"Fuck off Caitlynyou had your chance."Kathy Griffin responds to Caitlyn Jenner's sudden realization that "As far as trans issues, this administration has been the worst ever. They've set our community back 20 years, easily." And special kudos to Kathy Griffinher Carnegie Hall concert sold out in 24 hours! She's back!
According to a recent study, the number-one retirement city in the United States for LGBT seniors is Fort Lauderdale! And I can tell you why. Prior to the '90s, Fort Lauderdale was THE gay vacation spot. Even when South Beach became popular, Ft. Laud never completely lost its appeal. After the motels on the beach were demolished ( including the fabled Marlin Beach Resort ), the gays moved inland, and Wilton Manors was born. Those people who were partying are now close to being seniors, and they want to live someplace warm. I once read that Fort Lauderdale has more gay businesses per capita than any other U.S. city. All those businessmen and retirees might explain how the city just elected an openly gay mayor! Congrats, Dean Trantalis!
Meanwhile near my other home, RuPaul got a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The gayla event was hosted by Miss Jane Fonda! Ru was also joined by his hubby, Georges LeBar, just days after explaining how their open relationship works: "I know that for him the person he loves the most on this planet is me. I know that; there's no doubt in my mind. So if he needs to do something else somewhere else, I'm fine with that. He would never turn it into something that would make me feel uncomfortable, and I wouldn't do that to him either."
Everyone wants a piece of Adam Rippon. When Justin Sylvester was interviewing Adam on live TV, the E! host put Adam on the spot and asked him out on a date the next time he's in LA. Of course, Adam said yes ... but not with any enthusiasm. Days later, Rippon finally met Sam GreismanSally Field's son. It was a chance encounter at the HRC gala where Adam was presenting the Visibility Award. Judging from the pic, I don't believe sparks flew. But they met and I'm sure Sam's happy. It should be noted that the gala took place in LAsorry Justin!
It was quite a week for Anderson Cooper. First, CNN announced that it was slashing his show in half to make room for the inestimable talents of Chris Cuomowho we enjoyed so much during those hurricanes! Days later, Cooper made an announcement: "Benjamin and I separated as boyfriends some time ago. We are still family to each other, and love each other very much. We remain the best of friends, and will continue to share much of our lives together." Before you shed a tear for the Cooper/Maisani breakup, fear not. We hear that Coop is dating a dashing dude from Dallas named Victor Lopez, who is a 33-year-old radiologist. This should not surprise anyone who remembers when Anderson was a guest on Andy Cohen's show in July. When playing a game, Andy was asked what was Anderson's biggest turn-on. The answer? "Latinos!"
Last week, I had the great fortune to see Leslie Jordan at the Catalina Bar & Grill in Hollywood doing his new show, Exposed. In it, he tells tall tales and dishes everyone he's ever met! The show is an absolute delight from beginning to end, and the capacity crowd ate him up. Bravo to producer Chris Isaacson for putting together such a swell event. Should you ever get the chance to see Leslie Jordan in person, GO!
As I'm sure you know, Lorna Luft recently collapsed backstage in London and has since been diagnosed with a brain tumor. I was told that she's in good shape and has flown back to LA for more tests. I thought back to when Liza had encephalitis and Lorna was pushing her in a wheelchair. Now Lorna's down, and Liza ( who has moved to LA ) might be the one helping out. Who would have ever pegged Liza as the healthy sister?
Speaking of Miss Minnelli, she's auctioning off some memorabilia next month. The auction, called "Love, Liza," will include more than 1,000 lots, including the costume and infamous bowler hat she wore in the film Cabaret, her 1971 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow and several items that belonged to her parents. Profiles in History is organizing the auction, and it will take place in Calabasas sometime in late May. In the meantime, Liza is displaying her treasures at the Paley Center in Beverly Hills on April 4-29.
I also went to Rockwell Table & Stage last week to see the divine Charles Busch in his intimate cabaret show called My Kinda 60s. Accompanied by the solicitous Tom Judson, this pairing works beautifully because the audience loves them both. In fact, love was the theme of the eveningfrom the songs, to the touching stories Charles shares. Those stories especially stood out. Above all, Charles is a raconteur, so this format works well, and you get just a glimpse of the genius he has to the tips of his glamorous fingers. Speaking of glamour, I was quite taken with Busch's fitted emerald green brocade pant suit, which he described to me as "very Helen Lawson"and it is!
This is a particularly prosperous period for Charles Busch. It was just announced that a film is being made of his Broadway smash The Tale of the Allergist's Wife. In a bit of luxury casting, the two female roles will be played by Bette Midler and Sharon Stonebecause when I think of comedy, I think of that wacky Sharon Stone!
In our quick "Ask Billy" question, Kevin in Rhode Island asks, "Who is the hot guy who married Fallon on Dynasty last week? He looks like a model."
Because he is a model! His name is Adam Huber and he's known for showing off quite a bit of skin, as you'll see on BillyMasters.com .
When Sharon Stone's next project involves a Busch, it's definitely time to end yet another column. As I always say, stick with your strengths! For more than just the bush, check out BillyMasters.comthe site that's certainly not allergic to nudity! Send you questions along to Billy@BillyMasters.com, and I promise to get back to you before Rippon calls E! to arrange that date! Until next time, remember: One man's filth is another man's bible.