Windy City Media Group Frontpage News

THE VOICE OF CHICAGO'S GAY, LESBIAN, BI, TRANS AND QUEER COMMUNITY SINCE 1985

home search facebook twitter join
Gay News Sponsor Windy City Times 2023-12-13
DOWNLOAD ISSUE
Donate

Sponsor
Sponsor
Sponsor

  WINDY CITY TIMES

Billy Masters: Mariah fails to storm the Christmas castle, and all the other dish you need to start the week
by Billy Masters
2022-12-05

This article shared 1491 times since Mon Dec 5, 2022
facebook twitter pin it google +1 reddit email


"Thank you, Lord! Congrats to all the other Queen of Christmases around the world, living and whom have passed!"

—Darlene Love celebrates Mariah losing her bid to trademark the term "Queen of Christmas."

Did you know that Billy's hometown gave birth to not one but two holiday ditties? Most evidence points to Jingle Bells being written by James Lord Pierpont in Medford, Massachusetts. We'll just skim over the fact that it was first performed in a minstrel show and, instead, tell you this little-known fact—it was written for Thanksgiving.

And that leads us to the second holiday song to come from my modest hamlet. I don't know how popular it is around the country, but I grew up with "Over the River and Through the Woods," written by Lydia Maria Child.In school, we sang all four stanzas. It wasn't until the pandemic that I actually walked the roughly five-block route Miss Child describes to her grandparents' house.She writes, "The horse knows the way to carry the sleigh, through the white and drifted snow." I'm not convinced that horse actually knew the way, because I walked that route in only two stanzas! And here's another fun fact—I have certain attributes that have been compared to a horse.

Attention, everyone—Mariah Carey is NOT the Queen of Christmas. Although Mimi filed to trademark the term, her application was, as Suze Orman used to say, "Denied." She also attempted to trademark the phrases "Princess of Christmas" and "Christmas Princess." Those were also (say it with me): Denied! This, of course, is good news to the longest-reigning Queen of Christmas—Darlene Love! The Queen is dead, long live the Queen!

Someone else embracing the holidays is David Archuleta. He's in the midst of a tour across Utah called "The More The Merrier"—which also happens to be the title of my Grindr profile! During one stop, he talked about his journey to self-acceptance and coming out. After the show, his manager was informed that several people walked out of the concert during the speech.Archie had this to say on the subject: "Two years ago, I was thinking ending my life was better than admitting this openly. If you are more offended that I say I like guys than you are that someone has felt it was better to end their life for that very same reason, I want you to think about why that makes you uncomfortable. I wanted to have uncomfortable conversations. That's how you gain understanding." I think we have a future guest for Billy Masters LIVE.

Last week, we celebrated the life of the fabulous Leslie Jordan on Billy Masters LIVE. It coincided with the airing of his last episode of Call Me Kat. Joining in the fun were former West Hollywood mayor John Duran, writer and raconteur Bruce Vilanch and the outrageous Varla Jean Merman. But what was most special to me was when we were joined by Leslie's on-screen love interest, John Griffin. In addition to being a talented actor, he appears to be a lovely person. At one point, he emotionally recounted working with Jordan on one of their last scenes—which made it even more special when I saw the final episode. Check out the show on our YouTube channel, Billy Masters TV, or on BillyMasters.com/TV.

After their fantastic performance at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction, offers are pouring in for a reunion tour of Eurythmics. Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart are said to be mulling the proposals, which could bring in over $100 million! The duo would like to tie this in with a new recording.

Talk of music leads to this week's Billy's Holiday Gift Giving Suggestions. What a year it's been for the original Dreamgirl, Sheryl Lee Ralph. Not only did she win an Emmy for Abbott Elementary, she's released a collection of holiday songs. The title, Sleigh, is an appropriate homophone for a diva who regularly slays. But, it ain't homophonic—it's stereophonic!! And it makes a perfect stocking stuffer.

You know who doesn't stuff their stockings? Those Warwick Rowers—who rarely wear socks! They started their nude calendar in 2009 to raise money to fight homophobia in sports. Over the years, it's grown and morphed into Worldwide Roar, which continues to raise money to promote inclusion and combat homophobia. To date, they've raised over $100K! You'll let out more than a roar when you check out their wares on WorldwideRoar.org .

We got an interesting "Ask Billy" question from John in Maine:"What do you know about Fraser Olender?"

First I had to find out who he is. He's the Chief Steward on Bravo's Below Deck—and is credited as the first gay man to hold that position on the show. From what I hear, Fraser is adept at a variety of positions. The native Brit is also known for having a tight ship—and you know how I love a tight ship. That he has a barbed tongue might be uncomfortable, but I'm willing to give it a go. Check him out on BillyMasters.com .

When the British are coming, we've definitely come to the end of yet another column. You know I don't like to toot my own horn—although it is a skill which comes in handy on those cold winter nights. But you simply must check out www.BillyMasters.com—the site that will keep you warm all winter long. If you want more than corn for popping, drop a note to Billy@BillyMasters.com and I promise to get back to you before I reveal the origins of O Come, All Ye Faithful! So, until next time, remember, one man's filth is another man's bible.


This article shared 1491 times since Mon Dec 5, 2022
facebook twitter pin it google +1 reddit email

Out and Aging
Presented By

  ARTICLES YOU MIGHT LIKE

Gay News

Theater Review: Billy Elliot, The Musical
2024-02-19
Book and Lyrics: Lee Hall; Music: Elton John. At: Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora Tickets: 630-896-6666 or Paramountaurora.com; $28-$79. Runs through March 24 Billy Elliot: The Musical may nearly be two decades old, but ...


Gay News

SHOWBIZ Kelly Clarkson, Billy Porter and Luke Evans, 'All of Us,' 'Book of Mormon'
2024-01-05
Video below - At Kelly Clarkson's "Chemistry: An Intimate Evening" residency show in Las Vegas, two men got married with the help of the singer/talk-show host as a witness, EW.com noted. In an audience video from the show, fans ...


Gay News

Billy Masters: The tea that got spilled in 2023
2023-12-26
"No offense, but you look like Billy Masters." —I don't know which part of this quip from a stranger insulted me more—that he didn't realize I am Billy Masters, or he thought someone would take offense ...


Gay News

MOVIES Bill Oliver reflects on a queer couple's custody fight in 'Our Son'
2023-12-21
In the compelling, intimate movie Our Son (in theaters and available via streaming), Luke Evans and Billy Porter portray a married couple in which one of them decides to file for divorce. However, this is no ...


Gay News

Billy Masters: Barry Manilow really was just interested in the articles
2023-12-19
"I wouldn't be in it now if they gave me a million dollars. I'm never going to change my mind. They can just go you-know-what themselves." —Cher tells Kelly Clarkson her thoughts on being snubbed by ...


Gay News

LGBTQ+ baseball executives announce cancer battles
2023-12-13
Openly gay Major League Baseball (MLB) executive Billy Bean announced he has been diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia and that he needs a donor for a bone-marrow transplant, Gay City News noted. USA Today initially reported ...


Gay News

Billy Masters: Fun messiness from the Ladies of the '80s
2023-12-12
"Everybody wants a bf like Timothée Chalamet...until it's time to change a tire." —Meghan McCain. OK, so she only retweeted it. But I'm filled with the spirit of giving. Alas, I suspect Timmy could only ...


Gay News

Billy Masters: The icing on the cake at a gender-reveal party
2023-12-05
"To hell with this place!"—George Santos's parting comments after being ejected from Congress. He also said that Congress "is full of felons galore." At least, that's what I think he said. With his lisp, it sounded ...


Gay News

Billy Masters: The Dolly Cowboy Cheerleaders
2023-11-28
Whoever intended to dumb down the citizens of America have done a FANTASTIC job. We are dumb as shit!"—Patti LuPone in an interview with broadcaster Tom Power prior to her touring show Don't Monkey with Broadway ...


Gay News

SHOWBIZ Billy Porter, queer novel, 'Tammy Faye,' queer DJ, Bella Ramsey
2023-11-24
Billy Porter released his long-awaited new album, Black Mona Lisa, via Island Records UK/Republic Records, and it's executive-produced by Justin Tranter, a press release noted. Porter said, "So many of the songs on my album have ...


Gay News

Billy Masters: Was Kim Kardashian officiating your wedding worth it?
2023-11-20
I'd hoped to never again type the word "Jada" again. But this week, it's inevitable. It is being alleged that actor Duane Martin (don't feel bad—I had to look him up as well) slept with Will ...


Gay News

Billy Masters: The times Streisand failed to make a splash
2023-11-13
"Fame is a hollow trophy. No matter who you are, you can only eat one pastrami sandwich at a time."—Wise words from Barbra Streisand. You all know that Barbra Streisand's book is out. And I ...


Gay News

Billy Masters: Barbra's bio hits stores...but don't rain on Cher's parade either
2023-11-07
"I will be forced to be in a position where I will have to openly say how I feel about the film and go against you, my mother and this film publicly."—Lisa Marie Presley's e-mail to director Sofia Coppola after reading ...


Gay News

Billy Masters: Britney spills the tea
2023-10-31
"Brad Pitt, I think, in 'Troy'. That's a beautiful man. There's no denying it."—Jacob Elordi tells Jimmy Fallon his first celebrity crush. (If you can't place Jacob, you'll soon see him playing Elvis Presley in Sofia ...


Gay News

Billy Masters: Madonna sets her watch to Diva Time
2023-10-23
"It is truly obscene what they're charging for tickets to 'Merrily We Roll Along' on Broadway. $500 to $800. PLUS—$40 a ticket 'handling charge.'"—Kevin Chamberlin voices his outrage at the price of Broadway tickets. Imag ...


 


Copyright © 2024 Windy City Media Group. All rights reserved.
Reprint by permission only. PDFs for back issues are downloadable from
our online archives.

Return postage must accompany all manuscripts, drawings, and
photographs submitted if they are to be returned, and no
responsibility may be assumed for unsolicited materials.

All rights to letters, art and photos sent to Nightspots
(Chicago GLBT Nightlife News) and Windy City Times (a Chicago
Gay and Lesbian News and Feature Publication) will be treated
as unconditionally assigned for publication purposes and as such,
subject to editing and comment. The opinions expressed by the
columnists, cartoonists, letter writers, and commentators are
their own and do not necessarily reflect the position of Nightspots
(Chicago GLBT Nightlife News) and Windy City Times (a Chicago Gay,
Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender News and Feature Publication).

The appearance of a name, image or photo of a person or group in
Nightspots (Chicago GLBT Nightlife News) and Windy City Times
(a Chicago Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender News and Feature
Publication) does not indicate the sexual orientation of such
individuals or groups. While we encourage readers to support the
advertisers who make this newspaper possible, Nightspots (Chicago
GLBT Nightlife News) and Windy City Times (a Chicago Gay, Lesbian
News and Feature Publication) cannot accept responsibility for
any advertising claims or promotions.

 
 

TRENDINGBREAKINGPHOTOS







Sponsor


 



Donate


About WCMG      Contact Us      Online Front  Page      Windy City  Times      Nightspots
Identity      BLACKlines      En La Vida      Archives      Advanced Search     
Windy City Queercast      Queercast Archives     
Press  Releases      Join WCMG  Email List      Email Blast      Blogs     
Upcoming Events      Todays Events      Ongoing Events      Bar Guide      Community Groups      In Memoriam     
Privacy Policy     

Windy City Media Group publishes Windy City Times,
The Bi-Weekly Voice of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Trans Community.
5315 N. Clark St. #192, Chicago, IL 60640-2113 • PH (773) 871-7610 • FAX (773) 871-7609.