"This is to announce my retirement from touring and from working in the record business. I've gotten older and I'm tired. So it's time for me to hang up my nipple tassels, having truly given my all."Sinead O'Connor. I know I'm frequently out of the loop, but not only did I not know Sinead was still recording and touring. I thought she died in 2003!
Welcome to Pride Month. While we cautiously emerge from the pandemic, many Pride events have been cancelled out of caution. But there are still festivities taking place. For instance, the police and paramedics were called to the home of JoJo Siwa during an out-of-control Pride party. My first question: Who is JoJo Siwa? Wikipedia tells me that she is "an American dancer, singer, actress, and YouTube personality known for appearing for two seasons on Dance Moms." So my instinct that she was someone I didn't care about was accurate. The press referred to the soiree as a "star-studded Pride party." So I was curious which stars studded this event. Details are sketchylike, I suspect, many of the attendees. But one report claimed it was "attended by several fellow influencers." BTW, the party took place at her home in Tarzana. And, I'm done.
At least I know who Dove Cameron is. I don't care, but I do remember her from Hairspray: LIVE. And I'm always happy to welcome anyone coming out. During an Instagram Live, she said she didn't say anything sooner because she didn't think anyone would believe her: "I was never confused about who I was. I felt like I wouldn't be accepted and I had this strange narrative that people wouldn't believe me." Really? I'd have guessed right off.
Then there is Frankie Grandea veritable senior by comparison. The 38-year-old claims it was his "celebrity" that got the producers to cast him on Big Brother: "They were so obsessed with the fact that they were going to get a YouTuber and a personality on their show for the very first time. I was the first influencer to ever be on Big Brother." Allegedly, people all over the world credit Frankie for showing "such a different concept of what a gay man was." A bleached blond, sexually insatiable schemer? Honey, I was that person while you were practicing on a pacifier.
As I told you last week, the Crown & Anchor is requiring proof of vaccine for patrons to its popular dance partiessomething I support. Following suit in Ptown is The Boatslip for its popular tea dancein addition to many dance clubs around the country. And Pride Night at LA's Dodger Stadium will require proof of vaccination to attend the game and post-game fireworks. This may very well be the new normal. Along with that new normal are the new ways around it. Google searches for fake coronavirus vaccination cards are up by 1,000%.
A safe haven in the world is still Billy Masters LIVEalthough I am partial to men in masks. Last week, we kicked off Pride Month with legendary drag diva Mommaaka Worthie Meacham. The two of us co-hosted LA Pride for seven consecutive years, and we looked back at those celebrations. Making special appearances were Olivia Newton-John, Pauley Perrette and Willam. This week, we celebrate gay writers with TWO special shows. On Tuesday, June 8, Paul Rudnick talks about his prolific career and his new book, Playing the Palace. And then on Thursday, June 10, Dan Mathewsthe mouthpiece for PETAdrops by to chat about his book Life with My Mother and Her Invisible Friends. So be sure to check out "Billy Masters LIVE" on our YouTube channel, Billy Masters TV or on BillyMasters.com/TV.
In more happy news, Lance Bass announced that he and hubby Michael Turchin are expecting twins! And, like many gay parents before them, they'll each be a biological father. Although the boy and girl are not due until November, the couple hopes for an early deliveryperhaps something closer to Halloween. "They have no choice but to love Halloween because I'm obsessed and they're going to be obsessed," said Bass.
This week's "Ask Billy" question comes from Mark in cyberspace: "Michele Morronethe super-hot star of the popular Netflix Italian drama 365 DNIposted a photo of himself and his equally hot male co-star Simone Susinna with the caption, 'I'm a liar.' Is this his way of coming out? If anyone would know the real story, it would be you."
Alas, he's not coming out. Referring to Simone, Michele said, "He became a very good friend of mine; we're like brothers. We're shooting a movie together. It was just a picture. Nothing more." He added, "An actor is a kind of liar. That's why I wrote that. Acting … as someone who is not. I didn't come out. So, I'm so sorry for the confusion. As I said, I'm a big supporter of the LGBT community. There's a lot of young guys and girls... They would love to come out but they don't do it because of their families. You know, happiness is priceless, guys. Peace and love, I love you so much." Gay or straight, he's mighty hotas you'll see on BillyMasters.com .
When we're extolling the significant virtues of a self-proclaimed ally, it's definitely time to end another column. Based on a suggestion, members of our website will soon get emails with the column when it goes liveincluding a link to all photos and videos. Since we're running a Pride Month sale, this is the perfect time to check out BillyMasters.comthe site that's proud 365 days a year. For all your pressing needs, write to Billy@BillyMasters.com, and I promise to get back to you before Frankie Grande realizes he was only cast because of who his sister is! Until next time, remember: One man's filth is another man's bible.