The Big Island's Kilauea flowing into the ocean

Here's a taste from Hawaii. More to come, when I return home. Aloha.

Invasion of the Pines

photo from World of Wonder's AguynamedWayne

This weekend, while the drag harpies inaugurated a new West coast tradition of celebrating Carl's birthday on his property, Babydoll Ranch, hundred of queen's far East of us were reenacting the Invasion of the Pines for the 33rd year. Read about this magnificent annual event and the 1976 action that started it all at World of Wonder or watch Jon Morrow's short 2005 documentary "Invasion of the Pines" on the web.

The Dallas Principles

On May 15-17, 2009 in Dallas, Texas twenty-four thinkers, activists, and donors gathered to discuss the immediate need for full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual transgender people in the United States. Collectively they prepared The Dallas Principles.

The following eight guiding principles underlie our call to action.

In order to achieve full civil rights now, we avow:

1. Full civil rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals must be enacted now. Delay and excuses are no longer acceptable.
2. We will not leave any part of our community behind.
3. Separate is never equal.
4. Religious beliefs are not a basis upon which to affirm or deny civil rights.
5. The establishment and guardianship of full civil rights is a non-partisan issue.
6. Individual involvement and grassroots action are paramount to success and must be encouraged.
7. Success is measured by the civil rights we all achieve, not by words, access or money raised.
8. Those who seek our support are expected to commit to these principles.

Sign the Dallas Principles now!

Marina and the Diamonds

Thank you to Modern Tonic's weekly column on Towleroad for posting this little gem. The voice, the video, the makeup. I am in love. And I think I have my next drag number planned...

Visit the Marina and the Diamonds site for bizarrely rude blog entries and a free download of the unplugged version of I am not a Robot.

San Francisco Pride: Good Vibrations Float

This year, I had the honor to be on the Good Vibrations float with my good friend Jack Davis, and the rest of the GV family, including sexologist Dr. Carol Queen. The float was jammed with fun! A country and western band, led by GV employee Camilla Lombard, the Western Star Dancers, and eight drag kings and queens. Here are some photos.

Carol Queen, a GV employee, and Peggy L'Eggs
Photo by kwaraw

Photo by mk94577

Three drag performers (Beveragine Remembra in red, Jack Davis in Purple)
Photo by Buffy Martin Tarbox

Camilla at the keyboard and her band (left) and the square dancers (right)
Photo by leesean

If you haven't had a chance to visit Good Vibes in person (or online), I suggest you give them a try. The Good Vibes environment is the absolute opposite of the woman-objectifying energy of every other sex-oriented retailer. It's worth saying that Good Vibes invented their style excellent customer service, and I have yet to experience anything like it anywhere else. Service is women-centered/trans-friendly, yet as a queer man, I feel very welcome there. The staff are mostly women, and are trained to answer any question you might have (or help you find the answer). If you need the same level of service online, you can get it by reaching a rep by phone.

San Francisco Pride: Diesel Float

Last Monday, on her way to a fundraiser for Shanti, Beveragine was stopped by this gorgeous spunky little lady, Becca, who hollered, "are you a drag queen cuz i need a drag queen my boss told me to find a drag queen for our pride float i work for diesel." She was excited! and winded.

In any case, I couldn't oblige, but I was able to help Becca find a fabulous queen for the float. I think Monistat was a perfect fit for the Diesel tableau. And despite being deathly ill, she showed up, and gave it all! Not only that, she showed up at the Castro and Market Diesel on Thursday to help judge the swimwear model search (such hard work!) Here are some shots of Becca's float, covered with muscley kids and resident DJ and queen, Monistat!

Photo by Gesichtsreise

Photo by Naeem Azizian

Photo by JacobRuff

San Francisco Pride: Juanita MORE!s pool party

Leyendecker's Lost "Latina" 2009, Matthew Benedict

Every year, the incomparable Juanita MORE throws a fantastic pool party at a hotel a few blocks from the pride celebration. The mostly local crowd is chock-full of gorgeous queens and semi-nude mens, and features 11 hours of dancing, lounging, eating, boozing, and posing! This year, the party benefited The Transgender Law Center (TLC). I just adore the following photos, all of which were captured by Daniel Filipkowski. While you are at it, scoot over to his fabulous site, Drag Slag.

Miss Nix, Fauxnique, and Mutha Chucka

Gina LaDivina and (Countess) Katya Ludmila Smirnoff-Skyy

Anna Conda and Mr. Conda (Brett)

Anna Conda and two gorgeous kids, Mikola Zdraljevic and Jason Burks

Turleen tending to Anna's 'needs'

Mercy Fuque, Raya Light, and Monistat

Still hungry? Check out this free Download of DJ Juanita MORE!s set, Self-Portrait in Glitches and Fluctuations.

San Francisco Pride: Parade

PS22 Chorus sings Joga

The Public School 22 Chorus, an amazing group of New York City fifth graders led by Mr. B, is making their way through the contemporary songbook. And I have to say, I am in love! Here is a video of their first rehearsal of Bjork's Joga.



PS22 videos have been viewed over 6.5 million times on youtube. To find out what the big deal is, check out the following videos, or the PS22 Chorus blog:
Lady Gaga's Just Dance

Tori Amos' Flavor

Singing Father's Son with Tori

And the sweetest thing ever! Landslide, dedicated to their Director, Mr. B.