LookOut

by Tim Brookover

photo by David Lewis

GOOD WORKS

Recently, Ken Claude (pictured) stopped by our offices to chat about his August 17 benefit event at EJ’s, Miss Garbage Bag 2003—It Isn’t Pretty. You read that right. “People love to come out and see guys make fools of themselves,” he quipped. Claude plans to make this, uh, pageant of burly men draped in plastic an annual community fundraiser.

According to the rules, each contestant (facial hair and “men’s leather boots” de riguer) must wear a dress constructed of garbage bags. Paging Isaac Mizrahi. Claude, who was Mr. Texas Leather 1999, offers a useful tip for hopefuls: “Wal-Mart sells all the colors of the Leather Pride Flag.” Judges will score men by attire and “ability to persevere against incredible odds.” Maybe that refers to contestants with poor design skills or really skinny legs.

All proceeds from the 8 p.m. event will benefit Positive Vibe, a new clinic at Lyndon B. Johnson General Hospital that serves HIV-positive youth ages 13 to 24. Sign up at kenclaude@sbcglobal.net.

Charles Armstrong, jefe of Charles Armstrong Investments (South Beach, JR’s/Santa Fe, and Montrose Mining Company), has renewed his underwriting of Q-Patrol for the second year. His grant will allow the all-volunteer citizen’s-patrol group to continue monitoring the neighborhood on Friday and Saturday nights. Chris Arasin is Q-Patrol chairman.

TIARA WATCH

The reigning Miss Gay Houston International US of A, Selena St. John, called with a reminder that the Miss Gay Texas US of A pageant will take place August 21–24 at Rich’s Houston. “It’s my first time competing in a big pageant like this,” Selena revealed. On August 17, she will have a fundraiser for her crown quest at the Brazos River Bottom.

IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

Entertainer Jerry Atwood e-mailed to report on the health of his friend, super-chanteuse Marsha Carlton. In late June, Carlton had a kidney removed to excise a tumor. “It appears that the malignancy has not spread,” Atwood wrote. A January event at the home of David Alquest and Bil Minturn raised funds for medical care for Carlton, who like 41 million Americans lacks health insurance. In a phone conversation later, Atwood predicted more benefits for the community singer.

Congrats to Ken Fiegel, who placed fifth overall in the May 25 International Mr. Leather competition in Chicago. We spotlighted Fiegel in “Hell-Bent for Leather” in our May issue.

Kudos also to Korwin Goodman on being named Daddy of Montrose in a July ceremony at Mary’s. Does his win mean we can all start borrowing money from him and using his car?

ENTER, NAKED

Theater impresario Christian DeVries is reviving the long-running musical revue Naked Boys Singing. The lads will go nude beginning August 22 at Stargaze Theatre, formerly Bienvenue Theatre, which has moved to 4040 Milam on the third floor of the Fitness Exchange building. Got all that? The boys go naked on August 22. The new in-the-buff cast includes Michael Backes, Damien Dane, Alvin Rodgers, Aubry Vance, and Cameron Wyont.

Speaking of the disrobed, Steve H. and about a dozen other members of the local Lone Star Nudist Group will travel to Pennsylvania for the August 17–24 Gay Naturist International gathering in the Poconos. About 800 guys attend what is billed as the largest organized nude gathering in the world. Steve reported by e-mail, “You see the range of manly beauty. All types are there. I am not all that young or body beautiful, but I do feel accepted for my ‘bear’-type look. I do believe that we should accept the human body as made and not judge by the outside but what is on the inside. You can see all shapes and sizes at the Gathering—[and] all ages, over 21, of course. I have met couples who have met there as well as gay couples who have been together 50+ years at GNI.” Intrigued? Check www.lonestarmen.net or call 713/866-8847.

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