Nationally
known lesbian comedienne Vicki Wagner and gay
comic Joe Delaplaine appeared in Gay Santa Barbara's
first Laugh OUT Loud! at Paseo Nuevo's Center Stage April
Fool's Day, Tuesday, April 1st, with all proceeds benefiting
the city's annual LGBT Pride Celebration. Cocktails and hors
d-oeuvres were courtesy of Hades Bar & Nightclub and Pascucci
Restaurant.
Headlining
the event was Vicki Wagner, lesbian comedienne, defrocked
soldier and the lead subject in a recent front-page Santa
Barbara New-Press article on Gays in the Military. Miss Wagner
held a Top Secret Clearance in the Air Force and was threatened
with 5 years of prison time because of her sexuality. She
was on the Board of Directors for the Gay Veterans of America,
Chicago Chapter, for over 5 years and has spent the last 12
years of her life speaking OUT on behalf of the gay community
on TV, radio, panels and now at comedy venues. She entertains
a mainly heterosexual audience and feels that is the best
way to change minds and open hearts.
Sharing
the stage was Joe Delaplaine, a gay comedian with a deep commitment
to social justice. When not performing, Joe organizes peace
marches and protests against homophobia and hate crimes. He
is featured in the new book, "A Face in the Crowd, Expressions
of LGBT Life in America". Funded by Judy Shepard, with a forward
by Betty DeGeneres, "A Face in the Crowd" is a book of photos
and statements of LGBT youth, families, activists and elders
working for the equality and civil rights of everyone.
Be
sure to thank the many sponsors who helped make this event
possible.
- Bud
Light
- El
Prado Inn - 1601 State Street
- Women's
Sexuality Center - 30 W. Mission Street. Suite 8
- Pascucci
Restaurant - 729 State Street
- Three
Dog Bakery - 727 State Street
- Nicky's
Salon & Gifts - 1315 Anacapa Street
- Book
Den - 11 East Anapumu Street
- Scavenge
Gifts - 418 State Street
- Treat
Hair & Body Essentials - 25 East de la Guerra Street
A
packed house enjoys appetizers courtesy of Pascucci
at our first Laugh OUT Loud event
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