“He’s my life partner.  He’s my work partner. 
He’s my gay ex-husband.  He’s my best friend
and he’s always around.  But we try and make
sure that he’s not too much of a cockblock.” 
– Fran Drescher describes her relationship with her ex, the lovely and talented
Peter Marc Jacobson.  Given how much the gays love the fantastic
Fran, I’d be much more concerned that she could be cockblocking Petey!

Last week saw the final episodes of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and Sherri.  But another show got yanked – right in our own backyard.  Hunters Nightclub in Fort Lauderdale had two shows scheduled of Naked Guy Crocheting.  You’d be forgiven for not hearing of this “franchise” (as it is termed).  You’d even be forgiven for thinking it might be hosted by Olympic diver Tom Daley, the most famous devotee of the art of crocheting either straight or gay, clothed or not.  The show in question is hosted by Peter Bisuito, who is described as a “local artist, comedian, and producer”.  Apparently he has done several of these shows in gay venues which raise money for dog rescue – and who could have an issue with that (with the possible exception of Kristi Noem).  But this particular installment of his show was going to feature someone who is no stranger to controversy – the legendary and iconic Lady Bunny (who would presumably be crocheting and hopefully not naked).

For those of you not in the know, Bunny is an outspoken critic of virtually everyone and everything.  I believe even I have been the target of her rapier wit – and who could have an issue with moi?  I seem to recall that during the last presidential election, she took issue with Kamala Harris…for not being liberal enough!  Well, we live in a free society, and I will defend everyone’s right to voice an opinion.  However, this current controversy is in Florida, and that’s far from a free society these days.  Apparently a member of the Broward County Jewish Federation took issue with Bunny’s criticism of Israel’s actions toward Palestine.  Personally, I wouldn’t wade into those waters even if I were Moses fleeing Pharaoh.  But Bunny did – and apparently that’s why she’s cancelled.  And since at least a handful of people could have come out to protest a giant drag queen and a gay man crocheting on stage, I can’t really blame Hunters for cancelling.  But here’s what I can say – either we’re for free speech or we’re not.

Speaking of cancellations, the Long Beach Pride Festival was called off only hours before it was supposed to begin.  The day before the festival, the City of Long Beach had lawyers send out a cease-and-desist letter claiming the organizers “failed to timely submit the required application materials and supporting documentation necessary for permit review.”  Aren’t permits reviewed more than hours before an event?  Like, months?  Anyway, this statement was hastily posted: “The Long Beach Pride Festival will not be able to take place this year as sufficient information to safely permit the event has not been made available by the event organizers.”  I’m not pointing fingers, but I hasten to add such hiccups didn’t happen the two years when yours truly hosted Long Beach Pride.