Happy Valentine’s Gay!

So you’ve been “hanging out” (quite literally) with that special someone you met on Grindr last week. Or is it you’re crushing on that hottie you see on the Smith Machine at the gym every Tuesday? Or maybe you’re still falling in love with the face you’ve been waking up to for the past 15 years. Whatever the situation, if you want to do something special for Valentine’s Day weekend – but you don’t exactly fit into the hetero-normative ads interrupting your stories – do not worry. There are plenty of ways to make your Valentine’s Day gay without buying a bloody diamond.

Seriously, how hard could it be to gay up a holiday that already has a naked fairy flitting around shooting arrows in love-struck people’s behinds as its pin up? Whether you’re a lonely heart, a lesbian or gay man in love, here are some ways to channel your inner cupid this month.

Courtesy of Karen Gross

To all you bitter, single cupids out there, get thee to the Broken Hearts Brunch on Feb. 13 (1 p.m.) at More Than Just Ice Cream (Locust St. between 13th and Quince). If you are a single gay cupid this year, then the openly gay co-owner of this popular eatery is happy to serve up a three-course brunch with two hours of live cabaret and a free glass of champagne for just $32.

If you feel like drowning your sorrows, then BYOB something a little stronger. The cafe will have mixers on hand for mimosas and Bloodies, Mary. Meet other singles and toast to freedom with a songbook of 80s power ballads and jazz classics by local singer-songwriter Karen Gross, always a gay favorite. Reservations and pre-purchased tickets are required.

Courtesy of City Food Tours

Are you scratching your head trying to figure out a really creative Valentine’s Gay gift for the Mr. or Mrs.? Three words: City Food Tours. Eric and Robert, the happily gay and very partnered owners of City Food Tours, will cruise around the Gayborhood to nosh on goodies at hot spots like Naked Chocolate and Capogiro on Feb. 13. City Food Tour’s Decadent Gourmet tour (3:30-5 p.m.) is a great new way to spark the romantic flame, while enjoying your favorite stomping grounds. There’s even enough time to hit up Sisters or Woody’s for post-dessert drinks.

In honor of Valentine’s Day, the power lesbians of 13th Street – Marcie and Valerie – are throwing a kegger. And who doesn’t love a lesbian keg party? Enjoy free stout while shopping at Verde (noon-6 p.m.) on Feb. 13., where even if you don’t have someone to smooch, you can show your love of Philly with “I Heart Philly” products, like tees, totes and jewelry. Me, I’ll be wearing my baseball hat backwards while shopping for my favorite Marcie Blaine artisanal chocolates.

Courtesy of Verde

Courtesy of Zavino

For the coupled cupids, the boys over at Philly Cupcake are going to be working overtime. They usually rest on Mondays, but for all the love birds out there, they’re keeping the doors open to this palace of sweets. Enjoy the special edition “Cupid’s Favorite” cupcakes with Cardamom Rose or Cherry Chocolate. You don’t have to be in love to enjoy these treats. You can be single, and cry a little, especially if you eat them alone…in the dark…while listening to Celine Dion, but enough about me!

If you’re still hungry (for love and pizza) check out Zavino on Feb. 14 for a three-course dinner with a bottle of wine for just $60. Just remember to make your reservations before it’s too late. And on behalf of G Philly, have a very happy and healthy Valentine’s Gay!

Barry Eichner is a food writer in Philly who regularly reviews restaurants on his blog FoodRulez.