PRIDE MOOD

I tell you, I haven't been this exhausted from doing Prides festivities since I was in my late 20's!!! This weekend was the third Pride Celebration I attended this season, and I can tell you we are out in larger than normal numbers....and that's a good thing. It been great seeing all of the LGBTQ come together for a change and support each other. It is also amazing to talk to people and learn that for many this was their first Pride, or one they haven't attended in ages...even some queens that admitted they didn't "need" Prides...but know even they have seen it more important than ever, to be seen. I just knew Balitmore wouldn't disappoint. Back in the day, Balitmore was my clans home away from home. It was nothing for us to just up and decide we were going to Balitmore for the night. They had bars and nightclubs everywhere. And their Gay Pride festivals were always a hit with the DC and Harrisburg crowds. Our usual routine would be to go down, get parked, take drinks in order of Grand Central Station, the Allegro, then head to the legendary Hippo. The place was huge!!! And the DJ was often off the hook. I can remember one Pride year if was so packed there was nowhere to dance for little ole me...so two big jock boys put me up on a cigarette machine, remember those??? And I tore my whole routine up that on that space. And that was the beginning of my box and bar top dancing obsession! Most nights after the club let out, it was often off to Gampy's, where anyone and everyone who was a nightclub urchin would go for breakfast. The place was posh, camp, and loud. I recall many a night waiting for our food to arrive, and yours truly would pull a French Exit...either to blow a guy in the bathroom who was giving me ogling eye contact, or I'd leave Gampy's altogether to go to their place for sex. Never mind my food was waiting. But we all did it. Our agreement was if we hooked up, we were all to meet at the car or cars by daybreak. If one didn't hook up, they were already in the car sleeping. Ahhhh good times! Balitmore also always had a HUGE and serious drag community, and it was where I ended up getting most of my wigs done and buying the big jewels...from a place called Madame Woo's....sadly long gone. But By damn, this weekend was like coming home again. On tap next weekend will be the big one....NYC PRIDE!!! A few snaps from the weekend sprinkled in with some images.

I talked with this queen at length, Betty O'Hellno. I plan to return to see a show of hers.

This guy at one pub was kind enough to let me take a picture of him in this tee shirt, that I thought was funny as hell!!!! Thanks T!!!!

Meanwhile...this little ditty sums the mood currently...