Simpson Soap Opera!

My Mom called to tell me she was aghast that my recent blog post made her sound like “an old crone,” because I wrote that she’s been urging me to visit her in Minnesota.

No, I’ve assured her, I didn’t mean to make it sound that way. I want to see you!

Well, once that settled down, she tells me that she’s coming to NYC in October.  So I’ll be seeing her quite a bit this early fall.

Hoo boy, I need a drink.

Kidding! My Mom and I get along great, and I savor our moments together. And I am truly grateful that she never forced me to take submachine gun lessons.

There’s an article about me in the new issue of the online magazine HEAPS, which showcases New York City culture for a Japanese audience. Yep, the article is all in Japanese! It’s written by HEAPS delightful editor, Sako Hirano, with photos of me by Omi Tanaka (which were shot at my apartment).

The focus of this particular issue is NYC’s LGBT community. As Sako explained, Japan’s gay community is not nearly as visible as in the United States, and, consequently, many Japanese are unfamiliar with gay culture. So this issue is sort of an educational tool—and I’m happy to be a part!

Of course, I can’t read the article. But I love the layout, including this Zen-like collage.

Thank you, HEAPS!

It’s been a gorgeous summer in New York, with none of the boiling hot weather that’s usually par for the course this time of year.

So how I feel so stressed and unrelaxed?

Over the many years that I’ve lived in New York, I’ve become so neurotic that I have a very hard time slowing down, including taking advantage of summer activities. Go for a walk in Central Park? No time! An outdoor movie? No time! Go to the beach? No time!

Of course, I do have the time. It’s not like I’m accomplishing that much otherwise. I’m well aware that going to somewhere like Central Park is a totally rejuvenating experience. Why do I resist making myself feel better? Imagine how much I could improve my emotional health if I actually took the time to go upstate or to the beach.

Anyway, I just made reservations to go to Minnesota in September. Mostly, it’s because my Mom has been urging me to visit. Plus, there will be plenty of friends to see, and maybe some other relatives. It definitely won’t be a lay-around holiday. But at least the pace is quieter and I’ll get away. Hopefully, I’ll find the time to smell the roses, breath the fresh air, and relax, goddammit.

My friend Magnus was staying with me for a few days.  He’s Norwegian, but lives in Copenhagen, and we met several years ago when he was visiting New York.

Last night, he and some of his friends attended my weekly Bingo gig at Le Poisson Rouge—and he won the cash jackpot! I swear it wasn’t rigged!

Afterwards, we went to the gay bar Eastern Bloc for a Madonna birthday celebration, including pretty tranny Thang as Madge from her Sex book era.

And in case you’re wondering about my outfit… My friend Lola styled me and made my skirt.

I’ve barely left the city this entire summer, and to quote Madonna, “We need a holiday.”  In the meanwhile, I might as well enjoy myself!

My best frenemy Lady Bunny turns 3,000 years-old today!

Here we are in 1991.

I’m happy to report that my debut presentation of “The Drag Explosion, Part Two” was a success!

But no time to rest on my laurels! I’m doing a major cleaning of my apartment for relatives coming from out of town.

This summer has not been relaxing at all… Gotta take some time off pretty soon or I shall collapse!