With platinum blonde hair, electro pop gems and raunchy stage shows, it’s no surprise that September has become a solidified gay icon in both Europe and in the States. And we’re a little jealous that she can make guys take their shirts off with nothing more than a song.

The Stockholm-based singer burst onto the scene with “Satellites,” which quickly became a staple in European gay clubs. With its powerful vocals and state-of-the-art production, “Cry for Me,” became a huge hit in the U.S.

September is scheduled to perform at San Francisco’s renovated The Café this Saturday, November 14. GayCities editor Oscar Raymundo caught up with the pop diva to ask about her favorite gay venues, and what she thinks about her gays by the Bay.

Oscar: You were born in Stockholm, Sweden–what can you tell us about the gay scene there?

September: It’s big, especially during the Eurovision contest. The gay clubs were actually the first clubs that let me in when I was too young to party. Nice memories…

O: Let’s say we’re talking to a cute Swedish boy, can you gives us some hints on sealing the deal?

S: Hehe… Just say hej vill du ha mig in Swedish (Translation:”Hello–take me!”)

O: And if we’re ever in Stockholm, where do you suggest we go to get our groove on?

S: We don’t have that many clubs to choose from, but I would go to Lino or Patricia.

O: Did you ever think your career would lead you to be a gay icon?

S: I never thought about that. I just do what feels good. But now I wouldn’t stand it without my gay fans! You all are a lovely audience and always appreciate my creative ideas! I’m very lucky 

O: Do you think it has something to do with the platinum hair?

S: Swedish and blonde…Well I hope that’s not all of it, because I just shaved my hair off hehe! Most of it anyways…

O: Your music sometimes makes gay guys take their shirts off at clubs. Why do you think that is?

S: Cause people wanna dance and show love…

O: Have you noticed any differences between your European gay fans and American gay fans?

S: Americans are much louder.

O:  What about differences performing for gay audiences vs. straight audiences?

S: It’s a big difference–you are much wilder than my straight shows!

O: Have you ever been to San Francisco? If so, what do you remember from your last visit?

S: Yeah. My first trip to the US was in ‘07. I did the Energy Anniversary Blast. Loved it! So beautiful and the cafes and the seafood mmm..

O: We heard you put on quite the raunchy show in London earlier this year. You know, we’re known in San Francisco for embracing the raunchy. What can we expect from your appearance at The Cafe?

S: A piece of glitter!

O: With any luck, it will fall on me… Ever since ABBA, Sweden has been generating great pulsating pop and electro music, what’s up with that? You guys must have more electrolytes in your water…

S: We love sitting inside with our computers, I guess that’s why…Glad something nice comes with the bad weather.

O: Do you have a favorite month of the year?

S: October!!!

Tickets for September’s show at The Café are available in advance for $10 through their website, TheCafeSF.com, $15 at the door. Check out these pics of The Cafe’s new space, and if you’re catching the show be sure to check out our complete guide to gay San Francisco.

More GayCities SF

Up Your Alley, the deviant younger sibling of the Folsom Street Fair, dominated four city blocks in San Francisco’s SOMA neighborhood on Sunday for a day of debauchery in the sun. Subs, doms, bears, leather daddies, exhibitionists and spectators – you name it, they were there. Some said stricter enforcement restricting “lewd behavior” put a damper on the goings-on. But that didn’t stop the crowds from having the time of their life (aren’t rules made to be broken?).

These officers didn’t seem to be enforcing the new behavior guidelines. Go figure…

There was no limit to what party-goers wore (or didn’t wear).

Some ran extra far with the “pig” idea.

Naked twister anyone?

The event was also a chance to demo the latest in bondage gear, though we’re still trying to figure the above item out…

What’s an afternoon in the sun without getting chained up and whipped?

Photos by Dan Tracer

The Cafe (re)opened its doors after months of renovations. Expectations were high last Friday night for the Castro staple to deliver a stunning new space, especially since the previous night’s planned opening was called off by the SF Fire Department. The club is an important venue, both because it draws a young hip crowd from around the area and because of its prime location on Market Street, half a block from Castro Street.

The verdict was generally positive. The space was opened up considerably, allowing for a much better flow. Some complained that the decor was rather plain, lacking the New York cool-factor of Trigger, which opened recently across the street in the space of what was once the Detour. The biggest change (pictured below) is the removal of the awkward center column that divided the main bar space and corralled the dance floor into an often uncomfortable and cramped clump of tangled bodies.

The flow of space is fluid now–dancers seamlessly integrated with those standing & socializing over drinks. Elbows did not send Cosmos flying. Other changes include installing a retractable glass roof over the patio in case of rain and downsizing the number of pool tables to one. The great balcony overlooking the intersection of Market and Castro remains. The upper bar area (pictured below) now has a more comfortable feel, and leads into a back lounge that was sparsely populated throughout the night.

The nicest part of the night was knowing that Friday’s BoyBar is back to stay. The weekly event attracts San Francisco’s party guys to one massive mingle-fest –a breath of fresh air, quite literally, given the plethora of cramped, packed bars that populate the Castro scene. Naturally, the boys were out in droves.

Some San Francisco locals enjoy the new space.

Local DJ Lee Decker (right) engages in a serious stare-off.

Travelers from Los Angeles take advantage of the opportune timing of their visit by checking out the opening.

With its long, sleek white marble bar, colorful cocktails and quirky menu (mini burgers and fish tacos anyone?), Lime is a popular Castro standout. And now some people in unusual places are noticing, including San Francisco Giants‘ all-star pitcher Matt Cain. In an interview with the San Francisco Chronicle, Cain is said to frequent the gay hangout. But don’t get too excited, boys: The 6′3” power hurler is usually accompanied by his fiance, Chelsea Williams, pictured above with Cain and their dogs in Noe Valley.

Williams and Cain, who hail from rural Alabama, have purchased a multimillion dollar home atop the hills of Noe, known for an abundance of same-sex couples raising kids, situated just blocks from the Castro. Some will surely see this as more evidence of the gentrification and de-gaying of traditionally gay ‘hoods. In truth Cain is one only two members of the Giants to own homes in San Francisco, and it would be a victory for diversity if professional sports stars, who traditionally have eschewed the urban areas where the teams play, see how great life is in the communities we have created and want a piece of it too.

Matt Cain by Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle

Lime bar

This is the first of several Q & As with athletes competing in World OutGames, July 24 to August 2 in Copenhagen

Name: Kien Tran

Home: Castro, San Francisco

Hails from: Michigan

Relationship Status: Single 

Favorite City: San Francisco

Spotted on a typical SF Friday night: Moby Dick bar shooting pool

Sports: Softball, track & field-training for 100, 200, 400 and 800 M at the World OutGames
 
So Kien, those races are grueling. What’s your workout regimen? 
 
I have a weight trainer and a long distance running coach. But I am more of a sprinter–and sometimes marathoner. We do 8 x 200 meter repeats with one minute rest in between. By the time we’re done, I feel like I’m gonna puke.

What’s your goal this year in Copenhagen?

My goal is to have fun–and not get hurt first and foremost. [laughs] I’m doing six races and shooting for five metals in the 30-34 age group.

Tell us about your injuries at GayGames Chicago
 
I pulled a hamstring in softball tournament that spring and did physical therapy for, like, six weeks straight and then I pull the same hamstring at the Sacramentao track meet a week prior to Chicago. In Chicago, I did ok in the 400 M in the simifinal but in the 100 pulled the same hamstring. I tried to run the 100 final the next day but wasn’t able to finish despite all the vicodin and Ibuprofen. I had done the pole vault really well at Thomas Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I thought I’d take it up again. After the hamstring pull, I figured I’d give it a shot anyway. Boy, was that a mistake! I got three-quarters the way up but couldn’t get enough momentum to go over the bar because of my weak hamstring. On the way down the pole bend, I let go and got knocked in the forehead. I needed ten stitches. Bloody mess. When I came back I had a bloody white bandana around my forhead, and the track official came up and said: “You can’t compete any more!” I told her the doctor said it was okay, could give her a note, and that I was doing this at my own risk. I ran the 100 meters and crashed about ten meters before the finish line. I literally skidded to the finish line, but I finished–last. [laughs] Finally, a friend came up and told me he was taking my shoes away. I said I guess that’s fair. This isn’t working. I spent the rest of the games limping around Chicago with a huge bandage, getting sympathy from cute athletes.

What make you so driven?

Regardless of my sexuality, I’m an athlete. I’ve always trained hard, and athletes train to compete.

Even in gay sports, which at times can be more fun than competitive?

Well, back in high school and college I couldn’t really be myself. When I came out my freshman year in college–a Catholic college remember–it was a little lonely experience. No one was hostile or mean, there was no gay bashing, but just a lot of discomfort. I never felt part of the pack. I would run either in front, setting the pace, or behind. Or I’d train on my own.

That took guts–to come out at that time and place

Well, I told my parents first, and when they completely accepted me I didn’t really care that much if anyone else did. My mother never could understand why some families disown their own kids. To her my coming out just contributed to love and understanding.

You have a big family

Yeah, I’m one of ten. So to speak.

You’re the only one?

All I can say is yes… for now [laughs]

So gay sports were a way to compete post college?
 
One week after graduation I was in SF. [laughs] Actually, I was on way to peace corps, but i got stuck here, and accepted a job. I’d knew about the Sydney games then but couldn’t afford it, so I joined Frontrunners, which was really great, and then later started playing in the softball league. Sports are just so much fun again. You know when you are a young kid, and innocent, and you can do whatever you want because everyone is completely non-judgmental? No one cares how you throw the ball or what you say. Well that’s what it feels now to compete in the gay leagues. Nobody puts you down; they lift you up.
 
How do take your training regimen to Copenhagen when you have such a long flight and will surely arrive jet lagged?
 
Whenever I land in a new city, the first thing I do is lace up my running shoes, put a $20 bill in my sock, and head out for a five mile run. That’s where I start checking out the bars, cafes, parks, and so forth and get my bearings. No matter how tired I am from the flight, I go–then I know where I am. When I’m done I grab the $20 and get a meal. One time, a long time ago, I lost the $20 [laughs], and couldn’t get anything to eat. I also find a local Vietnamese place to eat and meet the people running it. I’ve already found one–and I know because of the common language they will give me the lowdown. There is one place called Le Le and I am looking forward to eating there.

Do you go out at night during tournaments or competitions?

I socialize on the field, and then maybe go out for a drink with new people I meet. It’s an amazing way to make new friends, people are very open, and they have nothing to lose so inhibitions tend to go down. The first thing I do is find a pool bar, and then some cool gay beaches, of which there are many in Copenhagen.

What about hooking up?

If I meet one special person to hang out with, that’s cool but it’s not necessary to enjoy the time at all. 
 

Say you make new friends in Copenhagen, and they plan a trip to visit you in SF. Where would you take them?

Delores park on a sunny day with the beautiful view, with beautiful men tanning and fanning. [laughs] Grab coffee at Cafe Flore. There’s better coffee in the city, but the people watching in that location is incredible. I’d take out a week pass at Gold’s Gym across the street from Flore. I’d take them to Moby’s for pool. It’s a friendly neighbhourhood bar that’s a great place to grab a drink with friends–then maybe we’d end up dancing at Badlands or Trigger. The new Cafe might be good too. For dinner I’d take them to Cote Sud, Thai Chef, or Thai House Express. I also like Home and Chow farther down on Market Street in the Castro. Check out Books, Inc., on Market and eat in the same little mall, Sushi Time, a hidden gem.

You live in the middle of the Castro. Do you think it’s a friendly place?

People tend to be a little protective. Many people don’t really know how to interact. It’s that whole thing where they think that if you are talking to them you are trying to pick them up–or that if they are friendly to you, you will think the same. You have to break through that if you are a visitor, but it can be done for sure. Once you have, there is nothing more popular than a visitor to the Castro. [laughs] I love running into to friends, at the gym, on the street, in a bar, wherever. Seems like it happens every block or so. 

Where do you run?

I go straight up Twin Peaks behind the Castro. It’s a little over a mile, and you are rewarded with an incredible view. If you run just as the sun sets, it’s like ascending to heaven. You can watch the sun compete with the fog over the city.

Heading to Outgames or already there? Submit your hot shots of athletes to the  GayCities summer photo challenge, and win cool prizes!

With news of California’s new policy putting a fig leaf on nude beach sunbathing, we at GayCities think it’s high time to point you toward these clothing-optional havens – while they still exist. Here’s the run-down on getting naked with your fellow man (and woman):

1. Baker Beach – San Francisco

Nude enthusiasts, don’t despair – because the very popular (and gay) Baker Beach is on federal land, the state has no jurisdiction over beach-goer’s trunks (or lack thereof). So head over to this gay haven, but make sure it’s a sunny day or the sights will be limited by the thick coat of fog that often descends over the San Francisco coast.

2. Gray Whale Cove – Pacifica

Not particularly gay, and a possible danger zone for the new policy. However, a much safer spot to dip into the water than Baker.

3. Red Rock (Stinson Beach) – Mount Tamalpias

It’s hard to imagine that visitors to Red Rock will put swim suits on any time soon. Though it does fall under CA enforcement, this beach has two factors on its side: a semi-remote location makes it an unlikely conflict zone, and a hippy contingency (ever tried to force one to cover up?).

4. San Onofre State Beach – Orange County

Already a hotbed of legal issues over nudity, this beach is likely to feel the clamp-down. That being said, Onofre has some very dedicated nudists who won’t robe easily.

5. Black’s Beach – San Diego

Largely left out of the debate is this San Diego gem. Though it is part of Torrey Pines State Beach and thus subject to enforcement, the beach is kept hidden by its access point (a dangerous hike not for the faint of heart) and spectacular cliffs.

Photo submitted by GayCities member erdalito in the July Summer Vacation Photo Challenge

Pool Party @ The Circuit Festival – August 4th – Barcelona

The Circuit Festival in Barcelona is an entire week of unabashed letting loose. It’s no mystery that the pool party should be scheduled midway through this eight-day dance beat of epic proportions – if you’ve been charging it since Saturday, you’ll savor the chance to get wet and cool off (while continuing to dance, of course). Carry on the fun the next day with gay day at the Illa Fantasia water park. (Photo by Circuit Festival)

Ascension Fire Island Pines – August 14-16 – Fire Island

Join the droves of beach-bound New Yorkers as they migrate to Fire Island for the annual Ascension weekend. The main event is a huge party on the 16th from noon-6pm on Fire Island Pines beach. Whether you choose to bear it all in the sun or opt for the custom-built shaded dance floor, you’ll find flocks of potential new friends (and play dates). (Photo by fireislandmen.com)

Sundance – August 21-23 – Russian River

For the ultimate gay summer camp experience, hit the road about an hour and a half north of San Francisco to Guerneville, the largely undiscovered gay town on the Russian River. If you like to rough it, camp beneath gorgeous redwoods and enjoy a rejuvenating weekend of dancing with the sun at your back. Be sure to check out our interview with DJ Lee Decker – he’ll be playing at the pool party on the 22nd. (Photo by Gus Presents)

The Beach Ball – September 9th – Toronto

The Beach Ball is back to wrap up an amazing summer. Take the ferry from Bay St. out to Toronto’s clothing optional Hanlan’s Point and you’ll find the sun-kissed event. Swim, surf, dance–or do some of each–at this classic beach party headlined by DJ Scotty Thomson. We caught up with Scotty recently – he’s a busy boy this summer so be sure to catch him while he’s in town. (Photo by Joseph Patrick Presents)

Out at Six Flags – August 16th-September 25

If dancing isn’t your style, but thrill-seeking roller coasters are, you can still enjoy the outdoors with your fellow man (and woman) at one of the many gay days at Six Flags parks across the country. Just choose the nearest one:

August 16 – Out on the Bluegrass: Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom (Louisville, KY)

August 28 – Out in America (Baltimore, MD)

September 4 – Out at La Ronde (Montreal, QC)

September 11 – Out in the Park: Six Flags Discovery Kingdom (Vallejo, CA)

September 19 – Out at Night: Six Flags Great Adventure (Jackson, NJ)

September 20 – Out in the Park: Six Flags New England (Agawam, MA)

September 25 – Out on the Mountain: Six Flags Magic Mountain (Los Angeles, CA)

In the end, it took a fabulous, defiant image–out of more than 400 submissions–to claim the grand prize in the GayCities My Pride photo challenge: RuPaul at the mic with the U.S. capitol looming large in the background, submitted by member Billy Khuong of Virginia.

Postcard!, declared Moxy Hart, one of our judges.

I heard somewhere that we had a black president, joked David Hauslaib, another panelist.

A very simple, nicely framed photo of the world’s most famous drag queen in a fighter’s pose in front of the capitol that sums up and includes all three of the ideas of this month’s MY PRIDE theme: passion, pleasure and protest.–Jorg Fockele

As grand prize winner, Billy receives a round trip ticket on Delta Airlines and two nights at any Kimpton Hotel. Congrats, Billy! 

With hundreds of great pics, many deserving entries went unrewarded. Fortunately, you can view the slideshow of the entire pride photo challenge–or enter this month’s summer vacation photo challenge. What follows are the prize picks of the runner ups, in descending vote order, followed by a sampling of the judges’ adoring comments.

Runner Up: “Bubble Bath I” by Canio of Minneapolis (Prize: Three Water Bearer Film DVDs)

Zaftig and hirsute and hot and bubbly. Challenges exhausted notions of waxed and starved Gay beauty. I want to be at the party. As the bear fraternity boys say, WOOF.–Joel B. Tan

Bears are my queer brothers. I love seeing other queer guys who don’t fit the norms, and I especially love seeing them have a childlike good time. Letting loose, and not letting dominant culture (queer or otherwise) dictate what kind of body and life you should have-this is what liberation could actually be about if we let it.–Jed Bell

I’m pretty sure getting soapy with your fellow man is the reason God invented Pride.–David Hauslaib

Honorable mention #1: “Angel” by  San Francisco’s Michael Seaman (Prize: 5 photo book coupons, compliments of Shapfish)

Who doesn’t love young boys who are so…angelic, but as we all know are so not!–Wickie Stamps

It is a beautiful image that simply captures a moment between the subject and the viewer. It says what you want it to say. In fact I want to just keep looking at this image and wonder what the subject was thinking.–Robert Dodge

The Pride Movement is symbolized by the boy in this photo. Both are young, creative, unafraid, daring, sexy, and yet, both are still vulnerable.–Mark Kliem

A true diva. Bonus points for the boots.–David Hauslaib

Honorable mention #2: “Kiss” by Jim Hamann of Washington, D.C. (Prize: Prize: 5 photo book coupons, compliments of Shapfish)

With Gay Marriage being #1 topic of discussion this month, this photo captures the pride of the community. Plus this photo looks beautiful between the layers of light on top of dark on top of light and the great composition of red, white and blue.–Rich Dominiak

A single most powerful and timely kiss in front of the Capitol Bldg. to show a sign of the times… I like the silhouetted bodies and arms reaching out behind the kissing couple, symbolizing the fight, hope and the numbers that we are in fighting for equality in gay marriage today throughout america. I specially like the way the couple kissing is bathed in a radiance of light, as they both kiss and hold up yellow roses of hope.–Candi Guterres

I found this photo to be funny, sexy and sort of what Pride is about.. after the rainbow flags and drag queens and leather and sex, it’s the love between two people of the same gender.–Will Clark

Honorable mention #3: “It starts with a child” by Phillip Blackmon of Washington, D.C. (Prize: Prize: 5 photo book coupons, compliments of Shapfish)

This captures the hopefullness of a generation. Although it features a truly artistic composition, and is quite memorable and evocative, I feel that because the theme is PRIDE, it doesn’t feel like a proud moment captured in time. It feels more somber, reflective, and wistful. A terrific photograph nonetheless, but the same child in my pick for the winning photo drew me in more.–Glenn Gaylord

The title really says it all. The photo manages to be at once hopeful and elegiac, promising a better future while somehow paying respect to those who’ve paved the way, perhaps those we’ve lost.–Adam Drucker

Honorable mention #4: “Montclair State University – NYC Pride” by Bryan Correira of Kew Gardens, NY (Prize: 5 photo book coupons, compliments of Shapfish)

My first gay pride experience was while I was in college, and it also happened to be NYC pride, and this picture reminds me so much of the young, beautiful and carefree spirit I felt at my first Pride event.–Jeff Sheng

This one snuck up on me. I didn’t consider it much, but I kept coming back to it because I love how the bright colors of the subjects contrast so nicely against the almost-sepia colors of the buildings in the background.–Kevin Goebel

To me, this is what MY PRIDE is all about, what the pioneers fought for and what we’re celebrating: uncomplicated faces of youth proud of who they are and who they love. It’s a simple snapshot that manages to reassure that the kids are indeed alright.–Adam Drucker

Check out the full GayCities My Pride photo challenge slideshow

Enter the GayCities summer vacation photo challenge… and win cool prizes