"If you're a cupcake maker and someone wants a cupcake, make them a cupcake. Let's not have a big lawsuit or argument over all this stuffmove on."John Kasich refers to people like bakers who feel their religious rights are infringed upon by providing refreshments for same-sex weddings or serving gay people. Finally, a Republican who isn't insane.
There are plenty of parties around the country where gay people get together and celebrate any number of things. But there is only one Winter Party. Sponsored by the LGBTQ Task Force in Miami, this six-day event features cocktail parties, pool parties, dance parties, art shows and beach parties. Last year, the festivities brought in more than $1 million for grassroots community organizations. Unofficially, I'm told that they have exceeded last year's record-breaking amount. Congrats to everyone involved. Check out TaskForce.org for more info.
This year's Academy Awards brought in the lowest ratings since 2008. Well, you can't blame Chris Rock or even the show itself. Simply put, people didn't even bother to tune in. Why? Because the general public wasn't invested in the films nominated. And while there was one acting award at the 30-minute mark, it took two more hours before something else happened of any interest. So when people talk about what could be cut, I could have trimmed those two hours to a few minutes. And why, oh why, would a show that typically runs long, start on the East Coast at 8:30 p.m. on a Sunday? Start it at 8 p.m. Start it at 7 p.m. But, for the love of God, get it done by 11.
While I filed my report after the ceremony, a few things happened at the parties that warrant mention. At Elton John's soiree, the incorrigible Carson Kressley ( now described as a stylist ) was all over ABC7 reporter Elex Michaelsonwho defines the word "dashing." Elex tweeted a photo with Carson being ... well, Carson and called him "hilarious!" I've been called hilarious. You know what that means? "I'll never sleep with you." Carson tweeted back "It's called flirting Elex!"
Then there's Sam Smith. It's been downhill ever since he had the statuette in his hand. First, Sam misquoted Sir Ian McKellen, talking about how no openly gay man has ever won an Oscar. I corrected him shortly thereafter. Then Sir Ian tweeted, "I'd said no openly gay actor had received #Oscarsthat doesn't detract from #samsmithworld achievement. Congratulations to him @ all others!." Talk about handling it in a classy way.
Of course, there's Dustin Lance Black's way. He immediately took to Twitter and posted a link to his 2009 acceptance speech and added, "Hey @SamSmithWorld, if you have no idea who I am, it may be time to stop texting my fiancé." Most people took this as catty and bitchy. I mean, you've got an Oscar, you've got money, you're engaged to a hot guy half your agewhy not let it go? I'd certainly take the high road ( although I'd be wondering what Sam Smith is doing with Tom Daley's phone number ). Following the backlash, DLB said he meant his tweet to be taken humorously. Because, if there's one thing we know about Lanceaside from his lack of condom use when receiving anal sexit's that he's a LAUGH RIOT! He's the next Lucy! Whenever I go into a Dustin Lance Black movie, I know I'm gonna laugh so hard, I may pee!
While Eddie Redmayne was much-applauded for his work in The Danish Girl ( "These are good danish, girl!" ), he spent the day before the Oscars visiting the LGBT Center's Youth Center in Hollywood and met with some 70 queer, homeless youth and fed them breakfastcourtesy of Focus Features, the distributor of The Danish Girl. ( I hope they served danish. ) He also filmed a moving PSA urging people to donate and help save the lives of at-risk youth. You check out all the great work The Center does on its website, LALGBTCenter.org .
Brace yourselfit's time for another installment of Fayewatch. As I already told you, Miss Dunaway emerged from her crypt for the Vanity Fair Oscar Viewing Party. Why she's never at the Oscars themselves is one of those unsolved mysteries, but maybe this bon mot will explain that. Days after the Academy Awards, a friend saw her in the produce section of a popular West Hollywood supermarket. This is no surprisecelebrities need groceries, too. Our spy noticed that La Dunaway was wearing what he described as "plastic surgical gloves." ( On BillyMasters.com, I'll show you why Faye has her hands covered up. ) Then he noticed that Faye was talking to the tomatoes. Yes, TALKING! He tried to eavesdrop, but Faye gave him a dirty look and he scuttled off. One can only imagine what the tomatoes said back!
Zac Efron was in Miami this weekend filming the big-screen version of Baywatch ( playing the David Charvet role ). If you thought he was hot before ... well, words just fail me. Happily, the photos on BillyMasters.com is worth a thousand wordsat least!
Our "Ask Billy" question came from a friend who saw me on Facebook. But I'm gonna answer it like any other query. Steve from Los Angeles asks: "Are you just being good? Or are you keeping those nude pics of Gus Kenworthy's boyfriend, Matthew Wilkas, for a later date?"
First, let's identify the players. Gus Kenworthy is a 24-year-old Olympic skier. His previous boyfriend was photographer Robin MacDonald ( age 30 ). His current boyfriend is 38-year-old actor Matthew Wilkas. And on New Year's Eve, he was heavily flirting with Anderson Cooper, who I believe is in his mid-70s. ( OK, he's only 48and looks damn good for any age. ) Since I point out ages when someone's dating a much younger fella, it's only fair to do the same when it's reversed. Rumor has it, the nudes of Matthew Wilkas were snagged from his Grindr account, which is now deactivated since he's no longer single. There are a lot of photos. They are most definitely him. They are most definitely impressive. And they can most definitely be seen on BillyMasters.com .
When we're exposing a skier's beau, it's all downhill and definitely time to end yet another column. With the Oscars over, it's time to get back to business and check out www.BillyMasters.com, the site that always goes for the gold. If you have a question, send it along to me at Billy@BillyMasters.com, and I promise to get back to you before Sam Smith fits a whole foot in his mouth! So, until next time, remember: One man's filth is another man's bible.