by Greg Hernandez
My apologies for the tardiness in getting these photos up from Sunday’s party celebrating the 30th Anniversary of Frontiers magazine. (My red carpet from the GLAAD Media Awards are still to come as well!)
But better late than never!
This was a completely fantastic party at Eleven in West Hollywood and I think everyone who was there had a terrific time.
The place was packed! I flitted around and quickly spotted Chandler Massey of Days of Our Lives.
Chatted with him and Frontiers publisher David Stern out on the red carpet then headed over the the VIP section.
And there she was: Charo!
My friend Lorna, who is from Britain, has no idea who Charo is and the other night at dinner I was trying to explain to her.
Lorna didn’t seem to get it and it made me realize that Charo is just one of those personalities who you just had to live through to appreciate – you had to catch her on all of those Love Boat episodes, Merv Griffin guest spots and appearances on Hollywood Squares.
I didn’t really know what to say to Charo, nor could she hear me over the din, but did get a photo with her.
Seeing her made me think: ‘I can’t believe I’ve experienced Cher and Charo within 24 hours. Only in gay LA!”
It was great to see my pal Karen Ocamb who is news editor of Frontiers. Karen is such a hero to a lot of people because she covers the LGBT movement like few others and her dedication and doggedness are truly a wonder.
Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa was a popular guest and honoree (He, Lorri Jean and John Duran received Community Builder Awards).
“It’s great to be here,’ the mayor said. “I had a very long speech but then I walked in and saw that everybody was drunk! … It’s so beautiful to see people who can freely celebrate their love, their friendships in this town. I come here as the mayor of the city they call West Hollywood adjacent. … I really do love West Hollywood and I love all of you.”
Villaraigosa then singled out Karen which came as a wonderful surprise: “For a serious moment, I want to acknowledge Karen Ocamb, reporter extraordinaire, always there to jab you no matter what good things you’ve done, but we love her.”
Later, Karen was called up to the stage by Stern and Frontiers CEO Mark Hundahl so we could properly appreciate her.
Well-deserved kudos for Karen!
There were other familiar faces at the party including Lorri L. Jean, executive director of the LA Gay & Lesbian Center, West Hollywood Mayor Jeffrey Prang, former West Hollywood Mayor John Duran and West Hollywood City Councilman John D’Amico.
Candis Cayne served as the hostess of the official program part of the festivities.
Also spotted in the crowd: Days of Our Lives star Freddie Smith and GOP presidential hopeful Fred Karger.
During his remarks, publisher Stern said he was “completely overwhelmed” by the turnout and thanked everyone for supporting Frontiers.
“Frontiers has always been about building community and it’s always been about telling the stories of the people of our community.”
I was all business until after the presentations. Since it was my birthday, I indulged in a few cocktails with friends and it turned out to be a great way to spend a birthday!
Hundahl had told the crowd that the party was originally going to be held inside of the West Hollywood Public Library which is now utterly fabulous.
But the library balked at beverage being served – something Eleven obviously had no problem with.
Thankfully!
Congratulations to Frontiers on 30 amazing years!
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