Toy Story

As always, Michael and I had a terrific time at SAGE's big holiday Toys Party at Pier 60 on Friday. Saw dozens of friends -- including a few I hadn't seen in ages -- as well as a bunch of old colleagues and blogger/media types. I've been going to this event dating back to the '90s when it was held in the Toy Building in the Flatiron District -- my pals and I always considered it the ultimate husband-hunting playground, with so many good-looking urban professional types in attendance each year -- and it's sort of become my de facto holiday-party kickoff.

After waiting in line and getting my name tag filled out by one of the Bel Ami-ish boys manning the door -- bless his heart, he came soooo close! -- Michael and I quickly ran into radio host Michelangelo Signorile inside the doorway.


Michael and Mike had never met, so when I introduced my "lover" to the noted radio host, it quickly jarred Michelangelo's memory of a post Joe.My.God. had written about the term "lover," after meeting mine at the Instinct magazine party last month. Click above to read what Joe has to say about the subject -- and go HERE to see the 257(!) comments he got on the subject. Joe concurs with me about the horrible term "partner." Granted, Michael and I would be much better off financially if we did in fact have a law firm together, but alas we are merely homosexual lovers(!), which makes us rich in other ways.

Perhaps my favorite part of the night, however, was meeting several KIT212 readers, like cutie Kevin (above) -- who was a huge fan of Movember -- and another guy from South Carolina who told me how he always read my blog and Andy Towle's before moving to the big city. For part-time bloggers like myself, the gig doesn't pay much. But when you hear that your efforts are appreciated or that they really touched a chord with someone, it certainly has a way of making it all feel worthwhile. (A subsequent e-mail from a Wrangler executive about my weakness for cowboys capped my weekend!) All in all, another great evening.

P.S. If you're looking for a last-minute place to make a charitable donation, SAGE is a good place to consider. SAGE is nation's oldest and largest organizations looking out for the older LGBT population, and the group behind the upcoming LGBT senior center here in Manhattan.

To make a donation, click HERE.