Month: June 2023

Practicing for this weekend

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Seems trans as well as drag is under attack in a country where freedom of expression and equal protection under the law is not only written into our constitution, but supposedly respected. Apparently there are some disrespecting haters trying to take over our government .
This June 28 will mark the 54th anniversary of Stonewall. Therefore this weekend will be the official commemoration of it during this month of Pride celebrations. Both Fearsome and I feel it’s important to stand up for our fellow LGBTQ+ therefore we will show our support through posts, donations to causes, our own personal expression, attending Pride events that we can (Pride in San Diego is actually in July) and love. We want to share lots of love!
So given all of that, it’s time we practice our walk!

RuPaul – Sissy That Walk – 2014

Oh… and if you are so inclined you can make a donation to the ACLU Drag Defense Fund   HERE

Happy Pride Y’all!

Dancing with my sister Doug

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Doug was someone I met when we were both just hitting the gay scene in our hometown. We were 18 at the time. He had recently moved to the small city I lived in from a smaller town a couple hours away. We bonded instantly and are still best friends today even though I’m on one coast and he’s on the other. He’s my sister and I adore him.

We spent many nights out at the local gay bar. It was called The Park and was a private club. Membership was only $5 but that helped to keep the door secure. This was a small city in Appalachia in the very early 1980s after all and we needed, well at least a sense of, good security. I remember this tune as being one of our favorites. Doug always was and still is a blast to hang out with. My heart fills with joy thinking of the times we cut a rug to this classic.

Culture Club – Karma Chameleon – 1983

Happy Pride Y’all!

Queen of the Desert

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One of the Mile Markers in the corse that is my life was the release of Priscilla Queen of the Desert. I can never get enough of that movie. In fact tears of joy steam out of my eyes into Fearsome as I type this. It’s time I watched it again.

In the mean time I’ll post this clip as the queens lip synch this amazing gay anthem classic. Such a classic that my first lover actually had the 12 inch single of it delivered to my door when I made an attempt to try to patch things up after our breakup, which of corse was years before Priscilla was even filmed. Yes this really did happen.

Gloria Gaynor – I Will Survive (1978) as featured in Priscilla Queen of the Desert – 1994

Happy Pride!

Being Boring

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This isn’t the first time we have posted this masterpiece on our blog. I doubt it will be the last time either.
Today as we move into the official week of Pride, I pause and reflect.

At this moment the memory of dancing to this tune on the deck over the ocean at “Tea by the Sea” in Key West with my friend Greg fills my mind. It was spring of 1991 and a group of friends had joined The Better Half & I in Key West to celebrate our anniversary where we met. The Pet Shop Boys’ Being Boring was the very first song played by the DJ to open that Tea Dance, in usual fashion, with something low key to build from. This tune was perfect. We danced there with our shirts unbuttoned blowing in the breeze flowing in off the ocean. As Greg and I were just starting to roll, the breeze over our skin in the afternoon sun and the music was magical. I remember Greg laughing as another buddy dancing near us very audibly announced “Isn’t this fabulous? Even the trolls are beautiful!”

I treasure this memory. It was one of those defining moments, I recall it as if it was yesterday. It’s hard to believe that was 32 years ago. Unfortunately Greg is one of the many I lost, one of the some I am now “missing” as I listen to the lyrics. I’m filled with joy for the moments we shared including this very special one. Wherever you are Greg I hope you see these words because I want to say, I Love You!

To everyone reading this, please bless someone you love today by telling them just that.
…Oh and may your Pride week be filled with love, joy, laughter, beauty, inclusion, acceptance, friends and memories…

Pet Shop Boys – Being Boring – 1990

Magic Man

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I fondly remember my first Magic Man.

Reed and I met through a mutual friend during our Jr. Year in high school. He was on the football team of a nearby high school, I was in the band at my high school. Two 16 year olds, going on 17, who had yet to find another boy with the same attraction we shared, made for a magical time. It was intense, hot, fast and furious.

Although Heart had released Magic Man about 5 years before our meeting, it was still a song we shared as we both loved the band. Eventually we each moved on in separate directions, but the magic we shared for the time we were together remains an intense memory that I cherish.

Yesterday I discovered that another favorite artist from that time period, Dolly Parton, who is a strong LGBT ally, has just released her cover of Magic Man. She has recorded it as a collaboration with Ann Wilson of Heart. It’s truly magical. We hope you enjoy it, as it left tears streaming from my eyes into Fearsome. He’s good at helping me with my tears when I need him.

Dolly Parton (feat. Ann Wilson) – Magic Man – 2023

Harvey Fierstein, the Joan Rivers interview

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This interview is undated, but according to the conversation it took place shortly before Harvey won his Tony for La Cage aux Folles. He won that Tony in 1984, therefore we will date this circa 1984. The interview is between two entertainment icons who just happen to be icons and leaders for the LGBTQ and LGBTQ ally communities. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. It’s a treasure.

Harvey Fierstein – Joan Rivers Interview Torch Song Trilogy / La Cage aux Folles / Tony Awards – Circa 1984

You’d better work!

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We’ve come a long way from Stonewall in June of 1969, and we’ve  come a long way since this clip aired in 1993. Our work isn’t done, justice never is. It’s up to us to make sure we don’t lose what we have and to make sure the future is bright for those behind us.

RuPaul – SuperModel / Live on Arsenio Hall Show – 1993

Why we must continue to march…

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We must continue to march, speak out and be visible so that we and those coming behind us can experience the simple beauty of love, marriage and family that Alastair and Zach share with us in their beautiful wedding video below.

Thank you Zach and Alastair for sharing your lives and love with us through YouTube. The many who marched before me, then me and then you two have made our world a better place for all. May we continue our journey as it isn’t over. Justice and equality take work to build and to maintain. It’s good work.

Happy Pride Y’all   …let’s keep marching.

Pride beats

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When Debbie dropped this tune in 1987 she was the youngest female artist to ever produce, write and perform a number one single. To this day she still holds that title. Oh and Fearsome? He danced to it hidden behind my clean shaven face that year on the dance floor of The Copa Key West. …and danced and danced and danced…

Debbie Gibson – Only In My Dreams – 1987