It’s increasingly evident that air travel is no longer what it used to be. I have had delayed flights on every one of my last few trips home to New York City. Airlines have cut down the number of flights, and have started charging for second luggage items, premium seats and even curbside check-in. Seats available through mileage programs are almost non-existent. With the price of oil skyrocketing, expect to pay even more for airline tickets.

I went home just in time for the Easter Parade, which is really not a parade. Fifth Avenue is closed from 47th street up to 54th street and New Yorkers sashay up and down the avenue in their Sunday finest, complete with glorious hats. I wore a wide-brim, black woven hat with colorful flowers and Easter eggs, topped with a mechanical dove flapping its wings, and a satin hat band inscribed with the words “Bring our troops home.” My hat was one of the most photographed, and I received many compliments for its sentiments.

The main reason for my trip home was to attend the coronation ball for my New York Imperial Court. The Night of a Thousand Gowns has grown to become one of the most anticipated galas in New York, attended by close to 1,000 guests. The honorary chairs this year included Michael Kors, Tim Gunn and Chris March from “Project Runway,” Cathy Hickland from “One Life to Live,” and Cynthia Nixon from “Sex and the City.” Headline entertainers included disco diva France Joli, Ari Gold and Broadway stars Kathy Brier of Hairspray, Jessica Goldyn of A Chorus Line and Mary Testa of Xanadu.

Attending from the San Diego court was Emperor Chris and Empress Lala, Emperor Rick Ford, Minister of Youth Affairs Ray Portillo and reigning Prince Royale A.J. A special Diamond Award was presented to long time AIDS activist Florent Morrelet, whose famous French diner in the meat market district is closing its door after 23 years, a victim of gentrification and high rent. The evening ended with dancing to the music DJ Lady Bunny was spinning.

Photos from the ball even made it in the style section of The New York Times Sunday edition this past weekend. We’ve really made it to the big time.

During this trip, I was able to take in a few Broadway musicals starting with the biggest hit of all – Gypsy. From her first song “Some People” to her grand power finale, “Rose’s Turn,” Patti Lupone commanded the stage. Originally staged as part of Lincoln Center’s encore series, the show was so well received, it had to go on to Broadway. So far I’ve seen three Broadway versions, including versions starring Bernadette Peters and Tyne Daly, and I must say Patti owns this role as much as Ethel Merman did. The supporting cast was equally outstanding, including Laura Bernanti as “Gypsy Rose Lee” and Boyd Gaines as “Herbie.” One of the great moments was the number “You Gotta Get Gimmick,” with the three aging burlesque queens (especially Electra who barely moved) making the Palm Spring Follies look like teenagers. Patti as Mama Rose is back and here to stay.

I also got to see the new Mel Brook’s musical Young Frankenstein. Though it received mixed reviews, I thoroughly enjoyed the show. I was only disappointed that Megan Mullally was out that night and my schedule prevented me from seeing it another time. And though Roger Bart is not high on my list of favorite stars (he played the pharmacist in “Desperate Housewives”), he played “Frederick” convincingly. But the standouts were Sutton Foster (Tony-Award winner for “Thoroughly Modern Millie”) as “Inga,” Andrea Martin as “Frau Blucher” and Christopher Fitzgerald as “Igor.” The sets were phenomenal, particularly the laboratory, and “Putting on the Ritz” did not disappoint. There is also a great song, “Deeper Love,” which has now become a part of my repertoire. Forget what the critics say, go see Young Frankenstein.

Finally, after many years, I got to see Wicked and, boy, was I blown away. I loved every aspect of the show, from the magnificent staging and costumes to the two lead performers. It’s no surprise that after seven years, this show is still packing a full house at the Gershwin Theater, which is the largest Broadway theater.

Two shows that originated in San Diego are now on The Great White Way. Harvey Fierstein’s A Catered Affair, and Cry Baby. Hopefully both shows have undergone some tweaking before traveling cross country. Other notable shows include In the Heights, Lincoln Center’s production of South Pacific, Roundabout Theatre’s Sunday in the Park with George, and November starring Nathan Lane and Laurie Metcalf.

APICAP’s 2008 gala is scheduled Saturday, Nov. 15 at the Westin Horton Plaza. I know it’s still a ways away, but with HIV/AIDS funding suffering more cuts, APICAP really needs our help. Watch for more information coming soon.

I’ll be back in San Diego on Thursday, April 24 to host the It’s Raining Men wet underwear contest at Bacchus House. My special porn star guest is Rascal Exclusive Blake Riley, winner of the 2008 GayVN Award for Newcomer of the Year. Blake is also nominated for seven Grabby Awards. So come on by and see why Blake is the young, hot star of the moment. There will be cheap drinks and lots of video giveaways.

It’s that time again – it’s off to Palm Springs for Spring Break and the annual White Party. I know friends who have been hitting the gym and spray tan salons for weeks in anticipation of three days and nights of the best party in the desert, April 18-21. You can still get tickets at www.jeffreysanker.com. And remember, you city folks, hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.

My older sister Cristina Monet is spearheading a fun event at LIPS for WigsForKids.org on Sunday, April 27. This is not a fund-raiser to buy wigs for playing princess – it’s for kids who need them as a result of chemo treatments. There will be great entertainment from the Lips girls, including Kiki, Gina, Tootie and Gigi, plus Fifi and Babette Schwartz. There will be a silent auction, hors d’oeuvres, cocktails and a whole lot of fun. Tickets are on sale now at Lips Restaurant (3036 El Cajon Blvd., 619-295-7900).