SATURDAY 19

Tracing the history of queer publications, from underground “gay rags” to current contemporary independent and mainstream magazines, GAY PRINT / QUEER ZINES looks at how design and the editorial process has both been shaped by and help shape the attitudes and identity of the queer community.

Panelists include: Michael Bullock, Editor of BUTT Magazine, Scott Hug, Publisher and Editor of K48 and the designer/photo editor of Straight to Hell Magazine and Aaron Hicklin, Editor-in-Chief, OUT Magazine, and Anthony Arena (Anonymous Boy Collection and HOMOPUNK WORLD), contributor to G. B. Jones and Bruce LaBruce’s J.D.

Museum of Arts and Design, 2 Columbus Circle at Broadway, NYC, 212-299-7777, 3pm, $7, www.madmuseum.org

Mermaid Parade

The event that pays homage to Coney Island’s legendary Mardi Gras and artistic self-expression, The Mermaid Parade is back for the kick-off of Summer in NYC! Come check out all the freaks, decked out in aquatic looks that include Neptunes, sexy starfish and mermaids…and probably a few oiled up crustaceans thanks to BP. This year, Lou Reed and Laurie Anderson serve as float king and queen.

From W 21st St and Surf Ave to the Boardwalk at Stillwell Ave, Brooklyn, New York, 718-352-5159, 2pm, free, www.coneyisland.com

Karen Elson + Midnight Masses

We really want to love Karen Elson, but she’s trying our patience…the former video vixen is bangin our boy Jack White day and nite…and as long as she’s singin those mind-altering entrancing ballads, there’s no chance of us prying Jack from her death-grip cootchie clamps! Check out her intoxicating tunes tonight from current debut album release The Ghost Who Walks. NYC’s own Midnight Masses opens.

The Studio at Webster Hall, 125 East 11th St bet Third and Fourth Aves, NYC, 212-353-1600, 7pm, $15, www.myspace.com/karenelsonmusic