Last week, a friend was in an accident using my Los Angeles car – the favorite in my fleet of cars.  He was OK, but the car was less fortunate.  Eh, that’s what insurance is for.  But due to its age and the amount of damage, the insurance company wanted to total it.  “It’s old,” said the adjuster.  “It’s not old,” said my mechanic, “it’s a classic.”  Both words roughly mean the same thing, but have different connotations.  Am I old?  Sure – but like my mangled car, I’m also a classic.  I told the insurance guy I wasn’t totaling it – she still has a whole lotta years left in her.  If I have to pay for repairs out of pocket, so be it.  They re-evaluated and decided to fix it.  ‘Cause it’s a classic!

I returned to the glittering gay scene in South Beach for the Task Force’s annual gala at the Miami Beach Convention Center.  As you know, the National LGBTQ Task Force (TaskForce.org) fights discrimination, anti-gay legislation, and most importantly, helps people get out and vote.  The gala honors people who support their mission, and this year the honorees were my pals Jim Tyrrell and Roger Thomson, along with Karamo from Queer Eye.  Jai Rodriguez, a QE OG, hosted alongside the irrepressible Ginger Minj.  Athena Dion set the tone with her pre-show set.  Powerhouse vocalist Frenchie Davis sang, and then joined Jai and company for a rendition of “Seasons of Love” from Rent (Frenchie and Jai did the show together on Broadway).  You can see that video on our website.  SoBe royalty Edison Farrow and David Sexton made sure I met everyone.  David even flew in his pal Kimberley Locke (more on her later). 

I was seated next to the Real Housewives of Miami.  Full disclosure – I’ve never seen the show and didn’t know who any of them were.  But they were all lovely – in that vaguely Telemundo sort of way.  I was particularly drawn to the diminutive Adriana de Moura.  She’s one of the most gorgeous people I’ve ever met, and has the most captivating eyes.  During our chat, I was delighted to learn that we have something in common – a background as classical pianists.  We may collaborate on something special in the near future. 

The next day, many of the performers from the Task Force Gala came out for the SAVE.LGBT Freedom Rally at the Miami Beach Bandshell.  While I was unable to attend, I did get a video of Frenchie and Kimberley Locke joining forces on “Band of Gold”, which they first did during Hollywood Week on American Idol way back in 2003.  After over 20 years, they sound (and look) as good as ever.  Well, they’re classics – as you can see from the video on BillyMasters.com.