Our Ask Billy question comes from Aaron in Dallas, who writes, “What do you know about Evan Mock on Gossip Girl?  I think he’s a model-turned-actor, and seems pretty convincing in his scenes with Max.”

I haven’t watched a single episode of Gossip Girl – the reboot or the original.  But after seeing Evan Mock and Thomas Doherty, I’m a believer.  I know you asked about Evan…but Thomas is swoonable.  He was also named “one of the 50 fittest boys in the world” by Vogue when he was 22 (he’s now 26).  So that explains all the nudity…and the abs.  Back to Evan.  Mock is a model, actor, and skateboarder.  His big break was after Frank Ocean posted a video of him skateboarding – which answers some questions, and leaves us with others.  Two of his best friends are Justin Bieber and Travis Scott.  In spite of all that, Mock identifies as heterosexual.  But happily he shows a good amount of skin on Gossip Girl – and on BillyMasters.com.

About a month ago, the media reported about a new Catholic Church scandal when a large number of priests were discovered on Grindr.  That would be bad enough, but the investigation was prompted by news that at least 16 different mobile devices were logging into the gay hook-up app from “non-public areas of the Vatican City” – which means housing and the rectory (I will refrain from my usual rectory joke).  We hear that a new list of priests found on the app is about to go public.

Earlier this summer, Monsignor Jeffrey Burrill resigned.  Burrill was the administrator for the US Conference of Catholic Bishops.  In addition to this prestigious position, he was seen in some other positions in various gay bathhouses and on Grindr.  And Burrill wasn’t the only resignation.  A Brazilian bishop was asked to tender his resignation to the Pope after two videos of him “pleasuring himself” during a video chat were leaked.  Bishop Tomé Ferreira da Silva confirmed that he was in the video and that it was leaked by a “close associate”.  Talk about being defrocked!

ABBA is BACK!  You may recall we told you three years ago that the quartet went into the studio and quietly recorded two new songs which were to be used in some sort of hologram concert.  With all the delays, Benny called the group and said, “Maybe we should do a few others.”  Next thing you know, ABBA is releasing “Voyage”, a collection of 10 new tracks, their first new material in over 40 years.  It drops on November 5^th.  As to that new show, it is also called ABBA Voyage.  The full quartet performed in front of over 150 cameras and video geniuses.  After doing the whole show over and over for five weeks, it was converted into a digital wonder.  And instead of calling them avatars, these are called ABBAtars.  The virtual ABBAs will be joined by a 10-piece band performing 22 of their greatest hits.  Opening night is at a specially constructed arena in London on May 27, 2022.

I thought it was a big deal that Dancing with the Stars is having JoJo Siwa compete with a female partner.  JoJo may be annoying, but the situation is still historic…until you realize that England had two women dancing together on Strictly Come Dancing last year.  I’m far more interested that the UK show will feature sexy John Whaite from The Great British Bake Off competing with a male partner this year!  Once again, advantage Brits.  Of course, we have Peloton instructor Cody Rigsby competing on DWTS.  And, yes, he’s gay.  But he has been partnered with Cheryl Burke – ‘cause they obviously want him to win.

Strictly actually had higher aspirations than a gay baker.  They had hoped to snare newly anointed Olympic gold medalist, Tom Daley.  However, between buffing his medal and knitting his cozies, he’s a little busy.  Still, he somehow found time to pen a new memoir.  Coming Up For Air will be released in October.  It is the follow-up to his previous memoir, My Story, which was released when he was 18!  Of course, since then he’s had quite a life – he got married, had a kid, and is now able to drink legally!  He’s also in talks to write a series of children’s books.  Busy, busy.

Back to Dancing with the Stars – I’m curious how long Olivia Jade will last.  You remember her – the daughter of Lori Loughlin who was at the center of the Varsity Blues scandal.  Apparently she no longer uses the Giannulli name – for obvious reasons.  Maybe I’m in the minority, but I’m happy to see her on DWTS – if only to watch her fall with a thud, or get cheered on by her friends on the USC crew team.  And I’m also looking forward to watching Brian Austin Green, who always seems sexy and dangerous.  Yes, even I can’t believe it – calling David from 90210 sexy and dangerous!

Our Ask Billy question comes from Anthony in Texas: “Have you heard the rumors about Peyton Meyer accidentally posting a sex video on TikTok?  Can you track it down?”

What I find amusing is that whenever sex videos or nude photos leak, they’re often of former Disney kids.  Things that make you go, “Hmm”.  I don’t know Peyton Meyer, but he falls into that category.  He is best known for the Disney series, Girl Meets World and Dog with a Blog – both of which sound positively dreadful.  He can also currently be seen in the Netflix film He’s All That, and I can confirm that Peyton is all that…and then some.  Here’s what happened – somehow a video of Peyton having vigorous sex with his girlfriend popped up in a TikTok chat room.  But the video was not new to moi – it surfaced back in May, which is when I got it.  I’m glad I was asked to look into this story because my sources delivered two other videos of Meyer – one with another girl, and one with him taking his sizeable matters into his own hand.  All can be found on BillyMasters.com.

Colton Underwood has a boyfriend.  Of course he does.  He only came out a year ago, but he has a boyfriend and a TV series.  How nice for him.  Not that I wish him ill – I truly hope he finds happiness.  As to that new beau, they were first spotted together when Colton made that pre-season trip to Provincetown with Gus Kenworthy.  Another person in that group was Jordan C. Brown, who is described in most outlets as a “well-connected political fundraiser”.  So, he has money.  I’m not sayin’, I’m just sayin’.  The twosome was spotted at the Four Seasons resort in Maui, and one onlooker said, “They were all over each other”.  The photos we have capture a rather chaste kiss, but we’ll post it anyway on BillyMasters.com.

Didya know that The White Lotus was filmed at the Four Seasons in Maui?  A couple of weeks ago, sexy Murray Bartlett was spotted in Provincetown.  I’ve made a few day trips to Ptown for a variety of reasons, and last week wrapped up my summer by seeing the sensational Marilyn Maye at the Provincetown Art House (her 11^th season in Ptown).  To say a 93-year-old woman is as good a singer as colleagues decades younger would be preposterous.  And yet…that is the case with Miss Maye, who seems to have found the elusive Fountain of Youth.  With her skill, intelligence and talent, she presents a show which focuses on her extraordinary strengths.  Her ability to connect with a lyric and make it personal for everyone in the audience is a gift few have.  Add in her powerful instrument and the joy she has in sharing it with us, and you have a winning combination.  She was more than ably supported by a combo led by the brilliant Billy Stritch.  Some footage can be found on BillyMasters.com.

Any day now, The View will return to the air.  And in the Meghan McCain seat, we will have a number of rotating co-hosts.  People like Condoleezza Rice, Mia Love, S.E. Cupp, and Carly Fiorina will keep that seat warm.  As to a permanent replacement, the producers say they are “taking a little time” before deciding who will join The View.  In the meantime, expect to see some familiar faces.  Since this is the show’s 25^th anniversary (which also means I moved to LA 25 years ago), they’ve invited former co-hosts to come and play.

For the love of God, will someone please cancel The Talk.  I haven’t seen something sink this slowly since the Andrea Doria!  Last week, Elaine Welteroth announced she will not return for a second season.  Good!  Elaine has the dubious distinction of solely being on the show to help Sheryl Underwood sandbag Sharon Osbourne – and then admit she was manipulated!  To fill her seat is Akbar Gbajabiamila – someone I’ve never heard of, and I do hope I don’t like or I’d have to type that name again!  I don’t plan to like him, because I don’t plan to watch.

Have you heard the latest from Sir Cameron Mackintosh?  When asked about casting trans actors, the theatrical producer said this: “You can’t implant something that is not inherently there in the story or character, that’s what I think.  Just to do that, that becomes gimmick casting.”  This caused lots of chatter – with the loudest voice, happily, someone who it directly affected.  Alexandra Billings said, “I am an actor.  I am Mame and I am Madame Rose.  I am Miss Hannigan and I am Annie Oakley and I am Fantine.  But I am these stories because I am part of the human fabric and no one has the right to take any of this away from me…I am an actor, Mr. Mackintosh, not a gimmick.”

Sir Cameron responded: “I was recently asked by a journalist if I would consider making the character of Mary Poppins (not the actor playing the role) a transgender woman.  Unfortunately, my answer has been misinterpreted to suggest that I am opposed to casting a transgender performer to play the role.  This is absolutely not true.  I meant only that I would not as a producer disregard the author P.L. Travers’ original intention for the character.  To be clear, whether a person is trans has no bearing on their suitability for any role in any of my shows, including Mary Poppins, as long as they can perform the role as written.”  Bravo!

Elton John can buy anything – and probably anybody.  So what do you get him for his birthday?  This was the quandary Ed Sheeran had, until inspiration struck.  Sir Elton revealed, “For my birthday this year, he gave me a giant marble penis.  I don’t know if that’s because I’ve always been a prick or what, it’s really big, it’s beautifully made.”  But the question remains – is this his first giant marble penis?  And where is he displaying it?  The loo?  Inquiring minds…

Our Ask Billy question comes from Tom in Palm Springs: “Today there was a picture of NPH [Neil Patrick Harris] that showed him on vacation in Croatia wearing only swim trunks.  I noted a prominently discernable penile shaft and head.  Check it out.”

First off, Neil captioned the photo as, “165 pounds soaking wet” – so I hate him for that.  As for his penis, yes, I see what appears to be an inch or so of shaft and the outline of a head.  As a point of reference, note his hand is also in the shot, and his thumb is larger.  Of course, we saw all of Neil in Gone Girl – but, as I always say, never judge a penis flaccid (adding water doesn’t help).  Should you be interested, you can see it on BillyMasters.com.

When Elton’s marble penis weighs more than Neil Patrick Harris soaking wet, it’s time to end yet another column.  Speaking of being all wet, Ryan Phillippe posted some photos from a New Mexico pond with his son Deacon – often referred to as his “look-alike son”.  And he really is.  So if you want to see a wet, shirtless Ryan then and now, head on www.BillyMasters.com – the site that is multigenerational.  If you have questions of a less familial nature, send them along to Billy@BillyMasters.com, and I promise to get back to you before Sir Elton holds his next birthday party at Naked Boys Singing: Las Vegas!.  Until next time, remember, one man’s filth is another man’s bible.

Faithful readers were probably as perplexed as I was when reporting the casting of Aaron Carter in the Las Vegas company of Naked Boys Singing!.  I was skeptical that the venture would get far, but I didn’t expect him to pull out so abruptly – I hate when men do that!  “We are disappointed and a bit embarrassed to announce that Aaron Carter will not be appearing in the Las Vegas production of Naked Boys Singing!.  Within a few days of the announcement, it became clear, for multiple reasons, that Aaron’s participation…was not going to work out.  We requested his letter of resignation and received it on Monday,” say the producers.  I thought only people like the President of the United States asked for letters of resignation.  Onto the good news – strike that, GREAT news.  A number of stunning talented guys are in the cast: David Hernandez from American Idol, Matthew Ludwinski from Going Down in LA-LA Land, Chris Salvatore from Eating Out, Marcus Terrell from America’s Got Talent, and Vegas headliner Louis D’Aprile.  The 11-week residency begins on September 15^th.  Details at NakedBoysSingingVegas.com.  BTW, you can check out every inch of Ludwinski and Salvatore on our website.

Controversy is a-brewin’ at General Hospital – and it’s all about the coronavirus!  It all started when sexy Steve Burton tested positive for Covid-19 and asserted that he contracted it on the set.  This led many of his colleagues to call for a vaccine mandate for actors and crew members.  Then Ingo Rademacher spoke out in favor of the anti-vax cause, which led to a #FireIngo campaign online.  He lashed out at those attacking him saying, “I really dislike you at this point.  I think that you’re bigots and I think you know it.  To do something like that to another person characterizes who you are.  You’re a horrible, horrible person.”  I don’t think he likes them.

ABC has planned a first for the upcoming season of Dancing with the Stars.  After years of discussion, the show will feature a same-sex competitive dancing pair.  YAY!  But, does it have to be JoJo Siwa?  I know that two women together is less threatening to the American public, but would it really be so bad seeing someone like Greg Louganis doing the samba with Derek Hough?  The full cast will be revealed on Good Morning America on September 8^th, and the new season begins on September 20^th.

“I wasn’t looking forward to this conversation. 
But you and your questions and your reintroduction to some
of my past enlightened me, inspirited me, and I eagerly took the bait.”  
– Ed Asner on Billy Masters LIVE.  The two episodes we did are amongst my favorites. 
He was not only a legendary actor, but a good guy and a great sport.  Rest in peace.

People often ask me if I’m an “influencer”.  Honey, I was an influencer before the term existed.  Months ago, I made a joke about Rachel Campos waiting for The View to ask her to replace Meghan McCain.  If you don’t know, Rachel is an alum of The Real World: San Francisco.  She is married to a Real World: Boston alum, Sean Duffy, who is a former Congressional Representative from Wisconsin.  And she’s a conservative, despite living with Pedro Zamora and perhaps having a romance with Puck!  She’s twice been a finalist for The View panel, so I quipped that perhaps third time’s a charm.  Apparently, someone at Fox News read that and hired her as a co-host for the weekend edition of Fox & Friends.  I only know this because she made a jab at Dr. Jill Biden, which I won’t bother repeating.

Once again, I get to say I told you first.  Weeks ago, I reported that Rachel Maddow would either step away from her MSNBC show or seriously cut back if she renewed her contract.  Now comes word that she’s signed a multi-year deal, which includes scaling back her show next season from five nights a week to once weekly.

Time to give you an update about Billy Masters LIVE.  Our live chat show has been on hiatus after completing a very busy Pride Month.  I hoped to be back after Labor Day, but some professional opportunities will be taking me out of the country for most of September.  Fear not – we’ll be back in October!

Our Ask Billy question comes from Timothy in Los Angeles: “Every once in a while I see Trace Lehnhoff around town and he’s so dreamy.  Is he still dating that guy from Queer Eye?”

You are SO far behind.  I am sorry to inform you that Trace is no longer dating Antoni Porowski.  I’m even sorrier to tell you that he’s not available – he’s currently dating Miles McMillan, who used to date Zachary Quinto.  On the positive side, at least Trace is with someone who shares his exhibitionistic tendencies – both buff boys enjoy posting photos au naturel.  While Trace tends to focus on his delectable derrière, Miles is happy to let it all hang out – as you’ll see on BillyMasters.com.

Remember Ryan Fischer?  Lady Gaga’s hot dog walker who was shot during a dognapping?  Back then, Gaga called Ryan a hero and a member of her family.  A year later, Ryan is homeless and somewhat destitute.  He’s trying to raise $40K via a GoFundMe page to buy a new van and complete a cross-country journey.  “At times I was scared.  I was lonely.  I felt abandoned and unsupported.  I had long bouts of depression and doubt and self-pity.  But those backroads that took me to desert campsites and Walmart parking lots and rest stops and friends and family to New York and back began to help me see why I had chosen to leave the security of the Hollywood Hills where I fought for my life and mobility.”  Some have asked, “Why hasn’t Gaga donated?”  Good question.

On August 10^th, Britney Spears called the police to report her two dogs stolen!  When the police arrived, they learned that Spears’ dog sitter took the pups to the vet a month ago and never returned them.  The dog sitter claims she kept the pets because Britney is incapable of caring for them.  Curiously, Spears didn’t file any charges.  Then her housekeeper pulled out her phone and showed a photo of the dogs looking sick – presumably to illustrate the manner in which Brit cares for them.  According to reports, Spears is accused of “swiping” the phone – which led the housekeeper to file misdemeanor battery charges.  P.S.  As of this writing, the dogs have been returned to Britney.

Ever since it was announced that Days of our Lives is bringing back some classic characters for a limited series on Peacock, people have been asking me if Will and Sonny will return.  I’m pleased to tell you that Chandler Massey has signed on to reprise the role of Will on Days of our Lives: Beyond Salem.  That’s the good news.  Fans will be sad to hear that Emmy winner Freddie Smith will not be back as Sonny.  However, different actors take over roles on soaps all the time.  Sonny will be back, but he’ll be played by the hunky Zachary Atticus Tinker, formerly Fen on The Young and the Restless.  Smith congratulated his replacement on Instagram by saying, “I want to give a shout out to Zach Tinker.  Congratulations, man.  I know you are taking over the role of Sonny Kiriakis.  You are going to have an absolute blast.  He’s an awesome character and it’s such an important storyline.  I know you’re going to crush it so have fun and I can’t wait to check it out on Peacock.”

August 21^st, 2021 – Barry Manilow is onstage at We Love NYC: The Homecoming Concert in Central Park.  Lightning strikes during “Can’t Smile Without You”, and he’s pulled off stage.  Prior to the show being cancelled due to Hurricane Henri, Earth, Wind & Fire had performed.  At least Barry only had to deal with Earth and Wind!

This reminded me of July 21^st, 1983 – Diana Ross stands onstage, also in Central Park.  The winds are howling, the rains are falling, the lightning is striking, and Miss Ross is saying, “It took me a lifetime to get here…” when officials call off the show and basically force a drenched Diana offstage.  All in all, Manilow got off easy.

Our Ask Billy question comes from Roger in Chicago: “You talked about the nudity in The White Lotus.  You should check out Sex/Life – lots of really hot nudity there.”

A member of the Billy Masters family raved about Sex/Life – including the large amount of nudity (“large” being the operative word).  While I haven’t actually watched any of the episodes all the way through, I saw enough to wet my whistle.  Sure, everyone is talking about Adam Demos’ dick – which, by the way, was no prosthetic.  But give me Mike Vogel’s ass any day.  Should you want to check out these anatomical parts individually or collectively, head on over to BillyMasters.com.

Many comic book aficionados have long asserted that Robin (of Batman & fame) is gay.  Of course, I said that when it was George Clooney and Chris O’Donnell in skintight latex.  DC Comics has heard our prayers and is letting Robin spread his wings.  In Batman: Urban Legends, Robin’s alter ego is Tim Drake.  From what I’ve gathered, someone named Bernard tells Robin that he has a crush on his friend Tim.  Bernard doesn’t know that Robin is Tim – who thus far has never expressed any same-sex attraction.  But when Bernard summons up the courage to ask Tim out on a date, Tim says yes.  Is he gay?  Is he bi?  Stay tuned – same bat time, same bat channel.

The biopic about Aretha Franklin, Respect, was just released – four months after Genius: Aretha with Cynthia Erivo (which was also four times longer).  What this film has going for it is Jennifer Hudson, who is a remarkable singer – a skill which is on display with full-length performances of most of Franklin’s hits.  Those numbers are impeccably staged and performed.  Alas, all of those songs leave little room for much of a script.  I don’t know if it’s the writing, directing, or acting, but whenever there isn’t singing, the film is lacking.  That said, it doesn’t shy away from some of the more controversial aspects of Aretha’s life – which makes me wonder if this “authorized biopic” would have pleased The Queen (by the way, the Dinah Washington incident happened to Etta James, not Aretha).  The narrative ends in 1972 with the recording of Amazing Grace.  Perhaps in a decade or two, Hudson will revisit the role in a sequel – kinda like Funny Lady picking up where Funny Girl left off.  While Respect is the Cliffs Notes version of Aretha’s life, I enjoyed it as a companion to the more thorough NatGeo effort.

Every decade or so, a revival of Funny Girl is planned.  The show hasn’t had a Broadway run since the original production closed in 1967.  Due to the close association with Barbra Streisand, it’s assumed anyone playing Fanny Brice would suffer by comparison – although it should be noted that Barbra’s replacement, Mimi Hines, played the role on Broadway longer than Streisand.  Back in 2012, a production starring Lauren Ambrose was announced.  Then it looked like Lea Michele might bring it back to Broadway in 2014.  So it’s with great trepidation that I announce a revival is scheduled to open on Broadway on April 2, 2022.  The Fanny will be Beanie Feldstein – who played Minnie Fay in Hello, Dolly! opposite Bette Midler and will play Monica Lewinsky in Impeachment: American Crime Story.  Rosie O’Donnell said she’d be in the Broadway revival, but producers are still auditioning hopefuls for the role of Mrs. Brice.

Here’s a story that has a surprise twist.  A new production of Naked Boys Singing is opening in Las Vegas on September 8^th.  It will run through November 28^th at the Jewel Box Theatre in the Erotic Heritage Museum.  Here’s where the story takes an interesting twist – the production will star Aaron Carter!  Tickets start at $75, go up to $95 if you want a meet & greet, or $145 to sit in the first row.  I’m not sure what’s more shocking – Aaron performing nude, Aaron singing live, or getting to meet Aaron for only 20 bucks!  “I’m so excited to enter the theater world again in Naked Boys Singing!  I look forward to having a great time and being a part of Vegas reopening,” said Carter.  We’re not sure which role Aaron will play – I don’t think he could pull off “Perky Little Porn Star” or “Naked Maid”, but perhaps he could handle “Bliss of a Bris”.  What we do know is that this will be the five-actor, 60-minute abbreviated version of the show.  For tickets, go to NakedBoysSingingVegas.com.

A far more pleasing display of male nudity came courtesy of Men’s Health with cover boy, Christopher Meloni.  While he doesn’t show all, the 60-year-old proves that a Speedo body need not have an expiration date.  He also shares his workout secrets, which have given him an unusual skill.  “I catch flies with my ass cheeks, like a Venus flytrap.”  Would that I were that fly!  For more visuals, check out BillyMasters.com.

Our Ask Billy mailbag was full of questions about The White Lotus.  After the first episode, a flurry of notes came in asking if those were Steve Zahn’s real testicles (he claims it was another actor wearing a prosthetic).  But it was episode four which flooded my mailbox.  Henry from New Hampshire wrote in first: “Did you see Murray Bartlett and Lukas Gage going at it on The White Lotus?”

If Gage looks familiar, it’s probably from the viral video last year of a director making fun of his apartment during a Zoom casting session.  Seeing Murray wedged between Lukas’ seemingly clenched cheeks was a surprise I didn’t see coming.  It also came as a surprise to the writer.  The script simply said that the characters were caught having sex.  Bartlett and Gage were the ones who came up with the rimming scenario.  “Let’s show something that is a natural part of sex for a lot of queer people,” said Murray.  Gage apparently agrees: “I can’t wait for my ass to get retweeted all over the Internet.”  Your wish is my command – you can see it at BillyMasters.com.

When we’re bringing you a hot ass, we’ve definitely come to the end of yet another column.  Each and every week, we bring you the best in gossip on www.BillyMasters.com – the site that doesn’t stop ‘til you get enough.  If you need even more, drop a note to me at Billy@BillyMasters.com, and I promise to get back to you before filmmakers head to Provincetown to shoot an all-gay version of Hidden Figures.  So, until next time, remember, one man’s filth is another man’s bible.

Kathy Griffin was big news this week.  First she revealed that she’d been addicted to narcotics.  Then there was a suicide attempt.  But the big news is she has lung cancer.  Happily, the cancer was stage one and operable.  Prognosis is good for our favorite funny lady.

While discussing Griffin on The View, Meghan McCain referred to Kathy’s old jokes about Clay Aiken – whom Meghan described as “one of my closest friends in the entire world”.  “I don’t like her.  I’m never going to like her,” said McCain.  Less than three hours later, Aiken Tweeted the following: “Love and prayers for a speedy recovery to my dear friend @kathygriffin.  Selfless and gracious, she even hosted a fundraiser for my congressional campaign years ago.  Get well soon Kathy.  I miss your jokes!”  So, we know where he stands.

There was one other noteworthy incident that tainted McCain’s final week on The View.  She sat out an interview with Mary Trump, which in itself was no big deal – one or more co-hosts often skip these remote interviews.  But when Trump pointed out Meg’s absence, McCain couldn’t help herself.  She Tweeted: “There is no ‘good’ Trump family member to me.  Continue to wish they would all just leave me and my entire family the fuck alone.”  Mary, naturally, had to respond: “I have plenty of respect for Meghan’s parents.  It’s too bad she can’t take responsibility for her own actions.  That’s the problem with entitlement – it’s dangerous.  And so is our failure to hold powerful people accountable.”  And so ends the McCain era on The View.

I’ve witnessed a few instances of the true spirit of the Olympics the past fortnight.  But none tugged at my somewhat-atrophied heartstrings more than the finals of the men’s high jump.  The two contenders for gold were Gianmarco Tamberi of Italy and Mutaz Essa Barshim of Qatar.  It came down to one jump – which both men missed.  The judges were poised to stage a jump-off when Barshim asked, “Can we just have two golds?”  While the judges conferred, Barshim and Tamberi shook hands and the crowd went nuts.  It was a beautiful moment.

By the way, a statue of a giant sumo wrestler had to be removed from a jump in the equestrian arena because it was spooking the horses.  Yet another thing I have in common with a horse.

We’ve all heard about the breakthrough Covid cases from July 4^th in Provincetown.  But let’s talk about the hot gay guy who put the pieces together.  Michael Donnelly is a data scientist from NYC.  He wasn’t in Ptown over the 4^th, but his husband and friends were.  He noted that people in the same cluster were having the same symptoms shortly after returning home.  He started charting the data and plotting the cases and saw a correlation.  He shared his findings with the CDC, making it the most thorough – and quickly studied – cluster since the pandemic began.  The bad news – well, aside from Donnelly having a husband – is that gay men dancing indoors on a cold and soggy July 4^th weekend created a perfect storm.  The silver lining is that Provincetown quickly enacted an indoor mask policy.  Since then, infection rates have dropped from 15% to about 4%.

A recent story caught my eye about the Bryant family – as in Anita Bryant.  As you know, Bryant came out against gay people and got a pie in the face in 1977 – to which she good-heartedly quipped, “At least it’s a fruit pie”.  As luck would have it, Anita’s granddaughter happens to be a lesbian – a lesbian about to get married.  Two problems: 1) Anita doesn’t know her granddaughter is getting married, and B) She doesn’t know said granddaughter is a lesbian!  “[Anita] wants a relationship with a person who doesn’t exist because I’m not the person she wants me to be.  I think I probably will eventually just call her and ask if she even wants an invitation, because I genuinely do not know how she would respond.  I don’t know if she would be offended if I didn’t invite her…I just kind of feel bad for her.  And I think as much as she hopes that I will figure things out and come back to God, I kind of hope that she’ll figure things out.”  I’m curious – does anyone know where Anita stands on this issue today?  I would hate to be held to the beliefs I expressed over 50 years ago (when I was two).  After all, when Obama became President, he was opposed to gay marriage.  I say, give Anita a chance to reveal herself.

When I’m standing up for Anita Bryant, it’s definitely time for me to add a little vodka to my orange juice and end yet another column.  Who knows – maybe her stance could be blamed on spending so much time in the hot Florida sun.  Speaking of which, I’m in Fort Lauderdale this week.  But I’m still updating www.BillyMasters.com – the site that always shines.  If you have a question – or an indecent proposal – send it along to Billy@BillyMasters.com, and I promise to get back to you before Tom Daley pitches his knitted Olympic medal cozy on Shark Tank.  Until next time, remember, one man’s filth is another man’s bible.

A celebrated duo is reuniting for what is being billed as their final shows together.  One Last Time: An Evening with Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga will play Radio City Music Hall on August 3^rd and 5^th.

If you go to see Tony and Gaga, you’ll likely need proof of a Covid vaccine.  After all, you can’t kill an American treasure – or Gaga, for that matter.  You’ll need that same proof when Broadway comes back.  It’s been announced that each of Broadway’s 41 venues will require proof of vaccine…AND masks will be required.  This is part of a landmark agreement between the Broadway League, Actors’ Equity, and the various other unions.  An exception will be made for those 12 years of age and younger, and those with either a medical condition or a “closely held religious belief”.  I can’t wait to see how they carry out this mandate – especially at the Metropolitan Opera, which has a capacity of 3,500.

The 2020 Tony Awards will finally take place in the last quarter of 2021.  And the Tony Committee has announced the winner of the Isabelle Stevenson Award – which is given to a member of the community “who has made a substantial contribution of volunteered time and effort on behalf of one or more humanitarian, social service or charitable organizations”.  I surely wasn’t the only person who assumed that would go to Seth Rudetsky and James Wesley – who started Stars in the House moments after the pandemic hit.  Not only did they keep the world entertained, they also raised over $1 million for the Actors Fund (continuing their long track record of charitable work).  However, the award will go to the estimable Julie Halston – whom I also adore, but could have waited until next year.  Julie was chosen “for her dedication and advocacy in raising funding and awareness for the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation”.  She started working for this cause in 2008 when her husband, Ralph Howard, was diagnosed with the disease.  Since that time, she has helped raise millions of dollars.  Brava, Julie.

Despite having a healthy amount of skepticism that Broadway will resume performances in September, I’m willing to play along.  One of the most anticipated revivals is of Richard Greenberg’s play Take Me Out – about a star baseball player coming out of the closet.  This revival will star Jesse Williams as the ballplayer in question.  Fun fact – prior to his alleged assault on the streets of Chicago, Jussie Smollett was the front-runner to play that part.  Williams will be joined by Jesse Tyler Ferguson, and the show begins previews on March 9^th.

A new national tour of the musical Hairspray is hitting the road.  Even more exciting, the role of Edna will be played by drag diva Nina West (aka Andrew Levitt).  The tour launches in Yakima, Washington on November 12^th.

Prior to the pandemic, Frankie Valli made an announcement about the musical Jersey Boys.  “It is being filmed for television and Nick Jonas of the Jonas Brothers is playing Frankie, and I’m really excited about that.”  When recently asked the status of the project, Valli said, “It will be filmed, I think, somewhere in Cleveland, and I will be going there to check it out.”  The original director of the Broadway show, Des McAnuff, is helming this version, and we hear it will land on Peacock – with the team hoping for a Hamilton-like success.

There’s been lots of talk that Meghan McCain might compete on the next season of Dancing in the Stars (which is what Barbara Walters used to call it).  Given her departure from The View, I suspect we’ll be robbed of Meg’s moving tribute to Fantasia during Disney Week.  Other potential dancers include Countess Luann de Lesseps, LeAnn Rimes, and even Fran Drescher – who is running for president of the Screen Actors Guild.  If she’s got too much on her plate, might I recommend outgoing SAG pres Gabrielle Carteris?

As we put this column together, breaking news came in that an alum from DWTS had been arrested.  Actually, it would only be news if it were a name we recognized.  Hayes Grier competed in 2015 and was known as an influencer on Vine.  Remember Vine?  Hayes (who is kinda cute) was arrested for assaulting someone and stealing his cellphone.  Oh, and his victim may have a brain injury?

“If you are fortunate enough to be in a relationship with a supportive family,
in a country or place where living openly is pretty safe, I really would
recommend it because it will only benefit you and your mental health. 
You’ll probably perform better as well because you’re not worried about it.”  
– British Olympian Tom Bosworth discusses the advantages of being openly gay at the Games. 
I wish someone would discuss the advantages of being an openly gay single Olympian.

With wall-to-wall coverage, I’m coming across clips and highlights from the Olympics with alarming regularity.  I was fascinated by the story of Fabio Fognini – an Italian tennis player.  With every lost point, he’d scream “frocio”.  As someone who typically summers under the Tuscan sun, I recognized the polite term for “faggot” (I’m sure someone out there thinks I should say “the F-word”, but fuck that).  After losing the game, Fabio explained the situation on social media.  “The heat went to my head.  Obviously I didn’t want to offend anyone’s sensibilities.” 

Tom Daley can finally tick “win an Olympic gold medal” off his “To Do” list.  I’m sure he’d rather win it solo than as part of a syncro duo, but there’s another week to go.  How did he celebrate?  “If you’ve been following me for a while, you’ll know I’m a bit knitting obsessed.  And I kept banging my medal, so what I decided to do was make a little case for my medal.  Now my medal is not going to get scratched.”  Not only is he a gold medal winner, he’s also invented the knitted Olympic medal cozy.  Take that, all of you who think Dustin Lance Black is old one!

Our Ask Billy question made me sit up and take notice.  Reggie in Tulsa writes, “I don’t know if you watch John Oliver, but he showed clips of a foreign kiddie show about a man with a giant penis.  What???”

I don’t watch John Oliver with any regularity, so I missed this segment.  However, my crack research team (some of whom are actually on crack) found the show.  John Dillermand” is indeed a Danish children’s show.  Or a mini-show.  The first season consisted of 13 five-minute episodes.  Apparently “diller” is what the Danes call a penis.  So the show is actually called “John Penisman”.  John is a middle-aged man who is always in a red-and-white full-length bathing costume – like they wore in the 20s.  He has a penis that can extend long enough to tame a lion, or act as a helicopter propeller, or use as a pogo stick.  But sometimes the penis gets itself in trouble – I suppose that’s where the song “My Penis Has a Mind of Its Own” comes from.  The show debuted earlier this year and is geared toward four- to eight-year-old children!  Not only has there not been a single complaint – it’s gone viral.  It has been praised because it shows a penis in a positive light – and when was the last time something like that happened?  I’ll post clips of the unclipped penis on BillyMasters.com.

When a penis can be used for good, it’s definitely time to end yet another column.  This got me thinking – it’s high time the Olympics considered adding some sort of penis-centric activity to their Games.  I mean, if you can roll a hula hoop and wave a stick with a string on the end and call that an event, anything is possible.  While I figure out who to call about this, you can take a gander at a plethora of penii at www.BillyMasters.com – the site that is always thinking outside the box.  If you have a question, dash it off to Billy@BillyMasters.com, and I promise to get back to you before John Dillermand competes in the Olympics as a pole vaulter – with his own pole!  So, until next time, remember, one man’s filth is another man’s bible.

Liza Minnelli is back in the news.  Last week, she turned up for Michael Feinstein’s gig at Vitello’s Restaurant in Studio City – one of the few eateries with a body count!  With the assistance of two people, Liza gingerly made her way into a chair.  Simply sitting seemed a strain.  Her scattered storytelling was endearing, but her singing was – well, Liza-esque.  Somewhere, somehow, someone must be able to find a song that doesn’t depend on the letter “S” so much – “My Sweet Embraceable You” sounded like an ad for Polygrip!  One friend called it elder abuse.  You can decide for yourself when you watch the video on BillyMasters.com.

By the by, Liza was once again passed over for the Kennedy Center Honors.  The 2021 honorees were announced last week, and it’s a starry list, indeed.  Bette Midler, Joni Mitchell, Berry Gordy, Lorne Michaels and opera singer Justino Diaz have made the cut.  Well, there’s always next year, Liza.

Alas, I have not been able to muster up much enthusiasm for the Summer Olympic Games.  And I blame McDonald’s.  Way back during the 1984 Los Angeles Games, McDonald’s had Olympic Game Cards.  With every purchase, you’d get a card which would list an event – often something like the Hammer Throw, which only excites the Nords.  If the USA won the Gold Medal for the event on your card, you could redeem it for a free Big Mac.  If we won the Silver, you got a large order of fries.  And if we won the Bronze, you got a medium soda.  And if we swept all of the medals, you got a full meal!  Oh, how I long for the 1984 Olympics – and my 28-inch waistline.

Before the Tokyo Olympics even began, there was already controversy…and a new star.  The controversy came from reports that the beds in the Olympic Village were made of recycled materials and were “anti-sex”.  The star came in the form of Irish gymnast Rhys McClenaghan, who decided to test the beds by jumping up and down on one.  He proved that they are mighty sturdy, and made me wanna risk being thrown out of the Olympic Village…again.  I mean, that ban must have been lifted by now.  It’s been a long time since Lillehammer.

The Opening Ceremonies in an empty stadium reminded me of the sound of one hand clapping.  If a Tongan flag bearer is shirtless and oiled up and nobody is there to ogle him, does it even matter?  It probably mattered to Mike Pence, who I’m sure was watching and enjoyed seeing the slightly expanded Pita Taufatofua once again.  Hopefully Mother was around to reap the benefits.

Your beloved Billy was almost a goner.  For a split second, I was certain that I had the big C.  No, not cancer – the coronavirus.  Yes, I’ve been vaccinated, and yes, I asked everyone I’ve slept with for proof of vaccination.  But, people lie.  After the cluster of Delta variant cases from Fourth of July festivities in Provincetown, concern was in the air.  When I came down with cold symptoms 10 days later, even my usual laissez-faire attitude was challenged.  So I made haste to get tested – better safe than sorry, as the saying goes.  I am happy to report I have nothing more contagious than a nasty New England summer cold.

While life goes on in Ptown, people are on tenterhooks…whatever those are.  An indoor mask mandate has just been announced.  How this will affect things remains to be seen.  In terms of shows, I know that Billy Francesca cut his run short due to corona concern.  Steve Grand was in town for two weeks, and posted the following: “I tested positive for Covid-19 today.  I’m fully vaccinated.  I started experiencing symptoms last Friday, a day after I flew back from Ptown.  I say this not to alarm, but to notify anyone who had contact with me while I was there.”  If you had “contact” with Steve, consider yourself notified – and feel free to send us details (and videos).

By the way, I have been duly chastised that all of my reports regarding shows to see in Ptown omitted the Red Room at Velvet.  And, it’s true – this is the best kept secret in Provincetown.  Nobody has mentioned it to me – with the exception of a Thursday night underwear party!  While that event hasn’t made its way onto their website, I do see a full lineup of stellar talent – anchored by my bon ami, Jimmy James, who is there all season long with Love Is In The Air.  With pals like Jackie Beat in See Me While I’m Still Alive (August 10-14) and Lady Bunny’s Pig in a Wig (Aug 13-17), I’m tempted to zip down.  You can get more details at RedRoomAtVelvet.com.

We haven’t had an Ask Billy question in a couple of weeks because…well, they’ve all been dull!  Until Bruce in Tampa wrote this: “Have you heard about Mr. Gay New Zealand?  Did he actually get a penis enlargement?”

This is the kinda story I can really sink my teeth into.  First, let me clarify – this is about a FORMER Mr. Gay New Zealand with a most unfortunate name – Max Small.  A variety of photos of Mr. Small in various levels of arousal have gone through rigorous analysis from our experts.  One thing is certain – there appears to be more…shall we say, “fullness” to his current phallus.  A few days of blueballs will do that to you.  Since I wouldn’t be comfortable making a ruling without more evidence, I will allow you, the jury, to examine this a bit closer on BillyMasters.com.

When we can’t decide if Mr. Small is a grow-er or a show-er,  it’s time to end yet another column.  I showed up in Provincetown to see Steven Brinberg’s Simply Barbra at The Art House.  As usual, he was simply sublime.  The vocals were never better, and the song choices were clever – one wishes Babs had Brinberg’s balls.  The guest appearance by Edmund Bagnell – whose own show at The Crown and Anchor on Tuesdays is packing them in – was a delicious layer of icing on an already rich cake.  For more surprises, check out www.BillyMasters.com – the site that welcomes all things great and small.  You can always drop a note to Billy@BillyMasters.com, and I promise to get back to you before I host a Simon Rex Film Festival on Billy Masters LIVE (we’re on hiatus for another couple of weeks).  Until next time, remember, one man’s filth is another man’s bible.

Prior to the Emmy nominations being announced, the Television Academy made a minor but significant change – actors and actresses now have the option to be recognized as “performer”.  Any of the nominees could “request that their nomination certificate and Emmy statuette carry the term ‘Performer’ in place of ‘Actor’ or ‘Actress’.”  Try explaining that to people who believe Jean Smart and Michael Douglas are in the same category.

With this “woke” bit of tweaking, the nominations were announced – and some history was made.  Mj Rodriguez became the first openly transgender woman to be nominated in “Best Lead Actress in a Drama”.  Yes, Laverne Cox was previously nominated as a supporting actress (or “performer”).  And yes, Wikipedia tells us that Rain Valdez got a short-form nomination for something called “Razor Tongue” a while back.  By the by, Bowen Yang also made history as the first “featured player” on Saturday Night Live to get a nomination.  Congrats to all.

Meanwhile Stateside, The Talk continues its long string of questionable decisions by hiring Jerry O’Connell as a permanent co-host.  To recap, a show developed for mommies and their point of view is no more, and now it’s just a free-for-all hosted by random people nobody knows.  Somewhere out there is an inconsolable Sara Gilbert (to say nothing of Marissa Jaret Winokur).  I like the affable, goofy, weathered O’Connell.  But he already has two failed talk shows to his credit.  Two years ago, Wendy Williams tried to launch a show for him.  Before that, Andy Cohen got behind Jerry – quelle surprise!  On the bright side, he’s finally the smartest person in the room.

Rumor has it that The View is looking backwards for Meghan McCain’s replacement.  Reports would have us believe that Debbie Matenopoulos is in the running.  While it would make me giddy as a schoolgirl, I don’t believe it.  Yes, Debbie has just wrapped five years hosting Home and Family for the Hallmark Channel.  And, sure, the first in a long string of ousted View co-hosts enjoys being courted.  But she’s lived on the Left Coast for close to two decades and, frankly, I don’t see her relocating to NYC anytime soon.  Her people say that there have been talks about “her participating in celebrating the 25^th season of The View.”  While I believe she’ll be back at the table, I think talk of a permanent gig is premature.  Meanwhile, Rachel Campos continues to wait by her phone.

“No excuses – I messed up.  I’m a big sports fan. 
I’m like the guy at the end of the game who misses a free throw or a kick.”  
– Spike Lee explains why he prematurely announced the winner of the Cannes Film Festival. 
He was asked who the first award was going to and, instead, he said who won first place. 
Part of the problem is that he was asked in French!

I love a film festival.  It could be in Venice, Italy; Venice, California; or Venice, Uzbekistan.  Once the lights go down, it’s just you and that little piece of celluloid projected on a screen which is sized in direct proportion to the prestige of the festival.  One of the hits of this year’s Cannes Film Festival is a biopic inspired by Celine Dion – except, since it is unauthorized, it is about a singer named Aline Dieu.  Aline stars Valérie Lemercier, known as the Kristen Wiig of France.  Nope, not the Tina Fey, not even the Amy Poehler.  The film has been described alternatively as “brilliant”, “horrifying”, “hilarious”, and “insane”.  My kinda movie.  Some of that reaction might be caused by the 57-year-old Lemercier playing Celine…err, Aline…starting at the age of five!  The critic from the venerable New York Times said, “I’ve never seen anything quite like it.”  You can almost see that in an ad.

Another hit is a documentary which has been in the works for seven years: Cow, which is…you guessed it…shot from the perspective of a cow!  We follow this dairy cow through every momentous event in her life – with the exception of impregnation.  Cows, it turns out, have enormous difficulty looking over their shoulders.

Neither of these is the most surprising hit to come out of Cannes.  That honor goes to Red Rocket, a film about a washed-up male porn star, played by Simon Rex – the subject of the first big scoop of this very column.  In early 1996, it was little Billy Masters who discovered that the MTV VJ had a gay porn past.  And that, kiddies, not only put me on the map – it did wonders for Simon, who at the time was unemployed.  You’re welcome – and can see that footage on BillyMasters.com.  We’re told that the audience at Cannes gave the film a five-minute standing ovation, which would be impressive if Cow hadn’t gotten six full minutes!

A few months ago, I told you that Franco Nero had signed Kevin Spacey to appear in his next film, The Man Who Drew God.  Original reports indicated that Nero’s wife, Vanessa Redgrave, would play the female lead – something she quickly denied when she saw the excoriation begin.  So, Franco needed a “name” actress who could hold her own opposite Spacey and who would also not mind having her reputation besmirched by association.  And that is how this becomes a Fayewatch item!  Yes, into the breach enters one of Kevin’s old, OLD friends – Miss Dunaway, who never calls, never writes, and never appears on Billy Masters LIVE.  Ever since the back-to-back Oscar incidents (to say nothing of the Hepburn debacle in Boston), one hears less and less of one of our greatest actresses.  I continue to cling to hope that the right role could bring her back.  But is this it?  Then again, does she have anything to lose?  Shooting has already completed, and the powers that be are trying to get anyone in Cannes to show interest in distributing the flick.  In case you’re wondering, Nero plays a blind artist who is accused of sexually abusing a child.  Faye is a Braille teacher and friend of Nero’s who takes on the task of teaching him to read and write.  And Spacey is the guy investigating the alleged sexual assault.  I smell a HIT…in Dubrovnik!

When we’re rooting for Faye, it’s definitely time to end yet another column.  My God – if Dunaway becomes hot again, I’ll have enough gossip to buy a new house.  So, whatever you do, go see this movie…if it ever comes out!  Until then, be sure to check out www.BillyMasters.com – the site that delivers in any kind of weather.  If you want to slip me a tip, send it along to Billy@BillyMasters.com, and I promise to get back to you before I see another little prick in Provincetown!  So, until next time, remember, one man’s filth is another man’s bible.

Didya know James Franco had a film school?  I was sure this was some joke, or perhaps a different James Franco – like that male Taylor Swift in Seattle who I believe works in a diner.  But, nope – the James Franco who looks dreamy and is devoid of expression in countless films also teaches…or does he?  Two of his former students accused him of sexual harassment, exploitation and coercion.  According to Mr. Webster, “coercion” means “the practice of persuading someone to do something by using force or threats”.  So that piqued my interest.  What did Jimmy get someone to do?  Details are not in this filing, so I went back to the original suit…’cause I live for research.  Franco allegedly “sought to create a pipeline of young women who were subjected to his personal and professional sexual exploitation in the name of education.”  I suppose that makes sense for film scenes in which nudity and sex are germane to the plot.  It’s not an argument that would work if he were teaching calculus…as if!  James and his two colleagues have agreed to pay $2.2 million to settle the lawsuit.  In addition to the financial settlement, the victims have asked for additional “non-economic relief”, but these additions are under a confidential seal.  It has been my experience that most seals have loose lips – especially when you throw them chum.

I’m often worried about people who flaunt their homes and possessions on social media – they seem to be asking for trouble.  Sure enough, trouble is what Todrick Hall got after he posted footage from a performance of Hairspray in London’s West End that he attended.  This let someone know that his Los Angeles home would be vacant (which is not necessarily the case – I hear people come and go from that house frequently).  When Todrick returned from England, he discovered he had been robbed of over $50K worth of “handbags and other personal items”.  “This happened less than an hour after my cat sitter left my home, and I’m just happy that my cats have all been found and are safe.”  I don’t know what’s more troubling – that Todrick has a collection of expensive handbags, or that he’s got a collection of cats!

There’s only so much I can take – and I say that for those of you who think I am insatiable.  Let’s face it, we’ve all been through a lot this past year.  But, frankly, a cold and rainy July Fourth in Provincetown was more than I could bear (and especially days before Bear Week).  Despite the inclemency, I managed to amuse myself with a number of shows – to say nothing of some less presentational activities which will go unmentioned.

Any opportunity you get to see Judy Gold, grab it.  You would be hard-pressed to find anyone funnier, smarter, quicker, and as engaging (modesty prevents me from placing myself in her category).  Even with a monsoon raging outside and some drunken straight people babbling inside, Judy made us feel as if we could get through anything.  She’s at the Art House all summer – PtownArtHouse.com.

Varla Jean Merman is a national treasure.  Whenever I think she can’t top herself – a feat I’ve only seen a handful of times on various international editions of the Got Talent franchise – Varla does it.  This year’s show, Varla Jean Merman’s Little Prick, is a fast-paced, uproarious romp through the (hopefully) post-pandemic world.  The comedy is crisp, the songs are catchy, and the costumes defy the laws of gravity – to say nothing of good taste.  She’s at The Crown & Anchor – OnlyAtTheCrown.com.

There are new operators of the venerable Post Office Café and Cabaret, and they’ve refurbished that spiffy little room with sound and lights and paint and curtains.  The season kicked off with Del Shores and Debby Holiday.  I hope there’s no need for me to extol the virtues of these artists to you, my dear readers.  Del, of Sordid Lives fame, has endless anecdotes from his prolific career.  And Debby’s powerhouse vocals are surpassed only by her formidable personality.  Her tribute to Tina Turner killed on every level, and she made each song her own.  The venue has great acts all summer, so check out PostOfficeCafe.net.

I will be in and out of Ptown with alarming regularity, and plan to see Thirsty Burlington and Edmund Bagnell (at The Crown), Simply Barbra and Marilyn Maye (at The Provincetown Art House), Jason Dottley and Seth Sikes (at The Post Office), Miss Richfield and Steve Grand (at The Pilgrim House), and numerous others, I’m sure.

I can’t answer all of your individual questions, but the most asked one last week was if I had the photos from Colton Underwood’s nearly-nude photo session with photographer Damon Baker and designer Nicola Formichetti.  It’s curious that a designer is credited, because there is very little clothing used (other than Colton holding a leather jacket in front of his nether regions).  Obviously his body looks great, but one of us gays really must teach him about judicious grooming.  Nothing serious, just a bit of pruning would be in order.  In the meantime, you can see the fruits of his labors on BillyMasters.com.

Last week, Billy Masters LIVE finally welcomed Norman Korpi and Eric Nies to discuss The Real World Homecoming: New York.  It took forever to arrange.  Paramount+ did not want them talking to me while the series was airing.  Shortly thereafter, Norman was busy.  Then Eric was out of the country.  Then he extended his stay in Peru.  But we made it happen.  It was an interesting talk about Nies getting Covid, how not being in the house was a blessing and a curse, and how the fight between Becky and Kevin changed everything.  And, naturally, we talked about Norman’s revived artwork – which you can get on NormanKorpi.com.  In the middle of the show, a tornado was headed for Korpi’s house – talk about drama!  Meanwhile, Eric (IAmEricNies.com) continues his zen living in Peru, guiding people with ayahuasca trips, and telling one of our viewers that his sleep apnea could be repressed childhood trauma or stem from a past life!  It was quite a show, so you should definitely watch Billy Masters LIVE on our YouTube channel Billy Masters TV or on BillyMasters.com/TV.

By the by, I’m taking a couple of weeks off.  As we close in on 100 shows, I need a little break.  Well, from the show.  After all, I’m having quite a social life…but that’s another story.

Meanwhile Queen Latifah decided that after years of either denying it or simply not addressing it, it was time to tell the world what we already knew.  After being presented with BET’s Lifetime Achievement Award, this is how she left the stage: “I’m gonna get off this stage, but I thank you so much for all of you: the fans for supporting every crazy-ass thing I’ve done through the years.  And thank you for making Equalizer No. 1; Eboni, my love, Rebel, my love, Peace.  Happy Pride!”  Without too much fanfare (and just enough latitude to explain it away), she thanked her female lover, their son, and said Happy Pride – after thanking people for watching her show.  Priorities.

On to Meghan McCain.  One thing you have to understand is that the right person for the conservative role on “The View” is going to annoy you.  And I don’t mean like Nicolle Wallace or Ana Navarro – they are “Republicans in name only”.  I mean an actual Republican.  Meg did not leave because of the fights (although the last one with Whoopi was a doozy).  She gave notice after the brass said that all co-hosts are expected to be in the studio when the new season starts in September.  Meghan’s been living in DC during the pandemic and wants to stay there – so that’s why she’s leaving.  Since Barbara’s still looking for J. Fred Muggs (and some days, she finds him), I’ll say it for her – “You’re welcomed back any time.”

Our Ask Billy question came from Danny in San Francisco: “What do you know about Aaron Taylor-Johnson?  He was naked (and semi-erect) in A Million Little Pieces and certainly doesn’t seem to be shy.”

Hard to be shy when you can use your penis as a jump rope!  Beyond that, I don’t know much.  He’s 31, he’s English, he’s married, and has two kids.  He was also in Tenet – but, please, don’t hold that against him.  To recap, he’s allegedly straight, he’s not shy, and he’s happy to show off his naughty bits on BillyMasters.com.

When I’m worried Madonna might break a hip, it’s definitely time to end yet another column.  I’ll be heading to Ptown on July 4^th.  But I’m always updating www.BillyMasters.com – the site that delivers more bang for your buck.  If you need some personal attention, write me at Billy@BillyMasters.com, and I promise to get back to you before Gus Kenworthy gives Carl Nassib a private tour of Ptown.  So, until next time, remember, one man’s filth is another man’s bible.

“Tonight is not just a party to kick off Pride Weekend.  At 10p and Midnight in Times Square you can watch a special video made By ME!  Don’t miss it!  Let’s POP the cherry on Pride With a Bang” – said the ever-eloquent Madonna.  She also auctioned off three “new Polaroids” – which I believe is an oxymoron – to benefit the Ali Forney Center, which helps homeless LGBTQ kids.  To top it off, she showed up at the Boom Boom Room at The Standard, High Line Hotel and sang a few numbers while perched on a bar wearing a see-through top.  It was all very Mamie Van Doren-esque, as you can see on BillyMasters.com.

Not to be outdone, a hybrid of The Backstreet Boys and *NSYNC raised $1 million for The Trevor Project.  Lance Bass (who I presume spearheaded this philanthropic venture) and Joey Fatone joined Nick Carter and AJ McLean as the entertainment for Bingo Under the Stars at The Grove in Los Angeles.  The fundraiser also celebrated Gay Pride Month.  Back-Sync, as they called themselves, performed “I Want It That Way” and “Bye Bye Bye” – complete with choreography.  AJ also sang “Love Song Love”, his recent single.  As with Madge, we’ll post some footage on BillyMasters.com.

It may not have been the 4^th of July, but there were plenty of fireworks on Billy Masters LIVE last week.  I planned a Pride panel with bon vivant Bruce Vilanch, writer Jim Colucci, and performer Jason Dottley.  You may remember Dottley as the ex-spouse of auteur Del Shores.  I covered their union in this very column with some colorful prose.  Jason (who appears at the Post Office Café in Provincetown July 12, 13, 19, 20) decided to take me to task for some pointed barbs…in which he was never actually named.  I believe one blind item mentioned someone who “bounced from bed to bed to obscurity”.  While I admit that sure sounds like him, I’d add that the real Jason has enormous balls.  Not many people take me on face-to-face, and the fact that he wanted to discuss it in such a good-natured way impressed me a great deal.  He’s absolutely right about one thing – only he and Del know what went on in their relationship.  And if Jason has in fact “slept his way to the middle”, well…good for him!  You can watch this very juicy episode of Billy Masters LIVE on our YouTube channel Billy Masters TV or on BillyMasters.com/TV.

We’ll wrap up Pride Month on Tuesday, June 29^th with a special Billy Masters LIVE featuring Norman Korpi and Eric Nies – cast members from the very first season of MTV’s The Real World.  They recently starred in a reunion series, The Real World Homecoming: New York, and we’ll talk about how the television landscape has changed in the past 29 years.

“Ballet dancers and hairdressers and drag queens made it safe for
football players to come out and not the other way around.”  
– Dan Savage puts Carl Nassib’s coming out into the context of those who came before him.

Another week, another coming out story.  This time, Carl Nassib made a bit of history.  The defensive lineman from the Las Vegas Raiders made a wonderfully matter-of-fact video announcing that he’s gay.  Not only that, he also pledged $100K to The Trevor Project – and informed the uninitiated about the work they do with their 24/7, 365-day-a-year suicide prevention hotline for LGBTQ+ youths.  What was more staggering was the response from the public – mostly positive.

When the criticism came, it was primarily from the gay community.  Many noted that Carl was not the first pro-footballer to come out – that was Michael Sam.  Some hypothesize that Nassib is being praised because he’s white, while Sam is black.  It bears mentioning that although Sam came out as a college senior and was drafted by the St. Louis Rams, he never actually played for the NFL – he was cut preseason.  His professional career was spent with the Montreal Alouettes – which reminds me of a song I learned as a tyke.  Perhaps if Michael had not gone public six years ago, the climate for Carl would not be so welcoming.  Be that as it may, I applaud anybody who comes out – regardless of their skin tone.

Leave it to Shecky Behar to make one of her trademark Borscht Belt quips.  While discussing Carl’s coming out on The View, Joy said, “After they said penetration in the end zone, they lost me.”  I bet that KILLED in the Catskills…after Jell-O!  The other ladies looked…well, horrified.  The segment closed with Joy saying, “By the way, that inappropriate joke I made for daytime television – scratch it.  Make believe I never said it.”  Done.

Champion figure skater Jason Brown also made headlines.  “I believe that love will always win, and every story will unfold differently for each individual.  Mine unfolds a bit now.  I’m gay, and that’s a story still being written.”  One of the first people to offer congratulations was fellow skater, Adam Rippon.  “Your skating is equally as beautiful as you are as a human.  You an incredible person.  HAPPY PRIDE, Jason.  SO MUCH love for you.”

Our Ask Billy question is more of a comment.  Oscar in San Diego writes, “Colton Haynes just posted that XY Magazine cover that he did in 2006.  I guess he’s not embarrassed by it anymore.”

“Times have changed, and we’ve often rewound the clock, since the Puritans got a shock, when they landed on Plymouth Rock.”  So, what can I say?  He’s older, wiser, and over it.  What was troublesome when he was a tyke trying to make it is now passé.  “I’ve never posted this picture before.  In fact, I spent a big part of my career trying to erase it from the internet while I was still in the closet.  Partly because so many ppl in Hollywood told me I would never work as an openly gay actor, but part of it was because I was incredibly ashamed.  It made me sad to see these pictures I had taken as a 15 year old model,” he began.  He went on and on, but ended with, “Being gay is worth celebrating.  I wish I’d figured that out sooner, but I’m so glad I know it now.  To everyone in the LGBTQIA+ community, I hope you celebrate yourselves this month & always, exactly as you are.”  Except, of course, Colton is not quite ready to celebrate himself exactly as he was – he edited the post and changed “15 year old model” to “teenage model”.  The more things change…the more you can see on BillyMasters.com.

When Colton Haynes is touchy about his age, it’s definitely time to end another column.  You can touch yourself while checking out www.BillyMasters.com – the site that is brought to you by the letters X and Y.  If you have a question, send it along to Billy@BillyMasters.com, and I promise to get back to you before a special episode of Sesame Street when Ernie and Bert go to a sperm bank!  Until next time, remember, one man’s filth is another man’s bible.

What a fabulous time we had on Billy Masters LIVE last week.  We celebrated the continuing legacy of Broadway Bares – created in 1992 by Jerry Mitchell.  I thought it would be fun to chat with some performers in the current show and from previous years.  Those included Christopher Sieber, Sebastian LaCause, Patrick Boyd, Jay Armstrong Johnson, and Mark MacKillop.  What a hunk-a-licious time we had!!  If you wanna watch Bares, check out BroadwayCares.org/Bares.

This Thursday, June 24^th, we’ll feature a special Pride panel which will include the beloved Bruce Vilanch.  Tune into Billy Masters LIVE on our YouTube channel Billy Masters TV or on BillyMasters.com/TV.

We even broke a little news on Billy Masters LIVE.  Pre-pandemic, Christopher Sieber was in previews for Broadway’s gender-bending version of Company with Patti LuPone.  They will resume on December 20^th, with the opening scheduled for January 9^th.  Innocently, I asked, “Will the whole cast be returning?”  Christopher kinda stuttered, and finally said, “Well…I can’t say that.”  And, whaddaya know – the next day it was announced that the lovely and talented Kyle Dean Massey will not return to play Theo (Kathy in the original).  Why?  “Taylor and I are expecting our first child this fall and I want to be 100% present for that.”  No word on his replacement…yet.