of materials. Daily 9am-9pm. Thru March 2010. Golden Gate Park, 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive (877) 888-8587. www.deyoungmuseum.org

Very Postmortem: Mummies
and Medicine @ Legion of Honor

New exhibit of ancient Egyptian artifacts using high-tech 3D scanning, so you can get an inside look at the 2500-year-old mummies. Free-$10. Tue-Sun 9:30am-5:15pm. Lincoln Park, 34th Ave. at Clement. www.legionofhonor.org

Wicked @ Orpheum Theatre

Mega-hit musical –based on the book about the two famous Oz witches as young college roommates– returns to SF. $30-$99. Tue-Sat 8pm. Wed, Sat, Sun 2pm. Sun 7:30pm. Open run. 1192 Market St. at 8th. 512-7770. www.shnsf.com Also, Behind the Emerald Curtain, a behind-the-scenes tour led by cast members Nicolas Drummard and Jonathan Ritter, each Saturday at 10am at the Orpheum Theatre, 1192 Market St. at 8th. $30. 512- 7770. www.emeraldcurtain.com

Sun 8

Bijou @ Martuni's

Newbies night showcases cabaret performances by Owen Smithyman, Chastity Belle, Anjie Myma, Chuck Wood and Joan Cerqueiro. Trauama Flintstone MCs and accompanies. $5. 4 Valencia St. at Market. 241-0205. www.dragatmartunis.com

Community Women's Orchestra
@ Lake Merritt United Methodist Church

25th anniversary concert, with Dr. Betty Sullivan narrating the kid-friendly program; Orchestral Suite for All Ages by Martha Stoddard, Rumplestiltskin by June Bonacich. $10, kids under 12 free. 4:30pm. 1330 Lakeshore Ave., Oakland. www.communitywomensorchestra.org

Five O'Clock Jive @ Live Art Gallery

Swing dancing for same-sex partners and pals. $5. 5pm-8pm. Also, lessons and dancing other nights; Monday Salsa, Tuesdays Charleston, Wednesdays Lindy Hop, Thursdays Ballroom: $35 for a series of lessons/$10 drop-in). 151 Potrero Ave. www.QueerJitterbugs.com

Happy Hour @ Energy Talk Radio

New interview show with gay writer Adam Sandel as host. 8pm. www.EnergyTalkRadio.com

John Baldessari @ Legion of Honor

Print retrospective of works by the post-modern painter. Lincoln Park. www.famsf.org

Otello @ War Memorial Opera House

San Francisco Opera's production of Verdi's opera based on Shakespeare's tragedy. $20-$250. 2pm. Also Nov 13, 17, 21 at 8pm; Nov. 25 & Dec. 2, 7:30pm. Nov. 29, 2pm. 301 Van Ness Ave. 864-3330. www.sfopera.com

Richard Avedon @ SF Museum of Modern Art

Retrospective of more than 200 images of celebrities, models and cowboys taken by the famed 20th-century photographer. Thru Nov. Nice variety of Modern art in the permanent gallery. Free-$15. Thu-Tue 10am-5:30pm. 151 Third St. at Mission. 357-4000. www.sfmoma.org

Sunday's a Drag @ Starlight Room

Donna Sachet and Harry Denton host the weekly fabulous brunch and drag show. $30. 11am, show at noon; 1:30pm, show at 2:30pm. 450 Powell St. in Union Square. 395-8595. www.harrydenton.com

Mon 9

Comedy Night @ El Rio

Multicultural gay-frinedly comedy with Tissa Hami, Danny Dechi, Reannie Roads, Rick Romero, Marty Grimes and MC Lisa Geduldig, $7-$20. 7:30pm. 3158 Mission St. at Precita. (800) 838-3006. www.koshercomedy.com www.elriosf.com

Lesbian Travel Writers
@ A Different Light

Lucy Jane Bledsoe, Jane Churchon and Gillian Kendall, contributors to the new anthology Something to Declare: Good Lesbian Travel Writing, share their adventurous globe-trekking stories. Free. 7:30pm. 489 Castro St. 431-0891. www.adleventscastro.blogspot.com

Ten Percent @ Comcast 104

David Perry's new talk show about LGBT local issues. This week, Meredith Fenton, Program Director for COLAGE, and Tim Patriarca, Executive Director of Maitri Hospice. 11:30am & 8pm. Mon-Thu. www.davidperry.com

Positively Touching @ The Rrazz Room

Sean Ray and other accomplished Broadway and cabaret singers perform at the fifth annual fundraiser, this year for Positive Being, an HIV assistance nonprofit. Out in the Bay host Eric Jansen MCs. $45-$50. 8pm. Nikko hotel, 222 Mason st. www.postoivebeing.org www.TheRrazzRoom.com

Victor Arimondi @ SF Public Library

A Compassionate Eye: the Work of Victor Arimondi, an exhibit of photos by the prolific late gay Italian photographer. Hormel Center, 100 Larkin St. www.victorarimondi.net www.sfpl.org

Tue 10

Bollywood Beats @ Lake
Merritt Dance Center, Oakland

Weekly beginners lessons in Bollywood dancing, in an LGBT-friendly class. $15/drop-in - $80/month, with performance opportunities. 7pm-9pm. 200 Grand Ave. upstairs. www.rokenoirproductions.com

Buddhist Meditation Classes
@ Kadampa Buddhist Temple

Tessa Logan teaches drop-in meditation classes. $10. 7-8:45pm. 3324 17th St. 503-1187. www.meditationinnortherncalifornia.org

David Faulk @ Visual Aid

Exhibit of amusing paintings by the local artist. Free. Thru Dec. 15. 116 New Montgomery St. #640. www.visualaid.org

David Smith @ Given

Little Tragedies, an exhibit of Smith's creepy-comic portraits of Marie Antoinette and others; at the new gift shop, and formerly Harvey Milk's camera shop. Thru Nov. 30. 575 Castro St. 865-0353. www.givenonline.com

The Drag Show @ Channel 29/76

New weekly talk show with local drag performers; Zachary Davenport and Stu Smith cohost. Free (with cable). 7:30pm.

Funny Tuesdays @ Harvey's

Ronn Vigh and Nick Leonard host the weekly LGBT and gay-friendly comedy night. Free. One-drink minimum. 9pm. 500 Castro St. at 18th. 431-HARV. www.harveyssf.com

Heidi McDowell @ Bioscrip Pharmacy

Exhibit of urban landscape paintings. Thru Dec. 15. 2262 Market St. www.visualaid.org

Jeeti Singh @ Center for Sex & Culture

Exhibit of paintings and other art depicting large Asian women, questioning depictions of female body types. Thru Dec. 12. 1519 Mission St. at 11th. 255-1155. www.sexandculture.org

Marsha Weisbrot @ Mom's Pharmacy

Exhibit of collages. Thru Dec. 15. 4071 18th St. www.visualaid.org

Punk Passage @ SF Public Library

New exhibit, San Francisco First Wave Punk 1977-1981 , 45 photographs by Ruby Ray documenting the Bay Area punk music scene; flyers, posters and other items on display, too. Free. Thru Dec. 6. Jewitt Gallery. 100 Larkin St. 557-4400. www.sfpl.org

Shanti 35th Anniversary @ Hotel Kabuki

AIDS nonprofit celebrates three and a half decades; cocktails, dinner, live jazz music and a silent auction. $10 and up. 6pm. 1625 Post St. www.shanti.org

Surviving the Flu Epidemic @ LGBT Center

Community forum on H1N1 virus, flu inoculations and related topics, with doctors Marcus A. Conant, Lawrence Drew, and Jay Lalezari. 6:30pm. 1800 Market St. at Octavia. www.sfcenter.org

Travis Schlatt @ John Pence Gallery

Exhibit of classic realist oil portraits and landscapes. Mon-Fri 10am-6pm. Sat til 5pm. Thru Nov. 14. 750 Post St. 441-1138. www.johnpence.com www.theregencyballroom.com

Van Darkholme, Christine
Kessler @ Mister/Madame S

Dual exhibit of male and female models in bondage at the SM/bondage/kink toy shop.11am-7pm. 385 8th St. www.mr-s-leather.com www.madame-s.com www.fpedge.com

Yoga Classes @ LGBT Center

Fun, friendly weekly classes for beginners or experienced with Bill Mohler. $10. 6:30pm. Also Wednesdays. Room 302, 1800 Market St. at Octavia. www.billmohleryoga.com www.sfcenter.org

Wed 11

Aiden Shaw @ A Different Light

British gay adult film superstar and author of several books reads from and discusses his latest, Sordid Truths, about his rise to porn fame. Free. 7:30pm. 489 Castro St. 431-0891. www.adleventscastro.blogspot.com

Al Pacino Films @ Castro Theatre

Mini-fest of the actor's best 70s films. Serpico (2:15, 7pm), The Panic in Needle Park (4:45, 9:30pm). Nov. 12, Dog Day afternoon (2:20, 7pm), Scarecrow (4:45, 9:25). Nov. 13, The Godfather (5:30), and Part Ii (8:45). $8-$10. 429 Castro St. 621-6120. www.castrotheatre.com

Contemporary Brazilian Art
@ Yerba Buena Arts Center

When Lives Become Form: Contemporary Brazilian Art, 1960s to the Present, a new exhibit about modern Brazilian art, focusing on design and 1960s Tropicalia, Thu, Fri 2pm-8pm. Sat 12pm-8pm, Sun 12pm-6pm. Free First Tuesdays of the month, 12pm-8pm. thru Jan. 31. 701 Mission St. www.ybca.org

Depth & Distance III @ LGBT Center

Out of the Closet and On the Wall , a group exhibit of art by seniors and disabled clients at New Leaf. 1800 Market St. at Octavia. www.sfcenter.org

Gay Skate @ Redwood Roller Rink

The weekly GLBT roller-skating night is worth the drive. $7. 8pm-10pm. 1303 Main St. Redwood City. (650) 574-8148. www.myspace.com/gayrainbowskate

Lightning, Lava and Bombs @ Rayko Photo Center

Prints of local and global devastation made stunningly beautiful by Ben Nixon, Hendrik Paul, and Susan Seubert. Thru Nov. 1. 428 Third St. Tue-Thu 10am-10pm. Fri-Sun 10am-8pm. 495 3773. www.raykophoto.com

There's a Mystery There:
Sendak on Sendak @ Contemporary Jewish Museum

Largest exhibit of watercolors, drawing rare sketches and other works by Maurice Sendak, creator of the popular books Where the Wild Things Are. See the personal "other story" behind the creatures. Special events throughout the exhibit run. $5-$10 (18-under free). Thu-Tue 11am-5pm. Thu 1pm-8pm. Thru Jan. 19, 2010. 655-7800. 736 Mission St. at 3rd. www.thecjm.org

Thu 12

An Autobiography of the
San Francisco Bay Area @ SF Camerawork

Group exhibit of work, including prominent photographers Annie Liebowitz, Mary Ellen Mark and Dan Nicoletta, visualizing the stories about the Bay Area that became famous (Harvey Milk, the Oakland fires) or almost mythical (Patty Hearst kidnapping). $3. Tue-Sat 12pm-5pm. Thru Oct. 31. 657 Mission St. 2nd. floor. 512-2020. www.sfcamerawork.org

Drew Banks @ Books Inc.

Author of the unusual book Ere I Saw Elba reads from and discusses his writing. Free. 7:30pm. 2275 Market St. at 16th. 864-6777. www.booksinc.net

DV8 Physical Theatre @ Yerba Buena Arts Center

Amazing male dance-performance group from London performs To Be Straight With You, Lloyd Newson's searing look at intolerance, religion and homosexuality in the UK $13.50-$34. 8pm. thru Nov. 14. The Forum, 700 Howard St. Also, see two dance films by the company, Nov. 8, 2pm. 978-2787. www.dv8.co.uk www.ybca.org

Electric Six, The Gay Blades @ The Independent

Two wild rocking bands, one known for the hilarious song, "Gay Bar," although they're not gay, the other, a sarcastic duo who aren't gay, either, but should be. Also, Millions of Brazilians, who aren't Brazilian. $16. 21+. 8pm. 628 Divisadero St. 771-1420. www.electricsix.com www.myspace.com/gayblades www.independentsf.com

GGBA 35th @ Hard Rock Cafe

Golden Gate Business Association (LGBT chamber of commerce) celebrates three and a half decades, with food, drinks, Marga Gomez, Emoliy Coles Dance, DJ Pam Hubbock. $35-$45. 8pm-12am. 21+ RSVP. Pier 39. www.ggba.com

Mark I. Chester @ Mark I. Chester Studio

Local photographer of kink and leather communities gives a slide show talk and historical overview of his historic sexual portraiture. Free/donations. 7:30pm. 1229 Folsom St. 621-6294. www.markichester.com

Out in the Bay @ KALW 91.7 FM

LGBT radio show, this week, Eric Jansen interviews Judy Shepard, author of The Meaning of Matthew: My Son's Murder in Laramie and A World Transformed. 7pm (right after NPR's Fresh Air). www.KALW.org www.OutInTheBay.com

Queer Ballroom @ Live Art Gallery

New weekly beginers dance classes. $10-$35 (for series). Also Nov. 19. 8pm. 151 Potrero Ave. 305-8242. www.QueerBallroom.com

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Deadline is each Thursday, a week before publication.