Wednesday, February 16th - On a warm, humid night on Sunset Boulevard, the red carpet was rolled out for the Los Angeles premiere screening of the second season of Showtime’s The L Word. A mob of photographers lit up the front of the Director’s Guild of America building as cast members, production staff, executives and friends entered the screening.

Before opening the episode in the theater, Executive Producer Ilene Chaiken, in a floor length cream-colored satin gown, took the time to thank everyone responsible for the completion of the second season. The intimate crowd of about two hundred, made up mostly of industry folks intimately involved in the production, cheered wildly for cast and crew alike (noticeably missing from the screening was Pam Grier, due to prior obligations, and Karina Lombard, whose character Marina will not be in season two). Chaiken also took this opportunity to mention how fortunate they were to be entering the second season with a third season already secured.

The crowd ooohed and awed at the new opening credits, and featuring music by veteran lesbian band Betty. It was fabulous to see so many hot women making out on the big screen. After cheering all the way through the end credits, many people lingered in the lobby to say hello and catch up, including costume designer Cynthia Summers, whose work has single-handedly improved lesbian fashion in the last year.

Following the screening, the party moved via a fleet of limousines to The Abbey in West Hollywood. Pink cocktails with orchids floating in them were served to guests as they entered the club. Erin Daniels (Dana), elegant in a plunging front and back dress, discussed her upcoming independent project while Leisha Hailey (Alice) and girlfriend chatted with friends and fans near the giant fireplace. New cast members Rachel Shelley (Helena) and Sarah Shahi (Carmen) chatted with old friends and new fans; Camryn Manheim, who makes a guest appearance this season, looked great holding court out on the patio; and Kelly Lynch (Ivan) made the rounds in a long black dress.

Cozy in the back bar, Katherine Moennig (Shane) and friends took full advantage of the buffet, while Mia Kirshner (Jenny) roamed through the club after changing from formal wear to a comfy sweater and sequined ballet flats. Laurel Holloman (Tina) looked radiant while guest star Jane Lynch (of Best in Show and Mighty Wind) looked for her friend. Honey Labrador of Queer Eye for the Straight Girl worked the room for a while before putting a lip lock on her girlfriend and then making a hasty exit.

Also in attendance was series producer Rose Troche (of Go Fish fame) and episode director Lisa Cholodenko (High Art, Laurel Canyon).