The Fourth Of July.... Fire Island Style

Independence Day was spent differently this year. For the past 7 years, I had to work that holiday so when I discovered I was off, I knew it would be a reason to celebrate. Unfortunately, Belmo didn't have that luxury. He had to work which sucked for me. I wanted to spend the day in a way that I've never before. That way was on the beach, in Fire Island, during the Invasion. The Fire Island Invasion welcomes drag queens and kings from far and near and embraces their freedom to be different on a day remembered for granting liberty and justice for all people. My friend Ian was about as gung-ho as I was for this trip to New York so we embark early Friday morning in the overcast and rainy weather with a glimmer of hope that the sun would shine over our destination.

Here's a taste of Fire Island Invasion 2008.

Is Puerto Rico in the House?

Red, white and, blue was visiable yesterday as the annual Parada San Juan Bautista brought Camden's Puerto Rican community converging along the waterfront. Celebrating the feast of Saint John the Baptist, the patron saint of Puerto Rico, tens of thousands of people of all ethnic backgrounds gathered for this celebration of Puerto Rican culture.


Below are photos taken at the event.































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City Of Brotherly Love, Pride, And, Unity

Every second Sunday in June, Philadelphia celebrates Gay Pride Month with a parade commencing in the Gayborhood. Participants march down Market Street to the Great Plaza at Penn's Landing where they can watch a concert on the Main Stage, snack on fast food, acquire information pertaining to the LGBT community, and or brouse at rainbow paraphenilia from the many vendors.

Mayor Michael Nutter made an apperance to presence Emmy winner, Broadway star, and Pride Day headliner Bruce Vilanch with the Liberty Bell award for his contributions to the LGBT community.

Belmo and Curtis

After the Pride gathering at Penn's Landing, Belmo and I made our way to the 33rd annual Odunde festival. Located along South Street and stretching from 21st Street to Grays Ferry Ave, the Odunde celebration marks the African New Year originated by the Yoruba people of Nigeria, West Africa. Odunde displays traditional foods, dance forms, music, artwork, crafts, jewelry, and clothes.

You're bound to run into friends at Odunde. Above, we are joined by Skyi and Juwanna and below, sisters Kim (foreground) and Regina holding their mom.

Even Obama was there.