Dog in drag

When Agape Animal Rescue hosted its third annual "Glitter and Glam" event last month, one guest in particular wowed the audience with his distinctive look: cross-dressing head turner Willie Fitzgerald.

"Glitter and Glam," hosted by Loews Vanderbilt on July 17, offers financial assistance for many animals in the Middle Tennessee area. The pinnacle of the evening is a fashion show featuring a bevy of four-legged friends.

Willie was the sole male dog to wear a dress during the event's fashion show, sporting two eye-catching ensembles that made him stand out from the pack. Glamorous doggie couture designs were offered by designer Linda Higgins, and her creative flair resulted in this extra special wardrobe for Willie.

"Linda emailed a picture of (two dresses)," says Christine Gibson, Willie's best human friend. "So not only was he not going to wear a tux, but would be wearing two dresses. From then on, we just said Willie will be the best looking drag queen on the runway. It turns out he was the only boy wearing a dress."

When attendees first saw Willie strut his stuff down the runway, they let out shouts and whistles that proved their decision was a wise one.

"The audience's reaction was awesome," she remembers. "The moment he came from behind the curtain and started his walk, the crowd went wild. It was so exciting with the crowd cheering, the music playing and the flashes going off from all the cameras. I called it the 'pawparazzi'."

In addition to the popular fashion show, "Glitter and Glam" featured an array of auction items, and included weekend retreats for pets, select art pieces, and unique Nashville Predators merchandise. Gibson, who volunteers for numerous dog-related causes in the area, was just happy to do her part to support Nashville's animal community.

"Willie and I embraced the experience because it was for charity," she says. "Tanya Willis (Director of Agape Animal Rescue) and the other doggie moms were incredibly helpful and supportive. The event was a blast and went off without a hitch and I realized I had been nervous for nothing."

For more information on Willie, check out his Facebook page.

WhistlePig + Alfa Romeo F1

SHOREHAM, VT (September 13, 2023) — WhistlePig Whiskey, the leaders in independent craft whiskey, and Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake are waving the checkered flag on a legend-worthy release that’s taking whiskey to G-Force levels. The Limited Edition PiggyBack Legends Series: Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake Barrel is a high Rye Whiskey selected by the Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake drivers, with barrels trialed in their wind tunnel to ensure a thrilling taste in every sip.

The third iteration in WhistlePig’s Single Barrel PiggyBack Legends Series, the Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake Barrel is bottled at 96.77 proof, a nod to Valtteri Bottas’ racing number, 77, and the precision of racing. Inspired by Zhou Guanyu, the first Chinese F1 driver, this Rye Whiskey is finished with lychee and oolong tea. Herbal and floral notes of the oolong tea complement the herbaceous notes of WhistlePig’s signature PiggyBack 100% Rye, rounded out with a juicy tropical fruit finish and a touch of spice.

Keep readingShow less
by Spectrum Medical Care Center

Nurse Practitioner Ari Kravitz

When I started medical transition at 20 years old, it was very difficult to get the care I needed for hormone replacement therapy because there are very few providers trained in starting hormones for trans people, even though it’s very similar to the hormones that we prescribe to women in menopause or cisgender men with low testosterone.

I hope more providers get trained in LGBTQ+ healthcare, so they can support patients along their individual gender journey, and provide the info needed to make informed decisions about their body. I’ve personally seen my trans patients find hope and experience a better quality of life through hormone replacement therapy.

Keep readingShow less

Descanso Resort swimming pool and lounge area

Descanso Resort, Palm Springs' premier destination for gay men, just received Tripadvisor's highest honor, a Travelers' Choice "Best of the Best" award for 2023. Based on guests' reviews and ratings, fewer than 1% of Tripadvisor's 8 million listings around the world receive the coveted "Best of the Best" designation. Descanso ranked 12th in the top 25 small inns and hotels category in the United States. Quite an accomplishment!

Open less than two years, Descanso Resort offers gay men a relaxing and luxurious boutique hotel experience just minutes away from Palm Springs' buzziest restaurants, nightclubs, and shopping. Descanso has quickly established itself as a top destination for sophisticated gay travelers, earning hundreds of 5-star guest reviews and consistently ranking in Trapadvisor's top positions alongside brother properties Santiago Resort and Twin Palms Resort.

Keep readingShow less