Seamus Visits, Wet 'N Wild, & A Sunday Afternoon Protest

"So, are you ready for your big debut??"

That's been the big question all summer long.

"Actually, I'm still collecting donations. Would you like to contribute? The money goes to AID Atlanta to help those with HIV."

"What's your dress look like?"

"Do you have a wig yet?"

"How are you in heels?"



"Have you ever done drag before?"

"I have one more fundraiser this weekend. We're gonna have great food, drinks, and entertainment around a beautiful pool setting. You should come have fun and support me!"

"I'll be out of town that night."

When people think of the Atlanta Cotillion, they generally think of one thing: men in drag. They picture the pomp and circumstance of getting all dolled up for a gala evening. The good that is done by raising money for AID Atlanta is secondary. And I guess it has to be, because if the Cotillion wasn't something that gay men got excited about, it wouldn't happen at all.

So, in a way, I've had to entertain people with the details of the white gown I'm wearing, and that my make-up is going to be done by the super-talented, Phoenix. These things are certainly exciting, but because this has been a tough road, I've focused on producing four entertaining fundraiser-parties, and I've left the details of my garb for the last minute.

Well, the last minute is here! This passed weekend, not only did I have my final fundraiser, Wet 'N Wild, but I also entertained my little brother, Seamus, who was in town for only one night. He flew down from Connecticut for the wedding of a friend, borrowed my car while I was at work, and stayed with me. We had a great time on Friday night. The two of us went out to Casa Grande for dinner, and then we went to the Graveyard, a str8 bar down the street from Mary's.

The following night, I hosted my pool party. We had a small turnout, but those of us who were there had a truly fabulous time. Sher from David took photos, along with my photographer/friend, Louis, who practically did an entire photo shoot of the boys in speedo's. Everyone contributed something, and we all partied until well passed the end of the fundraiser. The food from Ray's on the River was divine, so although we were in swimsuits, we ate like pigs! We stayed at Joe's pool until 11, and then went to Mixx to support my friend, Jay, who was DJing at that bar for the first time.

On Sunday, after work, I attended a protest outside the Eagle. It had been raided, 1969-style, on Thursday night. This sort of thing absolutely cannot happen, especially when Atlanta expects to have a cosmopolitan image. No drugs were found, and everyone had been released. It is my opinion that the police have no right to conduct the raid of a gay bar simply because many cops dislike gay people. The cops voiced their disgust for gay people during the raid! This is completely unacceptable, and the gay community rallied together to protest the disturbing treatment of those at the bar on Thursday night. It was exhilarating and emotional for me to be at a protest. I was happy to be a part of it.

I ended the weekend on a relaxed note by having a handful of friends over to watch the sometimes shocking, sometimes funny MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday night. I was exceptionally excited to see the show this year because of MJ's tribute at the opening of the show. Madonna gave a heartfelt account of her brief friendship with Michael, and how she felt that she and the world let Michael "fall through the cracks," which is exactly what happened. MJ should have been in treatment for drug addiction. Just sayin'.

After Madge finished up, an army of dancers did a dance tribute. But what followed that was amazing! Scream began, and Janet Jackson came out and performed alongside Michael's image behind her. She did an amazing job, and it was amazing to me how poigniant Scream is now that MJ is gone. Not only was it the siblings' only duet, but it was also his demand for privacy and justice.

So, now that the weekend's over, this whole week will be devoted to drag!!