Here’s a quick look at the top stories buzzing around GayCities this week:

* Gay Mardi Gras in Sydney comes to a sweaty close this weekend. Ideally, your all-night partying with George Michael kept you awake and safe from those inevitable Amanda Lepore nightmares.

* Meet Miss Gay America Coco Montrese, crowned earlier this week at the Grey Fox Pub in St. Louis. Let’s hope she doesn’t dream of becoming a nurse in Florida in 40 years.

* Popular Sacramento video bar Faces loses a regular–conservatives gain a hypocrite.

* Winter Party in Miami and Winter Pride in Whistler rev up for the main events this weekend. Are you going?

* Winners announced in GayCities Kiss Photo Challenge. Your heart will flutter when you read the story behind the winning shot.

(Photo by Brett Costello)