A crush emerges

Posted Aug 12, 2005 by Baird Helgeson

Updated Aug 13, 2005 at 02:20 PM

I think a drag queen has a crush on me.
Melanie Minyon isn’t the first person to compliment me on my long eyelashes (not even on this trip). But after a brief conversation while waiting for the restroom, it seems she can’t get enough of me, or at least my strange name.

“Where’s Baird?” she has taken to yelling from the back of the bus. “Where’s my next ex-husband?”
Sure it’s flattering, but I am a serious journalist on assignment and I can’t be distracted with such flirtation (Sorry Melanie, I’m not gay).
That said, she invited Chris and I to see her drag show tonight.
We are in Key West, after all. What could be the harm?
 

On Our Way To Key West

Posted Aug 12, 2005 by Baird Helgeson

Updated Aug 22, 2005 at 09:58 AM

We pulled out of Channelside following a pickup truck with a couple of drag queens and a giant high-heeled shoe in the bed of the truck.

	The giant hig-heeled shoe

Destination: Pride In Exile Celebration runs through Sunday.

Mood: Festive

Photographer Chris Urso and I are aboard a charter bus with about 50 people who are kicking off a weekend that is part celebration and part protest of Hillsborough County’s refusal to acknowledge gay pride events.

Mark Bias served as bartender and entertainer during the trip. 

	On the charter bus

He quickly spotted Urso on his cellular phone. “Oh look at the cute boy on the phone. He is talking with his wife,” he said before departing, prompting waves of laughter n the bus.

We were soon joined by several other vehicles bound for Key West and Pride for Exile Celebration.
We are pulling past Naples and more beer is consumed with each mile increasing the laughter and group sing-along. So far no arrests.

(The reporter and photographer are not drinking…yet.)