On Stonewall Anniversary, Police Raid Texas Gay Club

While we commemorated the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall Rebellion here in NYC, police in Fort Worth, Texas, were turning the clock back those 40 years. Just after midnight Sunday, Fort Worth Police and Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission agents raided the Rainbow Lounge. While the Fort Worth cops maintain this was a "routine alcohol-enforcement inspection", patrons and other witnesses say the police arrived prepared for a "raid", complete with plastic handcuffs usually used for making mass arrests. According to the cops, seven people were arrested for "public intoxication".

At the heart of this incident are questions about how 23-year-old patron Chad Gibson eneded up in a Fort Worth hospital with severe head injuries. The police insist Gibson was intoxicated and "grabbed at [a TABC agent's] groin", then "fell and hit his head". The official story sharply contradicts witnesses' accounts of the chain of events at the Rainbow Lounge. Are Ft. worth police going to use the "gay panic defense" if video of this raid gets out? We'll see.

Meanwhile, members of the Fort Worth City Council have called for an investigation into police activities during this incident. It certainly appears that the Rainbow Lounge has become the new Stonewall, a sad commentary on the fact that 40 years of progress in LGBT rights can be so easily overshadowed by 1960s police tactics and mores. Texas, where homosexuality was illegal until recently, seems to be stuck in the past where gays and lesbians are concerned. Look for Texas Governor Rick Perry to rush into print and "reassure" gay Texans and visitors to the state that this was an "isolated incident" and that Texas remains "committed" to LGBT equality and rights.

Tell that to Chad Gibson as he struggles to recover from injuries he should never have sustained.

UPDATE: A second Dallas-Fort Worth area gay bar has been raided by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission. Numerous reports indicate that the The Dallas Eagle Bar was raided during its grand re-opening last Friday night, ostensibly "to verify its address" according to Dallas police.

This comes one day after two gay men in El Paso, Texas were asked to leave a taco restaurant after they kissed each other. El Paso police admonished the men that "homosexual conduct--such as two men kissing--was illegal. Between these two incidents, and the Rainbow Lounge raid and assault reported above, I wonder what's going on in Texas. Are anti-gay laws still being enforced there, even though the Supreme Court ruled them "unconstitutional" six years ago? The upward trend of homophobia in the United States continues...

The NYC Heritage Of Pride March

The 2009 New York City Heritage Of Pride March commemorating the fortieth anniversary of the Stonewall Rebellion was a booming success. I had the distinct honor and privilege to march once again with New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, the first openly gay Speaker of the NYC Council. Her record of leadership in city government, as well as within the NYC LGBT community, is long and distinguished. I heartly encourage all readers of this blog to vote for Speaker Quinn as she runs for re-election to the Council this fall. She is a true friend of the rainbow.



Here I am with Hollywood actor, witer and blogger Xem Van Adams, who joined us for the march down fabulous Fifth Avenue, all the way to Greenwich Village. Xem marched as part of his NYC trip, to make his bold statement of Pride before the world. It was a pleasure to have him with us. Other notables who marched with us included Da Doo Dirty Show hosts DJ Baker and Swanny River , NYC Socialites CEO Eric Parker, and promoter Giovanni Centurione.

Stay tuned, lots more pics and NYC Pride news coming real soon!

Double Pride Panic Was Awesome!

On Wednesday, I traipsed through the rain (when has it NOT been raining in NYC lately?) to the Nowhere Lounge for writer Charlie Vazquez' presentation of Double Pride Panic. It's a recurring literary series showcasing the work of LGBT writers and artists from around the NYC area.



The house was packed as we got down to business. All of the writers were fantastic, and all recieved enthusiastic responses from the crowd. Special thanks to Charlie and Nowhere for making the evening a memorable one. I'll be posting video of this event soon, so stay tuned!

Dancing In The Streets In Tribute To Michael Jackson!

While waiting for Rebel Starr's Listening Party to begin at Negril Restaurant on West 3rd Street last night, Rockin' Ray pulled up in his loudspeaker-equipped, psychedelic Crown Vic. Instantly the street became a song-and-dance tribute to Michael Jackson.



...then the NYPD arrived and broke it up. But it was AWESOME! I felt like I was in high school all over again. A bittersweet farewell to the King Of Pop.

We March With Pride This Sunday!

On this, the 40th Anniversary of the Stonewall Rebellion, comes the annual Heritage Of Pride March down New York City's Fifth Avenue, along the Lavender Line! I'll be marching with New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, with whom I had the privilege of joining for the Brooklyn and Queens Pride Parades. Also marching with me will be Da Doo Dirty Show hosts DJ Baker and Swanny Rivers, plus Bone Intell and the members of his Out Mobb band, and up-and-coming Hollywood actor, writer, and collegiate speaker Xem Van Adams. Adams is flying in from Los Angeles for NYC Pride weekend, and he's raring to go. Here's a video of him talking about NYC Pride and his upcoming gigs:



In addition to all these luminaries, the New York City Gay And Lesbian Independent Democrats will be among our group of marchers. So come one, come all, to NYC's storied Fifth Avenue or anywhere along the March Route below:



The March steps off on Sunday at 12 Noon, from E. 52nd Street and Fifth Avenue, and follows the route all the way to Greenwich Village, right past the Stonewall Inn, where it all began, and ends at the fabulous Pridefest. Pride Weekend in NYC is jam-packed with events, many of which are listed here. So get your rainbow flags and hot pants, and come out proudly to the biggest LGBT weekend of the year! See you there!

Michael Joseph Jackson 1958-2009

Yesterday was one of those days in history on which you will remember where you were, what you were doing when you heard the news. I was on my way to seeRebel Starr at their Listening Party. I was on an el train when suddenly, everyone's cell phones began to ring, including mine. Michael Jackson had been rushed to UCLA Medical Center in cardiac arrest. An ambulance crew was seen to be performing CPR as they wheeled Michael into the ER. All the passengers were riveted to their phones as updates came in. Finally, as we approached the Williamsburg Bridge, it was confirmed that Michael Jackson had, in fact, pased away at age 50. A collective outpouring of grief swept through our little subway car. A musical icon we'd known and listened to all our lives, was gone.

Michael Joseph Jackson was born on August 29, 1958 in Gary, Indiana. His musical career began in 1969 when Michael and his brothers formed the Jackson 5 and appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show. In 1971, a year after the Ed Sillvan appearance, Michael released his first solo album (pictured). This was the beginning of a career in which he would go on to record the biggest selling album in history, Thriller, with an accompanying 20-minute music video which rocked the world, and was a milestone in the then-new genre of music presentation. Michael redefined the style and substance of pop music and became a globally recognizable entertainer. In 1978, he starred with several iconic personalities, includingDiana Ross, Richard Pryor, Nipsey Russell, and the incomparable Lena Horne, in the movie adaptation of Broadway's "The Wiz". During 1979, Michael earned even greater fame with Off The Wall followed by Thriller, Bad, Dangerous, HIStory Book I, Blood On The Dance Floor, Invincible, and his final album, Number Ones, released in 2003.

In the years following the release of Thriller, Jackson's life became turbulent, as he underwent radical changes in his appearance and behavior. His numerous legal troubles dogged him until the end of his life, but Michael didn't let that stop him. At the time of his death, he was preparing to embark on a 50-show comeback tour in London, UK. A parallel release of a new album was also scheduled for next month, but all that changed when the music stopped for us and for Michael Jackson. An American icon has passed from among us. I will remember him as very definitely an important part of the soundtrack of my life. Rest In Peace, Mike.

"Gay Exorcism" At Conn. Church...More Hatred From The Pulpit!

From Bridgeport, Connecticut, comes chilling news that a church there has performed a "gay exorcism" to "drive out the homosexual demons" supposedly afflicting a 16-year-old parishioner. The Manifested Glory Ministries Church in Bridgeport, Connecticut, posted a video of the ritual on YouTube, which has since deleted the footage.

Now, I'm all for freedom of religion, but here I believe the Church in question has clearly crossed the line from the free expression of religious belief, to the teaching and encouraging of hatred and homophobia. By demonizing homosexuality as something satanic, needing to be "driven out" of a person, the implicit message is that being gay or lesbian is wicked, horrible, evil, and makes you a danger to your fellow man. This is the preaching of hate. Imagine an impressionable person seeing this "exorcism", this endorsement of bigotry, taking it as "permission to hate". Would he then consider it God's will, to go out and beat up some defenseless gay person?

This abominable incident recalls other anti-gay pastors who have turned their pulpits into instruments of hatred, like Rev. Ken Hutcherson, whose diatribes against the LGBT community are well-documented. I wonder if any of these churches and men of God ever think of the Biblical teaching, "what you did for the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me". If we are to be rewarded for, and encouraged to do acts of benevolence towardss our neighbors, what does it say about a "gay exocism" in a Church which holds love and our walk with God so dear?

Shameful.

Check Me Out At Double Pride Panic TONIGHT!

If in NYC, come on out and see me, Charle Vasquez, Taylor Siluwe, and other great LGBT authors at DOUBLE PRIDE PANIC, a Pride Week literary event celebrating LGBT artists and authors of color! It's at the Nowhere Lounge in the East Village. Don't miss it!

Gov. Paterson Calls Special Session For 3 PM Today, Gay Marriage At Top Of Agenda

New York State Governor David Paterson will put the pending gay-marriage bill to a vote when he calls today's Special Session of the State Senate at 3 PM. This is the up/down vote on Senator Thomas Duane's pending bill, S. 4401, that New York's LGBT community has been waiting for. If you live in New York State, you can help to get this bill passed. Call your local State Senator and let him or her know how important it is that this bill be passed. With the Senate split 31-31 along party lines, it is crucial that your Senators hear from YOU.

If you cannot reach your Senator, Call the New York State Senate Switchboard at (518) 455-2800. The time is now!

UPDATE: Homophobic Sen. Ruben Diaz, Sr. (D-South Bronx) threatens to "do something big" if gay marriage is voted on today. Although the Senator's two brothers are gay, he continues to preach his anti-gay views everywhere, especially in Senate chambers. Stay tuned.

Justicia, Si! Homofobia, No!

Last Saturday, I participated in the GLOBE/Make The Road NY Pride March Against Hate Crimes. The weather could not dampen our resolve to demonstrate against hate crimes that have plagued the LGBT community in Bushwick and around the city. We made our presence known so that everyone could see that we are united in our determination to free our community and society from bigotry and ignorance. Recent incidents includethe beating of two lesbians in Brooklyn by NYPD officers yelling anti-gay slursoutside a Brooklyn club, the near-fatal beating of a man thought to be gay by his attackers, recalling the murder of Jose Sucuzhanay last December in Bushwick, by two men who though he and his brother were gay. The picture below is from the Vigil and March organized by GLOBE (Gays And Lesbians Of Bushwick Empowered) in response to that horrific tragedy.



I was privileged to take part in that vigil. Again, weather, in this case, the cold of winter, did not hamper our will to refute hatred and homophobia. GLOBE has been a powerful force in raising awareness of homophobia and its impact on the LGBT community and society at large.

At Satuday's March, about 160 participants braved the elements (I'm in the center of the top photo, in the blue poncho) and thundered through the streets of Bushwick. I was joined by DJ Baker, Swanny River, and NYC Socialites promoter Eric Parker. Our Cry was for justice, not homophobia, for understanding, not hate, and it was a rousing success. The people of Bushwick came out of their homes and businesses along our route to encourage and support us. Justicia, Si! Homofobia, No!

Paterson: "Gay Marriage On Table In Special Session"

New York State Governor David Paterson has confirmed he will bring the pending gay-marriage bill to the floor for a vote. Using his special statutory authority as Governor to force the State Senate to return to Albany for a special session, Paterson vowed to "get the people's business done." State troopers can use force to bring Senators back to Albany if they refuse the Governor's order, but the Senate is still split, 31-31, making it uncertain if any legislation will actually be passed. Besides gay marriage, there are several other bills pending in the Senate, including budgetary issues and mayoral oversight of the NYC Board of Education.

Observers note that virulently homophobic Senator Ruben Diaz, Sr. (D-South Bronx), has vowed to defeat gay marriage in New York "Now and in the future". Gay-marriage bill author Sen. Thomas Duane (D-Chelsea) has been trying all kinds of things to get his bill passed, incliding "dialoguing" with Republicans following the parliamentary coup that split the State Senate.

Whither gay marriage? With a split Senate, and no clear majority, it looks doubtful that gay marriage will become law in New York State. I would like to believe that our Senators will put aside their differences and pass legislation on gay-marriage and other issues, but Albany has outdone itself this year. The acrimony and infighting has eclipsed our hopes for any lawmaking. We shall see.

Perez Hilton In Dustup With Will.I.Am In Toronto Club

Celebrity blogger Perez Hilton got into a fracas with rapper Will.I.Am while in Toronto, Ont. to be a presenter at The Much Music Video Awards. In a series of Twitter Tweets last night, Hilton stated he was assaulted by Will.I.Am, and requested his followers to call Toronto Police to the scene. Hilton was reportedly photographed by police at the club, for a contusion on his left eye. In a detailed video statement this morning on his blog, Hilton maintained that after Will.I Am accosted him in Toronto's SoHo Metropolitan Hotel club, he attempted to leave, but was followed by Will.I.Am and his manager and assaulted. In a video rebuttal, Will.I.Am gives his version of events. Inasmuch as Hilton "blogs about other people's drama", he is incensed at the drama which has entered his own life.

Attorneys for both sides have declined comment on the incident, and Toronto detectives are said to be investigating Black Eyed Peas manager Polo Molina as a suspect in the assault. Hilton is recovering in Toronto. Meanwhile, debate rages across Twitter and other blogs and sites as to what transpired between Hilton and Will.I.Am. Feel free to continue the debate here!


UPDATE: TMZ.com is now reporting that Black Eyed Peas' manager Polo Molina has been charged with assault by Toronto police in the attack against Perez Hilton.

UPDATE 2: IN Perez Hilton's video account of his dustup with Will.I.Am and Black Eyed Peas' manager Polo Molina, posted to his blog yesterday, Hilton states he said "you're a faggot. You're gay". This morning, the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) people demanded Perez apologize for using the F-bomb in such a derogatory way. Hilton admits he intended to "say the worst possible thing that thug would ever want to hear." Well, referring to a man of color as a "thug" in public isn't so bright either, Perez. Stay tuned.

Gentlemen's Book Club Celebrates Fifth Anniversary

Taylor Siluwe joins me and another fine author at GBC












Dave Matthews introduces the authors


Last Wednesday, June 17, I had the privilege of participating in the Gentlemen's Book Club Fifth Anniversary party at New York's HK Lounge. The Gentlemen's Book Club is a group for and about gay men of color, dedicated to exploring literary works in a diverse range of genres. The club's ultimate aim is to promote and encourage reading and appreciation of the writings of LGBT authors. Each month, the club meets in a cafe or member's home to discuss the selected book of that month. I got to know club organizers Dave Matthews and Daniel Mejia, who work diligently to move the club forward. I was introduced to the Club's members as an author by Mr. Matthews, who spoke very highly of me. The members were enthusiastic and welcoming, and I encourage everyone who reads this blog to join this fine group.

67 Men in Saudi Arabia Face Whipping For Dressing In Drag

Over the weekend, comes news that 67 men in the Kingdom of Saudi arabia have been charged with cross-dressing and display of homosexuality. The Filipino men were attending a party and were discovered by Saudi authorities, officials there said.

OK, whenever we here in the United States think we have difficulties as gays, lesbians, bisexuals, or transgenders, we need only to look to other places around the world, which make our own problems look trivial in comparison. The human rights abuses (thinly disgused as "Laws of the State") in the Kingdom and countries like the United Arab Emirates, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, and Burundi, are horrific. Gays are executed, beaten, whipped, sentenced to hard labor, or subjected to mob vigilantism in these and quite a few other countries where the LGBT community is subjugated, persecuted and vilified, just for being who they are.

There is precious little outcry from the American LGBT community on this, even as we rally for equal rights and same-sex marriage here at home. Too often we do not see (or avert our eyes to) the "legal" persecutions of LGBTs all over the world. Even as we mark the 40th anniversary of New York City's Stonewall Rebellion, we need to think about the millions of our brothers and sisters who cannot "rebel" against their persecutors, let alone have the freedom to "come out of the closet". During this month when we show our Pride as LGBT's, let's also take a moment to reflect on ways we can address the awful plight of those overseas who cannot do so. The world is watching.

Get on the Kuttin Edge!

Get to know Kuttin Edge, an online magazine for and about the LGBT community of color. Discover news, editorials, features, music, Pride events, and the Kuttin edge Store, all in one place--the Kuttin' Edge of all things LGBT! Enjoy interviews with today's hottest LGBT authors, artists, musicians, and other notables, plus timely articles on issues of importance to our community, written by me and other fine LGBT writers. Check it out at www.kuttinedgeonline.com today!

Brooklyn Pride 2009

Even through the rain, the colors of our rainbow shone brightly at Brooklyn Pride 2009, with performances by LGBT artists, speeches and appearances by public officials, and, of course, the Brooklyn Pride Parade from Prospect Park up Seventh Avenue in Park Slope. Here I am marching in the Parade with (above) New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, and aide Erik Bottcher. It was great to step off and show our Pride!
Speaker Quinn was, as always, real trooper. We marched between the raindrops all through Park Slope, and the crowds were out in full force. No clouds could darken our Pride!

This is Xavier Raye, who put on a stellar show at Brooklyn Pride. He was a crowd pleaser, belting out several songs with a vibrant, dynamic performance!

Here's Maurice Runea and Pride Show co-host Stefon Royce at the Brooklyn Pride edition of The Maurice Runea Show. I was loving that Rainbow tie!

I had a blast at Brooklyn Pride, weather notwithstanding. It was wonderful to once again celebrate our Pride and diversity with the NYC LGBT community as Pride Month rolls along! This event was kickin' all along Prospect Park West, with vendors of every description adding to the festivities. Always proud, always Brooklyn!

Countdown Friday On "Da Doo Dirty Show"

DJ Baker's Da Doo Dirty Show is off the chain today! We had a great time taping it in the studio yesterday. When Reginald Barnes took off his shirt (he said it was "hot" in the booth) I couldn't believe he actually did that! I went into the booth to see if he'd really gone through with it...you can see the video at http://www.dadoo-dirtyshow.com/ I'm so silly for a hot, sexy guy...Check out the whole show, featuring interviews with Pegg Starr, Out Mobb, Tim Dillinger, Reginald L. Barnes, and News by Nathan! Enjoy the show.

Da Doo Dirty Show Wins Esteem Award For Best Podcast!

Da Doo Dirty Show, on which I do a weekly news segment, has been awarded Windy City Pride's Esteem Award for Best LGBT Podcast!
Our show, which is broacast from 5PM to 7PM Eastern, is hosted by DJ Baker and DJ Swan, and features the best of today's hip-hop and R & B music, plus in-depth interviews with artists, writers, actors, and other LGBT and straight notables! I am proud to be a part of this ground-breaking, award-winning show, which you can hear on http://www.qnation.fm/, or at the show's site, http://www.dadoo-dirtyshow.com/!

War On The Floor! NY Senate democrats Fracture, GOP Gains Control Of Senate, Gay Marriage Dead?

Gay marriage may be dead in the New York State senate, as the GOP gains control of that legislative body from the Democrats. Here's a little of my pending article on this:

More shenanigans in Albany! At this hour, the New York State Republicans are announcing that "Hiram Monserrate and Pedro Espada Jr. - are poised to announce that they have decided to cross the aisle and caucus with the Republicans out of anger at Senate Majority Leader Malcolm Smith." Dean Skelos, a Republican, has replaced Smith as Senate Majority Leader. This from the NYT, NYDN, GOP, AP, and WNBC, as further reports indicate the floor fighting has broken out over two key issues: the removal of Sen. Neil Breslin (D-Albany) as Senate president. He was replaced, 32-30, by Sen. George Winner, (R-Utica), which shows that 2 Dems (Moserrate and Espada) are voting with the GOP.

The second issue is, of course, gay marriage, which was to die in committee if not voted on before the end of the session on June 22. Sen. Ruben Diaz, Sr. (D-South Bronx), the most vociferous opponent of the gay-marriage bill, was said to be considering changing parties if Sen. Smith (D-St. Albans) brought the bill to a vote. With the bill beginning to gain undecided votes, Diaz was pulling out all the stops to prevent its passage, along with Sen. George Onorato (R-Astoria).
I still strongly suspect, as do some media pundits around NYC, that there was a back-room deal between Smith and Diaz NOT to put the gay-marriage bill up for a vote. But if Smith saw a clear mandate from the Senate to bring a vote (and made a motion on the floor), Diaz would declare Jihad on the remaining Senate Democrats.

This after a HUGE turnout of registered voters in support of gay marriage at Pride events in Staten Island, Queens, Hudson Valley, and Utica (!) over the weekend. I personally marched with City Council Speaker Christine Quinn (D-Chelsea) in Queens Pride to show my support for this issue.

Sure enough, Monday morning came, and fireworks went off in Albany. As I see it, gay marrige is a dead issue in New York for the time being, with these developments...did gay marriage fracture the Democrats?

Marching, Loving, Playing At Queens Pride!

A Very Special Day!

I marched in yesterday's Queens Gay Pride Parade with the Hon. Christine C. Quinn (D-Chelsea), Speaker of the New York City Council, and a tireless champion of LGBT rights. Speaker Quinn is the first openly gay Speaker of the City Council, and she led the City Council contingent in the Parade PROUDLY, with great energy and enthusiasm. It was a privilege to march with the Speaker. Her staff and my fellow marchers were friendly, polite, and full of PRIDE!

These three sweethearts pleased all with their lovely regalia!

DJ Baker, host of http://www.qnation.fm/ Da Doo Dirty Show, with Speaker Quinn

Da Doo Dirty Show co-host DJ Swan and Rashawn Chisholm with Speaker Quinn. The Speaker got a rousing reception from the crowd along 37th Avenue.

Me and DJ Swan with London, whose eye-catching outfit made all the people stand up and NOTICE! It was fierce!

This is my friend, Maurice Runea, host of the Maurice Runea Show on The Rainbow Collective (http://www.therainbowcollective.com/) looking fab and ready to party!

Nothing makes a splash like those feathers and glitz!

Up against the wall, it's Queens Pride!

Always hot actor Manny Torres, posing as only he can!

Pink feathers and sunshine...irresistible!

This year's Queens Pride, organized by City Council candidate Daniel Dromm, was packed with throngs of people from all over NYC. a central theme this year was the pending Gay Marriage Bill, which has yet to be voted on by the New York State Senate. There were plenty of petitions circulating, urging our Senators to vote for the passage of this historic legislation. It was great to see the LGBT community turn out in such huge nimbers to enjoy the festivities and declare their PRIDE! There were stage performances, all kinds of vendors at the Pride Festival, delicious food, and, of course, all the fantastic people who comprise the LGBT Rainbow!

Living Room Sessions II Was A Blast!

The second Living Room Sessions show was held yesterday at Madame X in SoHo, NYC. Hosted by Rebel Starr hip-hop duo Likwuid and Back Wordz, Living Room Sessions is an "anti-performance" event, unique in its style and format. Each artist performed his or her poetry, music or rap, and after each performance, the other artists and audience members engage the performer in dialogue, feedback, and critique! There really is nothing I've done quite like it!
It's a wonderful experience to get together with such vibrant, creative people, listen to their latest work, and just enjoy the energy and passion that is part of any artistic endeavor.

The artists share their work without inhibition or fear. It's a relaxed, friendly gathering where different perspectives, viewpoints, and styles come together!

I read my poem, Every Day, to very positive feedback from those who engaged me about the piece. It was fascinating to hear everyone's thoughts on the poem, and how it touched them.

Each artist presented a different theme or genre. Evereyone built upon the words and rhythms of the performers. I think these Living Room Sessions are a great way to grow and develop as an artist, not least because the creative community is right there with me, sharing, speaking, dreaming...

It's the power of the spoken word, letting yourself be free, expressing your feelings, daring to be vulnerable...

We declaim, we espouse, we create...

We bring our work out in our own little Living Room. Madame X, at 94 W. Houston St., NYC, is a cozy little lounge with a delightfully garish motif. All red velvet couches and salacious paintings, it was a great lace for the avant-garde to congregate and defy conventional thinking.

It was deep, it was joyful, it was angry, it was ebullient, it was loving, it was passionate...

The words of the human heart are powerful indeed. Life creates art, which enriches life!

It was a privilege and a pleasure to take part in Living Room Sessions II! I am grateful to Likwuid and Back Wordz for having me, Madame X for hosting the show, Noisemaker Media for filming bit (I'll post the link when the video is ready) and to all who came and made it such a memorable evening!

Staten Island Pride!

Button, button...

Crowd pleaser!

Marching proudly on the streets of SI!

Yesterday's Staten Island Pride Parade and Festival was a real blast! I marched in the parade, met interesting people, and enjoyed the performances of local LGBT artists. It's always great to see our vibrant, colorful LGBT community celebrating diversity, passion, and Pride!