First and foremost, I must send out my undying gratitude and respect to all of the LGBT leaders from the decades before me that fought hard for equality and acceptance.  Because of their sacrifices, conviction and courage,

I am proudly looking forward to my 22^nd Gay Pride celebration.  Between the parade floats, happy hours, bars, dance floors and sexy men and women celebrating, take a moment and be thankful for your big gay life and freedom you enjoy to be your big gay selves.  Chicago lost a community leader this past week, Roger “RJ” Chaffin, unexpectedly and I dedicate my pride experience to his life and legacy.  This one’s for you, RJ!

Now, about this Chicago Pride weekend thing.   I cut back on my responsibilities this year only taking on the production of 3 parade floats this Sunday.  In years past, I have had as many as 7 floats in our parade.   That’s 7 sets of go-go dancers, 7 sound systems to rent, 7 outfit groupings for 80-90 people, 7 floats to build and 7000 dramas happening in that 3 hour period from when the float is delivered to the staging area to be assembled until the parade starts.  OH, and then there is the 2.5 mile parade route with and estimated 400,000 spectators all ready to sell their soul for a string of sparkly beads.  It’s brilliant.  There have been flat tires, exploding sound systems, go-go calamities, down pours and more wardrobe malfunctions than we can remember, all in the name of Gay Pride, of course.   The LGBT hardcore activists cringe at the debauchery that is often displayed during any given Pride parade because it’s “not what we’ve been fighting for”, but I say “LET THEM WEAR SPEEDO’S AND ELECTRICAL TAPE IN THEIR NIPPLES AND PARADE, DAMNIT!  My mother always points out to me when I complain about the stress and parade drama, that I tend to thrive on chaos, usually because I am the one that creates it.  This is quite accurate and slightly disturbing., but a float load of fun nonetheless.  Right now, I have 50,000 beaded necklaces in my stairway, a garage full of plywood palm tree frames-some 14 feet tall, 12 speakers and 39 costumes ready to make their debut this Sunday.  AND, for the first time, I will not be in some whacko, over the top get up.  instead I am honored to DJ live on the MILLER LITE float wearing my headphones and a smile.  So, be sure to scream like a crazy person as we float by, uou may get a necklace and a kiss blown to you.