Way back in 2012, Reed in Chicago sent in an Ask Billy question about Olympic gymnast Danell Leyva.  At the time, some nude photos circulated which were allegedly texted to a girl he was trying to hook up with.  Fast forward eight years and Danell has come out…on National Coming Out Day: “For a long time I’ve known that I wasn’t straight.  But because of some very personal reasons, I always rejected that side of me.  Earlier this year I finally understood that I’m bi/pan (still trying to figure that one out).”  He adds, “I also realized that, as of now at least, I’m not attracted to cis men.”  That’s OK – baby steps, Danell.  And, yes, before you ask, I’ll post the photos again on BillyMasters.com.

In lieu of a new Ask Billy question, I want to take a moment to remember my friend Nikki McKibbin.  You knew her as the scrappy contestant on season one of American Idol who came in third.  We did several gay pride festivals together, and she was a hoot.  She was a gal just waiting for a break.  She got a few, but they never quite panned out the way she hoped.  After a pretty hard life battling various addictions, she had an aneurysm last week and was brain-dead immediately.  In accordance with her wishes, she was kept alive on machines for three days to arrange distribution of her organs.  Till the end, she was a very special, giving person.  Rest in peace, Nikk!