Firstly, I am thankful that this crazy, drunken bar community in which I have been working tirelessly for over a decade now is so full of love, understanding and support. The moment I experienced at DJ Chester's drag benefit at Spin—the show of strength from friends from all up and down the Halsted strip—I wanted to freeze in time so that when I was feeling low or lonely, I could dip back into that feeling and know that the world is a warm, wonderful place. I do hope my photographs achieve that for you.

And speaking of Chester, if you did not get a chance to make it to the show and wish to donate to his fight against cancer, please visit http://www.berlinchicago.com/chester/.

Secondly, I'm thankful that I did not have to pack up and move to Switzerland as a result of the 2012 presidential election. Four more years! I celebrated as I had for the '04 and '08 elections: at Crew with beer pitchers and French fries. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. It's not like I'm taking personal credit for Obama's reelection, but we all helped in our own little ways. This year I did double duty at Crew and The Glenwood, which is blocks away from my house, allowing me to witness the historic moment in the comfort of my own living room. I may have screamed like a moron out of the window. Who can remember those sorts of details?

Thirdly, I am thankful for understanding clients. I missed both Touche's 35th anniversary and Hamburger Mary's 40th anniversary last Saturday, but Ashley sent me some pics and David loves me too much to hate me. Once in a while, a guy has to stay in to eat Donettes and watch Meredith Baxter Birney movies about bulimia. Don't look at me like that, you've all done it!

Fourthly, congrats to the new inductees of Chicago's Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame, in particular Touche owner Chuck Rodocker and former Nightspots editor St. Sukie de la Croix!