Will This Year's Fleet Week Be The Gayest Ever?

For the 25th year in a row, New York is set to be the subject of a naval invasion this month, when Fleet Week hits town, from May 23-30. The arrival of thousands of sailors on our shore has always been filled with secret gay sexy times and lots occasionally adorable missed connections. But with the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell, one has to wonder: is this year going to be the gayest Fleet Week ever? Because it is already shaping up to be a doozy.

Though the sailors don't come in for weeks, we're already getting press releases from local businesses pushing a gay angle on the event. Meatpacking District oasis La Bottega, for instance will be offering a "Do Ask, Please Tell" cocktail (a "refreshing cocktail is bound to please both sailors and civilians alike!" made with Stoli Peach, Amaretto, OJ and lime juice topped with a maraschino cherry) and its hotel sibling the Maritime will have cheap rooms for active duty sailors. Not to mention the less "obviously" gay events already on the books. Like a screening of Top Gun aboard the Intrepid on May 25. We all know what they say about Top Gun, right?

Also coming to the Intrepid that day? Oh, just some cast members from current Broadway shows like Priscilla Queen of the Desert and Mamma Mia.

So, yeah. Considering the end of Don't Ask Don't Tell and New York's acceptance of marriage equality this year's Fleet Week could be very interesting for those looking to bed a seaman.