Things to do in New York City this spring: The city's best LGBT events

Hirsute, Philadelphia-based drag queen (the creation of Pig Iron Theatre Company cofounder Dito van Reigersberg) Martha Graham Cracker and her band return to NYC for more rolicking alt-cabaret shenanigans.

This extremely charming singing string quartet has spent the last year playing all over the country, and even a few overseas gigs. Be sure to catch them at this increasingly rare hometown gig, where they'll find the common ground between Mozart and Ke$ha, among other great composers.

Josh Wood Productions brings the disco daddies of Horse Meat Disco all the way from the South London headquarters of the Eagle for a night of sweaty fun. This time, they're here to kick off Black Party Weekend, so be prepared for an especially wild (and extra gay) scene at Cielo.

Better known as the Hookies, this annual awards show kicks off Black Party Weekend by honoring the top (and bottom…) male sex workers around the world. Head to the website to vote for your favorite hunks, most of whom are porn stars, and all of whom will be willing to spend some time with you for a fee. (Check out their profiles at Rentboy.com, the event's sponsor.) This year, character actor (and general character) Leslie Jordan returns as host, ant the hunky Boomer Banks represents us as Mr. New York.

Black Party weekend culminates in this all-night and most-of-the-next day celebration of debauchery. Make sure to dress the part (hint: no sneakers), and be prepared to have your mind blown by sexy-scary performances and DJ sets from world-class spinners. This is the final Black Party at Roseland—Lady Gaga officially closes the place down starting next week.

Broadway gets gender-bent at this annual fund-raising concert where stage stars perform musical-theater numbers with a queer twist. Spring for the top-priced tickets and you'll find yourself hanging out with the cast. Glamour! Proceeds go to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center.

Leslie-Lohman presents a sure-to-be-steamy exhibit of illustrations featured in gay male magazines, from early beefcake "fitness" periodicals in the 1940s to the more blatantly porny titles of the 1990s. Artist Robert W. Richards curates the show, which includes works by Tom of Finland, George Stavrinos, Harry Bush and many more.

The Imperial Court of New York’s big annual fund-raiser is one of the season’s most dazzling spectacles. Expect to see lots of sequins, feathers, precious metals and anything else that can be incorporated into a glamorous look. Emperor XXII Wen-D Bouvier Pinkhouse and Empress XXVII Gracie Steeles will reign over the proceedings, which will include performances from Vandellas lead singer Martha Reeves, ’80s freestyle combo Exposé, the cast of Pippin and more. This year's beneficiaries are God's Love We Deliver and the True Colors Fund.

The always-explosive combo of Daniel "King of Queer Sleaze" Nardicio and Thirsty Girl Productions' Jen Gapay is behind this yearly showcase of XY-chromosomed bumpers and grinders from around the world. NYC's own Sweetie oversees the proceedings, and this year's big (ahem!) headliner is hunky Chicagoan Jett Adore.

Hibernation season is over! Burly, fuzzy dudes take to the streets to strut their stuff during this incredibly popular annual celebration of all things ursine, brought your way by the Urban Bear honcho Robert Valin. Events range from screenings and comedy shows to dance parties and the requisite beer blasts. Check the website for specifics as they're planned.