Late Wednesday afternoon I secluded myself and Leopold into the movies, turning the cells off, of course. When we came out and put them back on I knew something had "happened" by the number of messages. As it turned out, Commissioner Bower's staff were frantically trying to reach me to ask if I was "available"; she wanted to attend Thomas Barker's birthday bash and needed an escort into that stratified crowd. I had already told Leopold about these occasional duties with the next mayor, so I gave the go-ahead.

Thomas summoned up the strength to get out bed, telling me earlier in the day, "If I had known that a little alcohol with pills makes the pain disappear I would have done it years ago." Such innocence in the ways of the world, I thought. I greeted Commissioner Bower as she arrived and brought her to the beaming boy.

Leopoldo and Ivana, who is replacing Neil Bull at BBC headquarters here next week. Is it me, or does she have an uncanny resemblance to Angelica Huston?

Thomas had much to be happy about that night. He had two out of seven City commissioners at his party (here, Commission Gangola on the right). As he recounted yesterday, "It was a great mix of politicians, trannies, straights, and gays."

Halo GM, Jason, with his Mexican boyfriend, the adorable Kenny. We both agree that Mexicans make the best lovers.

Channel 7's immensely popular anchor, Craig Stevens, was there, too, and Neil was totally please to be introduced to him and talk shop.

Ms. Bower's motherly instinct--something which I see is one of greatest assets with the gay community--shines here with Carlos.

And The Palace contingent attended in full force, taking over their usual corner of Halo's bar, the south west end.

Geraldine belted out a song I've never heard before; it was a heart-wrenching ballad about all-consuming love.









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She made the crowd roar with laughter.

FernanDcute, meanwhile, sang Yma Sumac while giving birth to stuffed monkeys.

Thomas clapping against the ever-changing colors of Halo's walls.

When we walked Commissioner Bower to her car, I was totally floored by her 1989 Cadillac and couldn't help asking for a photo next to that tire casing on the trunk. She hopped in and, with a wave of the hand, floored it and zoomed down the street. We love that woman.

It was a stunning crowd and a fun evening, everything one would associate with Barker. The cream of the crop saluted one of the nicest men in a town that does not breed many of them.