Follow the sharks (and lesbians) to Provincetown

Jennie McNulty columnBY JENNIE MCNULTY
Lesbian.com

Have you heard about all the tourists descending on Cape Cod because of the unusual number of shark sightings there this year? And you believed it? It’s a cover people. They’re headed to Provincetown for the 6th annual Girl Splash week, the Women’s Week in the summer.

Provincetown, affectionately known as “P-town,” is a small resort town at the very tip of Cape Cod. It is consistently ranked among the gayest cities in America by the people who do those sorts of rankings. And, it, despite the credit that the big rock in Plymouth gets, is actually the first spot the pilgrims landed. They didn’t stay long, I think because the gays weren’t there yet. The entertainment, art and dining are among the finest in the country and the beaches, dunes and bike trails are amazing. They have theme weeks throughout the summer, like Bear Week — the big hairy fellas not the ones foraging in the woods (well, maybe, no, I mean the people); Family Week, when gays with kids come to play (I took that week off); Carnival, which is a smaller version of Carnival in Rio or the New Orleans Mardi Gras (the same level of debauchery as the other summer weeks, but they add a parade). And, Girl Splash, a week filled with extra entertainment for women. All women, whale watches, dune tours and clambakes are available and additional shows are added with some of the best in lesbian entertainment.

For me, P-town is a magical place. I spent six full summer seasons performing there. It’s my home away from home. The townies greet me like family and the crowds there are fantastic. Six years ago, they added Girl Splash to the summer themes and it’s gotten bigger every year.

And, it’s not just an extra dose of fabulousness for the tourists, for the entertainers, it’s wonderful, too. We get to see our comic buddies who are normally traveling everywhere individually, on their own. It’s like a lesbian comedy think tank or, perhaps, drink tank. But, hey, no one’s driving anywhere, downtown is only several blocks long and everyone walks, bikes or pedicabs everywhere. Pedicabs are like bicycle taxis. Those pedaling drivers hate Bear Week.

Two years ago, after being away from home for the entire summer six years in a row, I faced a dilemma. It’s really hard to be away from home for the whole summer. Granted, Los Angeles in the summer isn’t drastically different from any other season, but I missed my cats — and my girlfriend. Oops, probably should have written that in a different order. Hope she doesn’t read this! But, could I give up this place in the summer? Could I leave those lovely dunes and bike trails and glorious, magical beaches? No! But, Girl Spash Week gives me the opportunity to experience the wonder that is P-town in the summer, see all my comedy pals and my friends here who’ve adopted me. And, I highly suggest you experience it, too. Come and enjoy the best in lesbian entertainment all in one spot. Play on the beaches of a protected shoreline (no hotels, no restaurants, no skyscrapers) and, by all means, please take the flyers we hand you. Flyers? Nevermind, that’s a whole different article!

This year’s lineup includes myself (hell, I’m writing this, I’m gonna promote me first); Kate Clinton (a year-round regular); Vickie Shaw; Poppy Champlin; Mimi Gonzalez and Sandra Valls doing their “Lezberados” show; Kristen Becker and even Helen Reddy (yes, THAT Helen Reddy) is in town for a special two-night engagement.

Come on ladies, we are women, hear us roar and do it at Girl Splash. It’s what everyone’s really coming here for. Who the hell comes to see a life-threatening sea creature?

Jennie McNulty was named one of Curve magazine’s Top 10 lesbian comedians. She can be heard weekly as co-host of LA Talk Radio‘s “Cathy Is In: The Cathy DeBuono Show.”

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