As I write this, I have just voted, so I do not know the outcome of the elections. Hopefully, as you are reading the Gay & Lesbian Times, we would know who our new president is. I am just glad it’s all over, because this election was exhausting.

Thanksgiving is coming up soon. This would be a good time to take stock of our blessings and share our good fortune with others. Hopefully, this includes a new president at the White House, our troops safe homecoming, a renewed energy to combat all the new states laws against same-sex marriages, and a new hope for a better America. Of course, if you are feeling really generous, gift of jewels, condos and a Beemer will be welcomed by the Coco LaChine Trust Fund. As for me, my sincere thanks to all of you who have sent me thoughtful notes, since I began this column almost a year ago.

I took my first ever trip to Hawaii last week with Emperor Chris and Empress LaLa Too, and a few other friends. One of our reasons for going was to attend coronation of the Hawaiian court. I stayed at a hotel in Waikiki Beach, right next to the gay bar, Hula’s Bar and Lei Stand. The island of Oahu has about five gay bars, a couple of bathhouses, and 38 ABC stores. (ABC is like our Rite-Aid). I visited the Lolani Palace hoping to find out if I was related to Queen Kapiolani. Sadly, all I found out was that I might be related to Don Ho instead. So, I could actually be a “Ho”!

I spent Halloween on Kalakaua Avenue and watched hundreds of hunky men in near-naked costumes, and thought I was back in Greenwich Village. I didn’t get to visit the other islands, or go under a waterfall. But that’s okay; I truly did have a very good time and have been touched by the spirit of Aloha. Mahalo! (That means Thank You.)

I can’t believe that I have been hosting “It’s Raining Men” at Bacchus House for a year now. And next Thursday, November 11, we will be celebrating our first anniversary with a special wet underwear contest, and a $300 cash prize to the winner. All Worlds Video new discovery, Travis Lee, will make a special porn appearance. The contest has been attracting a large, loyal following and handsome young men who are eager to get wet under the “shower-on-stage”. Bacchus House also offers $1 well drinks all night, and giveaways from All Worlds Video and Martin and Wall.

If you haven’t seen this show at the Old Globe, what are you waiting for? Master director Jack O’Brien assembles a great cast including John Lithgow and Norbert Leo Butz as two con men in Beaumont sur Mer in the fashionable French Riviera. I saw John at the original Broadway production of M. Butterfly, when I was a mere child, and he, of course, went on to do “Third Rock From The Sun” on TV. They are ably supported by Joanna Gleason, Tony winner for Best Actress for Into the Woods, and Gregory Jbarra, who played the gay bodyguard in the Broadway production of Victor Victoria. The show is light, funny, whimsical and a joy to watch, with superb sets by David Rockwell, and choreography by Jerry Mitchell, who also choreographed Hairspray and the annual Broadway Bares, a benefit for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. I won’t give the ending twist away, so go see the show before it moves to Broadway, I hope.

The first solo photo exhibition of Andrew Printer’s “Changing Rooms: The Backstage World of Drag Queens” will have a second reception on Friday, Nov. 5 from 6: 00 to 9:00 p.m. at the 4 Design Gallery, 3813 Ray Street in North Park, with food, wine and a chance to meet the photographer. Andrew has been capturing images of drag queens from his travels over the years, and this collection includes local drag celebrities Nicole, Katrina Yen and Mowka Almondine. Bidding for one of his photos of the Dreamgirls Review will be closing with the proceeds benefiting Grocery Hearts. The exhibition, with 30 plus black and white photographs taken backstage at drag shows in Prague, England, San Diego, Thailand and Tijuana, will close on Nov. 10. Part of the collection will be on display beginning Nov. 15 at the new bistro on University Heights – Soup and Salad, 4646 Park Blvd.

A memorial service is planned for Princess Royale Satin, local drag performer and community activist, on Sunday, Nov. 7 at The Center beginning at 3:00 p.m. This will be followed by a show celebrating Satin’s colorful life and refreshments. In lieu of flowers, her family requests that donations be made in Satin’s memory to the Imperial Court’s Queen Eddie Youth Fund. For more information, call Mama Wheels at (619) 559-0985.

This weekend is Palms Springs Pride and as usual, there will be thousands of men and women descending on this desert oasis. All Worlds Video exclusive, Jonathan West, will play host with Dirk Yates at the Porn barbeque at the All Worlds Resort (526 Warm Sands Dr.) on Saturday, Nov. 6 at 1:00 p.m. If you haven’t made reservation yet, I hope you know someone in Palm Springs you can crash with. Next weekend, Nov. 13 & 14 is Palm Springs Leather Pride, which promises to be another scorching weekend, and you might still be able to find rooms for that weekend. Call All Worlds Resort at (800) 798-8781. For me, this is the best time to visit Palm Springs, the daytime is not too hot and the evenings are nice and balmy.

The Palm Springs Follies will begin their new season this week featuring Hooray for Hollywood. The Follies girls ranges from age 55 to 83 and are a must-see. Call the Follies at (760) 327-0225

The holiday season is only seven weeks away, and it’s closer than you think. It’s also a time to share our cheers with those less fortunate. With that in mind, Century 21 Carole Uptown Realty, is having their annual food drive, and they need your help! You can bring in a can or non-perishable food item to their office at 1050 University Ave. (right next door to Ralph’s) before November 15th. You can help feed kids, seniors, working poor families, and people living with HIV/AIDS. Call (619) 681-1800 or stop by for a list of most wanted items.

Club Papi is having their 2 year anniversary party at Rich’s this Saturday with special guest performer Cece Penniston. That same evening, Rich’s will also be having the official CD release party for Celia Cruz and her new album Dios Disfrute a La Reina.

Also, please remember to take part in the Gay & Lesbian Times online survey. You could win a pair of round trip tickets on Delta Air Lines to anywhere in the U.S. and more. To participate, go to http://go.hpolsurveys.com/NGNG for more details.

Jewelry Designs by Stuart Benjamin would like to thank the entire GLBT community for the support of his business. Starting Thursday, Nov. 18 and continuing through Saturday the Nov. 20, this three day celebration, from 5:00 to 8: 00 p.m. with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, is sure to put an idea or two, or three, in your head for those subtle gift hints come holiday time. So swing by and see Stuart, located in The Hazard Center at 7510 Hazard Center Dr., Suite 405. By the way, my ring size is 6.

Finally, drop me a note with your comments, love letters, and suggestions to coco@cocolachine.com.