"If you're around your parents a lot, you see them in ways that almost no one else does. And I never saw a hint of that. I think I would have picked up on it—not that I would've cared." —Jennifer Grant on rumors that her father Cary Grant had gay relationships, specifically with Randolph Scott (who he was close to for about a dozen years).
If it's July 4th in the US of A, it's Billy in Provincetown. This year, our nation's birthday was marred by bad weather, not unlike when Washington crossed the Delaware (which I suspect had just as much debauchery). But the rain did not dampen my spirits when it came to shows and sex and such. Given my unique perspective, let me suggest what you should be seeing should you venture to our little fishing village on the edge of forever.
I was bowled over by the incredible Max von Essen at the Provincetown Art House. Varla Jean Merman is at the Crown & Anchor in a class of her own—which is fine, because who could see over all that hair? Judy Gold is proving you can be smart, funny and provocative at the Post Office Café and Cabaret. Also under that roof is the outrageous cast of "Schartt$ Creek". And while I haven't seen his show yet, Randy Roberts is always a sure thing. More extensive reviews can be found on BillyMasters.com .
Let's talk for a moment about mental illness—which is no joking matter. And I know this because I, your humble scribe, have been touched by mental disorders. Never forget—everyone has something. Acknowledging it is the first step. And yet, I was still taken aback when Bowen Yang admitted that he is suffering from "bad bouts of depersonalization." I thought that was when you ask a jeweler to erase an engraving before you re-gift!
But here is how the Mayo Clinic defines depersonalization disorder: "When you persistently or repeatedly have the feeling that you're observing yourself from outside your body or you have a sense that things around you aren't real." How does that apply to you? Imagine you get to have sex with someone out of your league and you can't believe it's happening. Or perhaps see yourself having sex in an overhead mirror. That's depersonalization. Admittedly, it's not always quite so titillating. But the point is, Bowen is getting help.
We've had a spate of gay breakups that make one take pause—depersonally, if possible. Most notable is Ricky Martin and Jwan Yosef, who are divorcing after six years. "We have decided to end our marriage with love, respect and dignity for our children and honoring what we have experienced as a couple all these wonderful years." How many publicists and lawyers did it take to craft that? Not that I don't believe the sentiment, but the legalese is thick.
Other reports claim the relationship was "open"...lest we forget the nephew's allegations. Going back to the official release, it mentions Ricky had twin boys 11 years prior to marrying Jwan—"whom he will continue to raise as a single parent." So Jwan was married to a man with kids ages 9 through 15 but wasn't a parent? Skeptical.
Then there is Billy Porter's break with Adam Smith. The press seems fascinated that they married after a two-week engagement—like they're Kardashians! To be accurate, the couple dated for a year back in 2009. For whatever reason, it didn't work out. Then in 2015, they reunited, dated for almost two years, and then got engaged and married a fortnight later. "The decision was an amicable and mutual one and made after much consideration,"says publicist Simon Halls—enough said! I couldn't help but note that both these breakups happened after six years of marriage. The straights have the seven-year itch. Maybe we gays figure it out quicker!
If you have a question, send it to Billy@BillyMasters.com and I'll get back to you before the next gay divorce! So, until next time, remember, one man's filth is another man's bible.
