Miss Manhattan Hangs Out...on Independence Day

I was all set this morning to send out my Miss Manhattan Hangs Out, when it occurred to me that, of course, today is a national holiday, and nobody checks their email on such a day. On this particular holiday, in fact, many people are far away from their computers or their jobs of any kind, with office/establishment closures and it being the height of summer and all. Not wanting to have a fascinating person lost to the wilds of one’s day-off inbox, I’ve instead decided to hold off this week’s Hang until next week, when (perhaps) everyone’s usual Wednesday attention spans will be restored and instead offer you a bag of Independence Day party favors from other times I’ve hung out across the country in these warmer months.

These kinds of events--my friend James Harrell’s 30th birthday wedding to his drag persona Diane A. Lone, my friend Stephen Chan’s bachelor party, the annual Mermaid Parade on Coney Island in Brooklyn, New York City’s Pride weekend, and more--are, to me, what make America worth celebrating. They’re arenas of love and acceptance, joy and creativity, kindness and community, and of people who have paved their own way.

So with an intro shortened to exactly 250 words on this here holiday, I present to you some of my favorite moments from the summer. Whether you’re on the beach, in the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, or inside blasting air conditioning, I hope you’re enjoying your time however your heart is happiest.

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