I believe that there’s a rainbow beyond every storm. And without underestimating the devastation of the recent fires, I am greatly heartened to see the overwhelming response of compassion and eagerness to help our neighbors. What a great San Diego feeling!

I’ve joined many drag pageants in the past, won some and lost some. I’ve judged and emceed more pageants that I can count. So it was quite pleasant last weekend to just sit back and watch one of these contests.

But this was not just another pageant. It was the U.S. Mr. Gay contest held at Music Box Theatre in Hollywood. It was my first time at the renovated space, also known as the Henry Fonda Theatre, and I was very impressed. This is the third year of the contest, and while they still have a few kinks to work out, it was a fun contest. It was also a fund-raiser for Lifework Mentoring, a GLBTQ Youth outreach program in Los Angeles. The mission was to find a gay male to represent our community and project a positive image. Yet, while the idea is laudable, I hope it don’t get too serious and forget the fun aspect!

There were 20 contestants in all, each representing the city in which they live or were born. Some were officially selected through local contests and others simply joined. There was also an online popularity contest, and guess who won? None other than San Diego’s own Steve Peña! We all know Steve as the hunky guy who produces the Military Madness party at Montage, but we love him because he’s smart, friendly and just an all around nice guy. And without taking anything away from Mr. San Francisco, who took away the title, I thought Steve was definitely one of the best candidates. I guess I’m biased in this case and these contests are always subjective, based on the preference of the judges. I also thought the guys from Long Beach, Salt Lake City, Los Angeles and Birmingham, Ala. (Mr. Photogenic) were pretty hot. Of course the highlight of the evening was the swimwear competition. The contest was hosted by the very funny Alec Mapa (TV’s Vern, the kiddie pageant coach in “Desperate Housewives” and Suzuki St. Pierre in “Ugly Betty”). Former Playgirl Man of the Year Dirk Shaffer and Palm Springs Mayor Ron Oden were two of the judges, and Hollywood gossip columnist Billy Masters appeared as a presenter in a Barbarella outfit as a tribute to the Fonda Theatre, albeit the wrong Fonda. Too scary for words, perhaps it was in keeping with the spirit of Halloween. Love you Billy, mean it! All in all, it was a fun contest and everyone partied at the rooftop patio. The U.S. Mr. Gay will go on and compete in the International Mr. Gay competition, which will be held on Jan. 20 also at the Music Box.

And speaking of pageants, the international Queen of the Universe pageant, (this is the transgender one,) will be held on Sunday, Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. at the Circus disco in West Hollywood. This is one of the largest drag pageants in the country and a very serious one. I will be judging this contest, and these girls go all out in their national costumes, swimwear and evening gowns. The pageant is produced by Karina, herself a multi-title holder, and is in conjunction with the Imperial Court of Hollywood & Los Angeles. This event is also a fund-raiser for the AIDS Food Store at Long Beach Christ chapel. Tickets will be available at the door.

I would venture to say that every drag queen, cross dresser and Halloween dragster have at one time or another ordered something from the Frederick’s of Hollywood catalog, from its corsets to its fuck-me-pumps. A trip down Hollywood Boulevard is just not complete without walking into the pink canopied emporium with all its fantasy and hooker wannabe teddies and g-strings. Hollywood glamour girls from Greta Garbo, Mae West to Marilyn Monroe were known for their love of all things Frederick’s. Mail order was a big staple for Frederick’s and continues to be its niche, but its online business is booming. Over the years, the company has upgraded its image in terms of styling and quality.

Last week I was invited by John, Frederick’s chief merchandising officer and the partner of a long-time friend from New York, Scott, to the Frederick’s fashion show at the Hollywood Palladium in time for Fashion Week. Talk about VIP treatment, from the red carpet to our very own VIP lounge. The fashion show featured many celebrity designed corsets by the likes of Beyonce, Gwen Stefani, Scarlet Johansson and Christina Aguilera that were auctioned off to benefit “Clothes Off Our Back,” the charity started by Jane Kaczmarek. The evening’s highlight was a performance by Dita Von Teese, the Queen of Burlesques, in a life-sized Swarovski crystal-studded bird cage.

It was also a parade of celebrities as they sat all around us. I tried my best to keep my cool, being an international celeb myself, from gawking at these truly gorgeous people. High School Musical sweethearts Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens were adorable and so very tiny. Jessica Simpson was truly beautiful in her very chic and simple little black dress. I wasn’t sure if she is really an airhead blonde or if it’s an act, but she sure is pretty. But I can do without her annoying sidekick hairdresser. Also spotted were “CSI’s” Jorja Fox and “Grey’s Anatomy”Sara Ramirez. I have to say Sara looks even more beautiful in person and much slimmer. She’s also very nice and friendly. Unfashionably late was Janet Jackson, in a very fashion-backward outfit of white shirt and tie with high-waisted, baggy pants and a beret. She missed the entire show when she appeared with her posse, including longtime BF Jermaine Dupree. The rest of the evening was a blur, as the lovely cocktail waitress kept coming back with more drinks. Good thing my friend Royce was driving. This was to be the last major event at the Palladium before they undergo massive renovation.

Celebrate Veterans Day by honoring every veteran starting with a “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” rally at the Federal Building on Friday, Nov. 9 at 1700 hours (that’s 5 p.m. for we civilians) followed by a kick-off reception at the Caliph at 8 p.m. The Veterans Day Parade steps off at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 10, from the San Diego County Building, and this is one time I urge you to show up in your rainbow wear, except spandex of course. Saturday night will be the Military Ball Cocktail Reception at The Center at 6 p.m., honoring Congressmembers Bob Filner and Susan Davis. Wait, there’s more. Sunday at 2 p.m. is “Stand Down Draft Party” at The Hole, and ends with the “Take No Prisoners Final Assault” party at Pecs. Proceeds from the weekend events to benefit AVER (American Veterans for Equal Rights). Call 619-459-1019 for more information.

Preparations are under way for the annual Scott Carlson Thanksgiving Dinner organized by the Imperial Court de San Diego. To make a donation or volunteer, please call Jess San Roque at 619-229-2822. After your turkey dinner, come join me at Bacchus House for our Thanksgiving Porn Night, with my special guest Jude Collins. Jude will be getting wet under the showers on stage. So if you like young, white meat, don’t miss this show.

Planning ahead, be sure to mark your calendar for the Martinis Above Fourth 4th Annual Wreath Auction on Monday, Dec. 10, to benefit the Queen Eddie Conlon Youth Fund. Over the last three years, this signature event has raised more than $36,000, and is the unofficial kick off to the holiday season. I will be hosting this event, and the hunky Martinis elves will be on hand to help spread holiday cheer. There will be quite a few handsome wreaths to decorate your home for the holidays. Many of them come with gift certificates and other goodies. If you would like to donate wreaths and special items for the silent auction, visit www.martinisabovefourth.com/wreathauction.htm.