It just so happens that AAN’s big confab is taking place at the same time of Portland’s fab Gay Pride Festival. Co-winky dink? I think not.

For those who have a little extra time on their hands and want to participate in one of Portland’s most colorful must-see events, head over to PrideNW.org to get the low down on Storm Large and her “Balls” (of Rockstar Supernova fame), dykes on bikes, parades (for both people and pets) and all the other activities that will take place at the Pride Fest in Tom McCall Waterfront Park on Saturday and Sunday, June 16th and 17th.

For alternative events that will be going on around the city (including a street party in front of the Ace Hotel on Father’s Day) check out Willamette Week (wweek.com) as soon as you hit town. Need more titillating information? Contact convention chair Byron Beck at bbeck@wweek.com. He’s a big homo who has already promised AAN’s “gay caucus” (all six or seven of them) they will have a really good “gay ol’ time.”

Or you can download (from the Portland Oregon Visitors Association) a pdf of “Gay Portland: A resource guide for the GLBT visitor” at www.travelportland.com/glbt/. The “Gay Portland” brochure highlights Portland’s resources for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender visitors.