The United States has turned power over to the Iraqi people. Let us pray that the bloodshed will slow down and that our military men and women can finally come home soon. Bush might want you to think that we have won the battle, but we really have lost the war. Let’s get the hell out of Iraq and stop appointing ourselves “savior” of the world. … Did you hear about the Oklahoma judge caught using the penis pump while presiding over a trial? Just make sure you don’t interrupt his honor when he’s making a case. Oh well, it’s Oklahoma, the judge is entitled to amuse himself once in awhile … There are so many legal challenges on the same-sex marriage issue that it’s hard to keep up. Even Arnold says, “I do not care one way or another.” Let us at least keep ourselves informed on the local level and fight like hell. If we have enough small victories in our own backyards, then hopefully it will ripple effect to the national level. A good source of information is our own Center and www.MarriageEquality.org. … Are you one of those who made sure Fahrenheit 9/11 made box office history as the highest-grossing documentary, raking in $21.8 million dollars on opening weekend? I don’t care if the documovie is any good at all. I just want to send a clear message to the Bush White House that their days are numbered… Just when you thought you’ve heard enough of Paris Hilton, the second series of her TV show “A Simple Life” is a ratings success. I think the show should be re-titled “Have Lip Gloss, Will Travel”. Paris’s famous private sex tape with ex-boyfriend Rick Solomon is now available on a DVD called One Night in Paris. How cute is that!

Two weeks ago, I trekked downtown to Ole Madrid for a gathering of “gaiety for a good cause” – The Trevor Project, the only national 24/7 toll free suicide prevention hotline for gay and questioning teens. This benefit event has all the right ingredients – cheap tickets, Grey Goose beverages, tapas, good-looking guests and fun entertainment. On hand were Leslie Jordan (“Sordid Lives”, “Will & Grace”), Del Shores (“Queer As Folk”, “Southern Baptist Sissies”) and our own Wes Culwell (“Boy Meets Boy”). But the most important part is the work these incredible people do. Six years ago, my best friend – Baldwin Fong - killed himself because of depression. I’m not sure he would have called any hotline, but I’m heartened to know that for those that may pick up that phone, there is help at the other end of the line. Suicide among gay teens is more prevalent than most of us think. In fact, according to the World Health Organization, suicide is one of the top three causes of death among 15-24 year olds. The Trevor Project symbolizes hope for thousands of young people when they have nowhere else to turn. As we celebrate Pride this month, let us give generously to make sure our youth have that extra chance of making it through. Find out more by visiting this article online at www.gaylesbiantimes.com for a link to the Trevor Project website.

Well, I finally made it to prom. Not my own 10 years ago – okay, maybe a few more – but the recent youth prom, called “The Other Prom”, at The Center. I was probably the oldest drag queen in the room, but I turned it out in my formal gown. It was so refreshing to see so many young gay men and lesbians come into The Center without fear of harassment, some holding hands and all just having a good time. The dance music was a bit too hip-hop for me, but hey, the kids loved it and that’s all that mattered. There was food, refreshments, dancing I do not understand (what ever happened to “the hustle”?), and “unusual” outfits. There was even a very entertaining dance contest. At the end of the evening, there was the crowning of the Prom King and Queen. For privacy reasons, I am not including names or photos of these nice young people. Also on hand were Emperor Robi and Empress Cristina, and Todd Gloria with a commendation from Congressmember Susan Davis. Kudos to Dana Toppel and Patrick Loose from the Hillcrest Youth Center, the volunteers, chaperons and the youths themselves for throwing a great prom.

Once again, The Imperial Court de San Diego is producing the drag show at the main stage of the San Diego Pride Festival on Saturday, July 31. I have been invited to host the show and I am very proud to announce that we have booked some of the best drag performers in San Diego. Scheduled to perform are the fabulous Chad Michaels; Nicky Award’s Best Drag Performer, Fifi; Miss Gay International Penelope London; Miss Gay San Diego Justice Page Counce; Miss Gay Pride 2003 Bianca St. James; favorite Latino performer Liberia with her Mariachi band; and super drag diva Pheadra. Emperor Robi Cox and Empress Cristina will be making an appearance as well. Expect some fun production numbers and fabulous costumes. This is the drag show of shows; make sure you don’t miss it.

TLC and HGTV are taking over Lifetime and Bravo as the gay channel with all the home decorating and home renovation shows. More and more queer couples are opening their homes to the cameras. Even CBS’s “Extreme Makeover: Home” came to San Diego recently. But there is an easier way to get a brand new kitchen right in our area. Bardon Enterprises will be GIVING AWAY a $25,000 custom kitchen including new appliances, countertops and cabinets. This is the third kitchen they have given away in the last year. To enter, just visit the new Miramar showroom at 8820 Kenamar Dr., Suite 501. To win, all you have to do is register in person over Fourth of July weekend (hours are Saturday and Sunday 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.). They will have live music, a picnic and a barbeque. For more information, call (619) 562-7100. Hey, even if you do not end up with your dream kitchen, you will at least enjoy a nice picnic with entertainment and barbeque, and you do not have to clean up afterwards.

Bacchus House is debuting their new Sunday night theme party on July 4, called “Club Domingo Uncut”. For those of your who are not bilingual like moi, Domingo is Spanish for Sunday. Rosanna will be hosting the opening night party. So, all you Latin lovers come join the fun; I’ll be shopping for a new “papa”. … Over at Rich’s, Jeanie Tracy will be performing live, singing her number-one dance hit “Cha Cha Heels” also on Sunday, July 4. DJ Steven Oliveri will also be spinning all night. … Saturday, July 3, Club Montage and SDPix host the Men’s Magazine 20th Anniversary Party. There will be go-go boys, gift bags, and porn star Kent Larsen (star of All Worlds Video’s new movie RAW) will be making an appearance. … If you are up in the Los Angeles area, Will Gorges, John Brady and Evenstar Comm presents Vision-3 IndepenDANCE Day on Sunday, July 4, starting at 9:00 p.m. at 1735 N. Vine in Hollywood, with DJs Roland Belmares and Joe Gauthreaux. Call (323) 866-7018 for details. The Boom Boom Room in Laguna Beach is celebrating five nights this Fourth of July weekend, beginning tonight with DJ Ali. Visit “Haute Coco” online at www.gaylesbiantimes.com for links to party details. … Finally, get your advance tickets to the best San Diego Pride parties brought to you by Powerhouse Productions. For more information, go to Rainbow Road, call the party hotline (619) 220-2137, or visit this article online for a link to the website. There is a limited number of VIP tix to all four parties, and two-day festival passes are available.