First there was Massachusetts – predictions were the sky would fall when same-sex couples were allowed to marry almost 5 years ago. Then came Connecticut, and still the sky stayed up where it belongs. Not to be outdone, Iowa joined the ranks of progressive states to allow same-sex marriage. Tuesday, the Vermont State Legislature voted to override Gov. Jim Douglas’ veto and became the fourth state to recognize marriage equality. In a few weeks, we will know if more than 18,000 same-sex couples’ marriages will be upheld by the California State Supreme Court and if same-sex marriages will be allowed to resume in the state. I’m not very optimistic about the outcome, but hope springs eternal. Five would be a charm.

Olympic Gold Medalist and “Dancing With The Stars” little darling Shawn Johnson has been rehearsing with her pro partner, Mark Ballas, at a dance studio in West Hollywood. The two have attracted plenty of paparazzi, including Tony Potts of “Access Hollywood.” She is usually accompanied by her parents and even enjoyed a quick bite at Umai Sushi after an all-day workout. I could tell you what SUV the family drives, but I better protect her privacy after the stalker incident. I’ll keep the details about cutie Mark’s sports car to myself also. I do feel some loyalty to Shawn, since I see her almost every day rehearsing for hours. My money, however, is on Gilles Marini (“Sex in the City”), who keeps my wet dreams alive every Monday night.

The biggest and brightest star on Broadway has to be the new Red Stairs right in the heart of Times Square. This new structure, atop the TKTS Discount Ticket Booths, features 27 ruby-red glass steps that rise to a height of 16 feet and light up at night. On any given evening, hundreds of theater goers and tourists walk up those stairs to the top for a panoramic view of the most famous square in the world. A few weeks ago, the Imperial Court of New York gathered more than 50 royal members in male and female for the largest drag photo-op in Times Square. While I’m not sure if it set world records, it certainly got picked up in NYC’s local news.

During my recent visit, I took in the hit musical Billy Elliot with my BFF Edith and cried my hearts out. The show was so exhilarating, with a rotating cast of youngsters playing the lead role of Billy. You may remember the movie we fell in love with, which took place in Ireland during the coal miner’s strike. The best scene for me was the dance sequence featuring a young and a grown-up Billy, doing the pas de deux from Swan Lake. Enjoying the show and sitting right next to us was Tyne Daly, of “Cagney and Lacey” fame and who was also acclaimed in her role as “Mama Rose” in Gypsy on Broadway.

After the show, we were fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of Dame Angela Lansbury, who’s starring in a limited run of Noel Coward’s Blithe Spirit on Broadway with gay heartthrob Rupert Everett. There are actually many stars currently on Broadway including: Jane Fonda , who’s returning to Broadway after a 46-years hiatus to star in 33 Variations – the gripping story of Beethoven’s last obsession; Geoffrey Rush and Susan Sarandon in Exit the King; and Jeremy Irons and Joan Allen in Impressionism. But the biggest buzz has to be the return of West Side Story with a twist. This production will have the Puerto Rican characters actually speaking and singing in Spanish!

The biggest family outing of the year – the annual Children’s Easter Egg Hunt – at Trolley Park this Sunday, produced by the Imperial Court de San Diego. More than 500 youngsters and their families are expected at this year’s event with hundreds of Easter baskets, drinks and popcorn for all. A truly fun family event and everyone is welcome.

This weekend is the 20th annual White Party in Palm Springs at the Wyndham Hotel. Friday kicks off with a Boxer or Briefs Party. The big event on Saturday is a super- hero themed party, featuring top DJs and Lady Gaga headlining. If you have any energy left, the Sunday T-Dance with DJ Kat DeLuna wraps up this hot weekend. On Monday, all the gym bunnies can go off their diets.

The Sixth Annual Transgender Day of Empowerment will be held this Friday, April 10, at 6 p.m. at The San Diego LGBT Community Center, located on 3909 Centre St. in Hillcrest. There will be local speakers, musical entertainment and refreshments. Awards will also be presented to members of the local transgender community and our allies. Come and share the power!

Micky’s back soon

West Hollywood’s favorite bar will be back soon after two years of reconstruction as a result of a fire two years ago. The new Micky’s is hip and flashy, with an outdoor smoking patio. With so many retail stores closing, it’s nice to see new ones open on the boulevard. I cannot wait for my favorite go-go boys to make a come-back!

The 20th annual GLAAD Media Awards, scheduled for Saturday, April 18, at the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles, will be honoring Kathy Griffin with the Vanguard Award and the Rev. Gene Robinson with the Stephen Kolzak Awards. Showtime’s drama the “L Word” will also receive special recognition. Suzie Orman and Tyra Banks were honored earlier in the New York Media Awards, and Chad Allen will be honored on Saturday, May 9, in San Francisco. Celebrities scheduled to appear in the Los Angeles awards show include Terri Hatcher, Megan Mullally, Jessica Alba and Gus Van Sant. Tickets are available at www.glaad.org.

Long Beach Pride – May 16 and 17. Featuring Sara Bareilles, Smashmouth, Jazmine Sullivan and Alec Mapa at the Festival main stage. Parade steps off on Sunday, May 17, at 10:30 a.m., on Ocean Boulevard, between Temple Street and Alamitos Avenue.

Grey Gardens – Saturday, April 18, on HBO. Jessica Lange tackles the role of Jackie O’s eccentric relative Edie Beale and Drew Barrymore is Little Edie, as they live their everyday lives in a decaying mansion in East Hampton.