I’m in town for a while. I’ve cancelled three out of state appearances. I hope to attend some local events like the Stepping Stone boat cruise, a Human Rights Campaign (HRC) brunch, see Shut Up! Sweet Charlotte and attend Harvest Howl. I’m glad to stay home for awhile!

These were just some of the signs that were carried by members of the so called Westboro Baptist Church of Kansas this past weekend throughout San Diego County. These sad people are anti-Jewish, anti-Catholic, anti-gay and anti-immigration. What saddened many of us the most were the little children who carried these hateful signs. But what was wonderful was the turn out of young San Diegans at San Diego High School and other places to take a stand against hate. I joined the peaceful demonstrations, which included a silent vigil by members of the First Unitarian Universalist Church of San Diego and so many gay and non gay high school students who were mostly Latino and African American. It almost brought tears to this old queen’s eyes. A special shout out to organizers Sara Beth Brooks, the Goddess Wendy Sue, Ben Cartwright, Jonathan Hale and everyone who helped and showed up. It was about love and a hate-free San Diego!

One of our nation’s most respected civil rights organizations is the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). This past weekend, the local San Diego chapter of the NAACP celebrated its national organization’s 100th anniversary with a gala dinner. The NAACP statewide took a strong stand against Prop. 8, and they did it even though some of their membership was not pleased at all. Among GLBT San Diegans attending the dinner were Dr. Pat Washington, Larry Baza, City Commissioner Stamp Corbin (who bought a table), former Deputy City Attorney Alex Sachs, Gloria Johnson, Maggie Anderson and Mike Kirbey. Among organizations purchasing dinner tickets were the San Diego Alliance for Marriage Equality, the San Diego Democratic Club and the Imperial Court. I do feel there should have been more GLBT leaders/activists and organizations in attendance. We cannot expect people of color communities and organizations to support us if we don’t support them. Keynote speaker Barbara Arnwine was simply inspirational. Only a week ago, National Chairman of the NAACP and civil rights legend Julian Bond gave the keynote speech at the National Equality March on Washington, D.C.

I’ve been the emcee for Nightmare on Normal Street for years now, with no complaints. But now the Hillcrest Town Council has suddenly come forward and criticized me and threatened the San Diego LGBT Community Center that members are going to tape record and possibly video tape my performance on Halloween night. I guess the Hillcrest Town Council has added “moral police” to its mission statement. They have accused me of saying some cuss words that I have never said. They are outright lies. Although, I admit, my act is for adults only – the event is for 18 and up – I am not going to change my act. Ask anyone who attends the event. They will tell you that the crowds love my craziness and, yes at times, blue humor. This is a benefit. I have always refused to get paid, though Halloween night is a big paying night for me. I am the one who pushed The Center to separate the children from this event. I am also the founder of the annual Toys for Kids campaign (founded in 1974) and the annual Children’s Easter Egg Hunt.

Let me make it clear. I respect some of the work the Hillcrest Town Council does, but they should stick to getting us more parking spaces and focus on the growing homeless problem, rather than monitoring our Halloween block party that brings both straight and gays together. By the way, I’m also emceeing the Halloween contests at Bourbon Street and Spin (formerly Club Montage) if you want to record all my appearances.

Everyone is going to one of the most outrageous and fun events of the year, yes, the Tantrums and Tiaras – Battle of the Bar Queens contest at the Birch North Park Theater, this Sunday Oct. 25 at 7 p.m. It will be a night of laughs and hysterics, and you will have to see it to believe it. It’s a benefit for Mama’s Kitchen. So get your tickets today or at the door. For more information, call 619-239-8836.

Sometimes it seems that there are hundreds of Italian restaurants around town, but look out San Diego, Buonissimo 2 is opening up in Hillcrest (where California Cuisine was) at 1027 University Ave. No Italian restaurant on the West Coast will be able to touch its look, atmosphere and feeling. When you walk into Buonissimo, it will be like walking into a wonderful restaurant in a beautiful Italian village. I was given a sneak peek and, trust me, this place will be the talk of the town. It will not only be like an adventure to Italy but an adventure for your taste buds. Almost everyone who cooks and manages the place is from Italy (the nice owner does not even speak English and owns Buonissimo I in Italy). So get there before the crowds discover this Italian gem.

Since the National Equality March in D.C., almost all of your questions have been about Lady Gaga, so listen up. She is totally unlike her public image. I found her rather shy and very feminine and sweet. She is not really beautiful or sexy but pretty and very, very tiny and thin. She sure loves her sunglasses and has a very soft voice when she’s talking about you. She kept trying to hug me, but she was wearing a black velvet like dress up to her neck (kind of conservative cocktail like), and I was afraid my makeup would get all over it. She was very nice, and I enjoyed our time together at the Marriot Renaissance hotel event. I proclaimed her Supreme Diva of the Americas, and Gaga loved the award. Earlier at the HRC dinner, President Obama stated that he was “the opening act for Lady Gaga.” The next morning Lady Gaga gave a fiery speech at the National Equality March. They had to put a block before the podium so that she could reach the mikes! In person and up close Lady Gaga is not like her public image at all.

Yes, please mark your calendars for Dec. 3 when some of my friends will be throwing me a birthday bash at Bourbon Street, marking a big 0 in my life. It will be a fun night and you are all invited. In lieu of gifts, I would appreciate a contribution to the Ben F. Dillingham Fund, the Toni Atkins Health Fund or the Nicole Murray-Ramirez Student Scholarship Fund. I will give more information later. No, I will not reveal which big 0 it is. Thank goodness for plastic surgery!