Pam Ann, né Carolyn Reid, is the comedienne who has taken Europe and Australia by storm. She is currently on a multi-city “USA Layover Tour” skewering airlines, airports and everything they represent and embody. Dubbed “cruelly funny” by the likes of Madonna, Pam Ann has developed a cult-like following in the vein Dame Edna, Lily Tomlin and Tracey Ullman.

As she jets into the U.S.–with stops in late October in Miami, Atlanta, DC and New York City before heading to Europe for more tour stops–Pam took a few moments to chat with Gaycities contributor Tony Giampetruzzi.

GC: What city are you most looking forward to visiting and why?

PA: Oh, I can’t answer that – there are so many fabulous places, but I’d say, if I had to, San Francisco. It’s just off the f-ing hook! I love the Castro, the Haight and all the guys. I also love Miami. I stayed at the Delano last time I was there. But I have to say that you can’t have any self-esteem issues if you’re walking up and down Ocean Drive.

GC: For a while, Al Queda was the biggest threat to travelers, even gay ones. What do you think is the greatest threat to gay travelers now?

PA: Ambien. They take one, and then don’t know what the hell they are doing. Red wine and Ambien!

GC: Do you think 9/11 was a conspiracy?

PA: Please. The (Bush administration) couldn’t get their shit together to pull off something that big. Bush couldn’t even read a children’s book. I mean, it takes a REALLY fucked up mind to do something like that.

GC: What’s your least favorite airport?

PA: Frankfort. It’s just awful. It stinks of vomit, it has low ceilings, and it’s hot as hell. It’s just disgusting.

GC: Which airline do you think best outfits their stewardesses?

PA: Definitely Singapore Airlines. They are immaculate perfection. It’s just the absolute best at service AND grooming.

GC: Peanuts of pretzels?

PA: Definitely nuts, very hot, salty nuts.

GC: What’s the worse experience you’ve ever had flying?

PA: All of them. People just breathing. Really.

GC: Do you have a favorite book for flying?

PA: I like magazines. Gay porn is good. Maybe a little Men’s Health, Italian Vogue …

GC: Any advice for gay flyers?

PA: Don’t take your damn Xanax while you’re still in the terminal. These guys go to a party, they get all f-ked up, pop a pill and then wake up before they’ve even left JFK. Just wait until you’re on the plane.

Check out Pam Ann’s international tour

The results are in and 1outta4 (real name Courter) is GayCities’ Next Top Reviewer. Though he calls New York home, Courter has reviewed bars and shops all across this great gay nation, and clearly knows how to have a good time. It is his willingness to share the details of his escapades–from the “3-toothed Drag Queen doing Beyonce’s ‘Soldia’ Boy’” at Play in Nashville (where Courter is pictured, singing), to admitting of Gay 90s in Minneapolis: ”Yes, it’s old and sticky, but that’s what I loved,”–that gives our readers a real sense of place, and earned him top honors. Congrats, Courter, and enjoy two free nights from our contest sponsor, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants.

Here’s what our jurors had to say about the top pick:

“He’s got lots of solid and useful info that’s easy to follow. I also appreciated his first person descriptions to really highlight his experiences.” – Tanya Churchmuch

“I was impressed by the thoroughness of 1Outta4’s reviews. They were fun to read and included useful tips, such as which nights are the best to go to a certain club or which B&B rooms to avoid. After reading his reviews, I felt like I had a true sense of each place (and a sense of 1Outta4’s fun and adventurous personality). I trust this guy’s recommendations; He can plan my next vacation anytime.” — Mike Jurs

“His reviews show a lot of personality and enthusiasm. They’re scrupulous, and they present useful specifics and details. His writing is crisp and witty, and he presents a wide range of opinions about a wide range of venues.” — Thomas Mallon

Finishing a close second is…

Pam has lived most of her life in Durham, her hometown, where she and her wife, Kate, will kick back during NC Pride – held Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009 at Duke University– by marching with Pam’s former neighbors, the Old West Durham Neighborhood Association, and — this is surely a busman’s holiday — chuckling at the anti-gay protesters. GayCities contributor Barbara Wilcox got Pam’s lowdown on where to hang in Durham this pride weekend and the National Equality March, Oct. 11, in Washington, D.C.

What was your first Pride like?

Hmmm. That was a long time ago. I recall that it was earlier in the year (it was probably June, it was moved because it is too damn hot in NC at that time and so it’s in September). I was disappointed because there were so few vendors and displays — mostly local organizations and a few local LGBT businesses had tables. That’s incredibly different from these days. Last year, there were national companies represented — Southwest Airlines, several banks, HGTV, many more than I ever imagined you’d see down here in Durham. Ironically, there were no Bible-beaters protesting; we have more now these days — they provide excellent entertainment value!

Where do you hang in Durham?

During Pride, the best place to hang out is Ninth Street, which has a good number of local eateries — Blue Corn Cafe, Elmo’s Diner, Parizade, and many others. Also nearby is the Brightleaf Square area, which also fills up with LGBTs who are there for the day — Nikos, Alivia’s, The Federal, James Joyce (bar), Piazza Italia. Kate and I are big fans of Mount Fuji.

What don’t out-of-towners know about NC that they should?

That when you come to Pride, you’ll see more people than you’d imagine, that the atmosphere is laid back, and folks don’t feel they have to be closeted in Durham. Now drive 30 miles in any direction…LOL. But honestly, Kate and I have never encountered overt anti-gay bias in any part of the state. I think the idea that if you travel to the South you’ll have the same negative reception in all parts of the region is a mistaken one. The other side of the coin is that while there are plenty of LGBTs down here, we don’t have a real organized community outside of the club scene, as in an LGBT center. But as far as the state goes, it’s more culturally diverse than many imagine, because so many people move here from other parts of the country and their cultures with them. That is one of the biggest changes I’ve seen since I was a child.

Is Pride getting too commercial?

Not down here. While we have drawn the attention of more corporate sponsors and vendors, people at NC Pride are thankful for the opportunity to party as a community since still too many of us are socially out, but professionally closeted — we don’t have a state anti-discrimination law on the books, so that’s where the reluctance comes in. For those of us working at private companies with protections, it gives us an opportunity to present the face of LGBT North Carolina, not just activists, but regular folk — families, young people, allies–who represent the future, not the past.

Critics of the National Equality March contend that this is not the right time, with health care and global warming on the docket. You are one of the most respected political bloggers around. What’s your take?

Before plans were finalized I opposed the march because resources could be better spent where needed (Maine, Washington State) in actual battles over civil rights. Once it was clear the march was going to happen, I put my name on the list of supporters because I want it to succeed; no one wants to see an event of this nature be poorly attended.

What do you like and dislike about Washington, DC, itself. What do you think of the Dupont/Logan circle scene? Where do you hang out there?

Ha. I like that it’s convenient to get around in DC. Cabbing or the metro/buses make it easy. I also like the fact that many of my blogger buddies are based there, so when I am there–it’s fun to hang out with them in actual, not virtual space. What I dislike: the metro isn’t 24 hours like NY’s subway system. I also dislike, well, that’s probably the wrong word — am perplexed by the overuse of Crackberries and cell phones. People are so into politics that there are data junkies everywhere. Since DC is a company town where the widget being made is political power, there appears to be an inordinate amount of sucking up and conflict of interest that I find fascinating but disturbing. I always have to decompress when I leave there, and return to the sanity and pace of NC.

I don’t usually hang out a ton while there, since it’s often for a conference or event. One place I’ve been to several times is Busboys and Poets, which is a cool, low-key place to relax and grab a bite and have great conversation.

More Durham on GayCities

GayCities effusive New York editor, JJ Keyes, snagged a plumb assignment: creating our guide to the earthly paradise of Curaçao in the Netherlands Antilles while managing to vacation there at the same time. To celebrate the guide’s launch, JJ sat down with Janice Tjon, organizer of the Curaçao’s Get Wet Weekend, at the Gay Plasa. Over cocktails at the bar next to the beautiful blue pool at the Lodge Kura Hulanda, Janice spilled all the dirty secrets of Get Wet, a key part of the Curaçao Pride weekend, September 24-27.

JJK: Are you originally from Curaçao?

JT: This is my fourth year on the island. I was born and raised in Surinam (South America), but I studied in the Netherlands. After my graduation I got a job offer here I couldn’t refuse. Now, Curaçao is the island paradise we call home just as it is for more then 55 different nationalities and cultures.

JJK: Tell us about Get Wet. Who came up with the idea for this weekend?

JT: Curacao Gay Plasa was started by a group of friends who came back after their studies in the Netherlands and wanted to organize some cool gay parties. This hobby turned out to something more then only back yard interaction! Today the Get Wet weekend continues to grow, becoming bigger and better every year.

JJK: Tell us about this year, where is the party going to be this week?

JT: This will be the 5th annual Get Wet weekend. There will be an official welcome party at the marvelous 17th century Hotel Kura Hulanda. Like every year this “Meet & Greet” party comprises various cultural aspects of the island. On Friday we have a movie on the beach taking place at the lounge restaurant Moon. On Saturday we have the traditional NaviGAYtion party “the shipwrecked edition.” Our closing party will be the sunset lounge party on top of an old fort wall in the middle of Curaçao’s historic capital, overlooking parts of Willemstad and the Caribbean Sea.

JJK: What are a few of the events?

JT: I am hyped about the NaviGAYtion party with one of the best female DJ’s of Holland, DJ Natarcia.

JJK: Where should people stay? eat?

JT: I would definitely recommend the Hotel Kura Hulanda Hotel in the center of Willemstad. The Plaza Hotel along with the Avila Hotel are centrally located. Some of my favorite spots to grab a bite are Cabana beach restaurant, Omundo and all over Curacao you have “truki di pan.” These are little trailers where all locals and tourist can grab a bit after partying. You can have the most delicious conch and steaks all night long. For sushi I would recommend Chop Stix or Matsuri.

JJK: If someone meets someone really cute boy/girl and wants to save the walk of shame and get a little brunch with this new friend, where should they go?

 JT: Get a room at one of our over 40 private beaches!

JJK: Ha. Ha. Moving right along. Curaçao is a snorkeling destination. What are some of the best places to go diving?

 JT: The Mushroom forest, Porto Marie. Curacao has over 60 dive sites all around the island.

 JJK: Beaches?

JT: I know some secluded beached but these are hard to find when you are not familiar. But some great beaches worth checking out are Porto Marie, Cas Abou, Zanzi Bar Beach, Mambo/Cabana and Kenepa.

JJK: I’m a closet shopaholic.  Where should I go?

 JT: Well in Punda you have a lot of shops if you a looking for a exclusive watch or jewelry. We have one of the best cosmetics and perfume shop of the Caribbean called Penha. In the Renaissance mall you have stores like Diesel, Mont Blanc and Breitling. We also have Zuikertuin mall with shop like Tommy Hilfiger.

 JJK: I’m a nerd. Any museums you recommend checking out?

 JT: The Kura Hulanda Museum is one of my favorites, but you can also take look at the Curaçao National Museum, Maritime Museum and many others in downtown Willemstad.

JJK: Suppose I’m staying in Curaçao for a few days after the Get Wet Weekend and want to go out. Are there any other places I should check out? 

 JT: Yes! Personally, the only dull day here on the island is Monday. On Tuesday’s O’mundo bar or Ay Caramaba is the place to be. On Wednesday’s there is live music at Cabana Beach. Thursday’s is the day with most of the happy hours. I would suggest de Heeren grand café, Asia de Cuba and for party people Cinco. On Friday I am always at the 70-80’s night at Cabana beach club. You can start the night at some happy hours at TuTu Tango or Wet and Wild. On Saturday the best happy hour is at Zanzi bar (Jan Thiel Beach), live bands and cocktails. Afterwards you can go party at Mambo Beach time. On Sunday the best place to go after tanning is Wet and Wild and Mambo Beach.

JJK: Tell us about the Madame Jeanette party. 

JT: In the Netherlands and the Dutch Antilles we celebrate the Queens’ birthday every year on April 30th. Two years ago we decided to organize a big party called King and Queens at a restaurant called Central Park (now it’s called Tu Tu Tango). We decided to organize it every second Saturday of month in that same location. The party is just like the Surinamese pepper “Madame Jeanette.” 

More Curaçao on GayCities

Note: The GayCities Curacao guide was partly underwritten by Curacao Tourism and Kura Hulanda

GayCities is proud to announce a major new partnership with the National Equality March, Washington, D.C., October 10-11. We’ve worked together to create the official guide to the march, with events ranging from activist training sessions to the massive rally on the Washington Mall. But of course, as LGBT-ers coming together in one of the nation’s great gay cities, there will be plenty of opportunities to  mix and mingle and have fun while we are creating change–so we put together an unofficial guide filled with hot parties, cool fundraisers and special club nights.

UPDATED: If you asked Tom Goss, ten years ago, What do you want to be when you grow up? he likely would have answered in one of three ways: gymnast, wrestler or Catholic priest. Any of the three would have made sense: he was born into a home of gymnast parents and siblings in Wisconsin, switched to wrestling in junior high to release some self-described teen angst, and, after seeing the “light,” ditched college in Missouri to enter a Catholic seminary in Washington, D.C.

No, this is not the making of a LOGO made-for-TV movie (although Goss ought to consider any reasonable offer – at 28, he could likely get away with playing himself). Taken in sum, though, all the experiences have forged a formidable singer/songwriter who, in just the past four years, has released three albums and developed a fan base that rivals any of the other Indie acts playing coffee houses and festivals across the country.

Of his music, Goss says, Don’t expect hymns. In fact he offers up what’s been described as dynamic acoustic rock featuring muscular guitar, hooky melodies and a uniquely powerful voice: among his patron saints he counts Jack Johnson, Damien Rice, Ben Folds and Joss Stone.

Goss is running a contest on Facebook: through his page Create Love Sing – Tom Goss. The singer is asking fans to tell him what his recent release “Back to Love” means to them. The winner receives five signed copies of his latest album, a private concert and “all his love.” If the wrestler-gymnast thing didn’t pique your interest, the love thing just might. But don’t get any ideas: Goss is happily “engaged” and extremely busy. But he can be seen on stage, at the very least: Next up is the September 20 Roanoke Pride in Virginia before turning further south for gigs in Tennessee, Florida and Georgia. Oh, and yes, be can be seen on LOGO all the time in his collection of videos.

Tony G: Tom, you’ve really shot to the top in a short period of time in contrast to your contemporaries. What has given you the edge?

Tom G: I guess some people would say that my first album (Naked Without , 2006) was the beginning of my career, period. I needed an album before performing live, that may or may not be the wisest way for an artist to start out. But I had been in the Seminary, had no attachment to anything and I didn’t really want to take a shitty job at Starbucks. I put out the album, started doing shows in D.C., and soon I was playing two to four times a week.

Tony G: Are you enjoying the newfound stardom?

Tom G: For me it’s really not about being famous, in fact the thought of it makes me uncomfortable. What’s important is that my music resonates with people. I hear a lot from fans who tell me that my songs touched them. That’s when I feel like what I’m doing is really substantive and worthwhile. Besides, most of my day is very unglamorous, researching venues, dealing with licensing companies, making phone calls …

Tony G: Back to Love is pretty powerful

 Tom G: I think it’s bad ass, far and away the best recording I’ve put out. One of the most important things I’ve learned is that you can’t be a producer and engineer on top of everything else, so I took that to heart, got a great team, and came up with some big, edgy, gorgeous sounds.

 Tony G: And the Facebook contest. Will you really go anywhere for the private show?

Tom G: Anywhere! Yeah, I will. One of the things I’ve learned is that people really want to share their experiences with me, so I wanted to create a platform for that.

Tony G: I’m sure a lot of people are wondering if you’d also wear a singlet for the private performance… But you don’t need to answer that here. What are your favorite cities to perform in?

Tom G: Believe it or not, Pittsburgh. I love it there. I judge cities by performance spaces and food. But, I really enjoy so many places: Portland, Seattle, Missoula, I had a great time in Jacksonville. What draws me is a laid-back, friendly attitude and good food. I love the Midwest and New England because people are less refined, in a good way.

Tony G: So, you’re not a city boy?

Tom G: Oh, I love places like New York and DC, but I really have to have my game on. Smaller cities allow you to kick back and let go.

Tony G: Will this be your first time in Maine? It sounds like the state was made for you.

Tom G: Never been there. And my partner and I are making a vacation out of the whole thing, enjoying the mountains and camping and all that. Most people love the beach, but we like to get out in the wilderness.

Tony G: Well, Maine is the best of both worlds. You and your partner might even decide to get married here when and if marriage stays legal in November. I hear you’ll be heading to Rehoboth Beach for Pride. You must do a lot of festivals.

Tom G: I do and I love them. And, I tend to have the most fun at the small ones. There always seems to be a much greater sense of community, and they’re not about banks and airlines selling you stuff. That said, Rehoboth should be good. I don’t think I’ve ever been there. As a DC gay, is that a sin?

Tony G: Not one of the deadlier ones, but I’m sure there are a lot of guys who would be willing to entertain your confessions.

Interview by Tony Giampetruzzi

Updated: It was once said (well, by me) that Roland Belmares’ schedule looks like the sum of a year’s United Nations peace keeping missions–he’s spinning everywhere. If that isn’t enough, this San Francisco-based jock is off the hook in the studio reworking the hits of others while simultaneously churning out a list of full-length CDs, most recently Centaur’s One Mighty Weekend.

Throw into the mix the fact that he’s a part-time student with a penchant for porn stars (see below), it’s a wonder that Belmares ever gets  sleep. The proof that he must get some down time is in his flawless tribal house sets that are sought after by promoters –and fans–world over. Having just returned from a gig in China, Belmares is set to play Hydrate in Chicago and the Halloween Main Event in New Orleans following. Maybe he doesn’t sleep–but he does give a good interview, in this case via AIM.

winenothate: I have to say, the news of the day has been a bit of a downer for us New Englanders. Another Kennedy gone. It’s just been one of those summers for American royalty. Lemme ask you, what affected you more: Ted Kennedy’s or Michael Jackson’s death?

DJRoland8780: Hmmm, that’s a hard one …

winenothate (Tony G): I know, I ask the gritty questions.

DJRoland8780: I wasn’t really into Michael there at the end, but he did have a huge impact on me in my younger years. And Ted Kennedy just did so much humanitarian work in this country. I couldn’t really choose.

winenothate: You, like them, are a true diplomat. So, speaking of Kennedyland, it’s the last weekend of summer and, with your resume, you could be on Fire Island, in P’town, Ogunquit, Rehoboth … but you’re playing Boston. What gives?

DJRoland8780: LOL Actually, I’m also playing in my hometown of Austin, Texas, that weekend.

winenothate: Good god.

DJRoland8780: I’m doing the closing party for the new Splash Day (Labor Day weekend) events.

winenothate: I hope that means there’s a pool nearby. So, Boston. Out Weekend – that’s the Harris gig at Roxy, right?

DJRoland8780: Yeah, he’s a good friend and he really wanted me for the Saturday event, and I couldn’t say no. I love playing in Boston!

winenothate: Now I get it. I know Harris – he must have threatened your life or has some dirt on you. It’s pretty hard to say no to him.

DJRoland8780: So you know Harris! That’s exactly it!

winenothate: All too well. That said, he has single-handedly kept nightlife alive in Boston and Providence, and this isn’t your first time at his rodeo, right?

DJRoland8780: No, I’ve played quite a few times for him, and he’s always treated me first class, so yeah, I can’t say no to him when he comes a callin.’

winenothate: What are your thoughts on The Roxy? It’s really the only big, gay room left in New England.

DJRoland8780: Yeah, it’s so sad that the big clubs have gone the way of the dinosaur, so it really is a treat to play in a space like The Roxy. The energy you can get going in a room like that is so much fun!

In an atypical corporate decision decision regarding an unauthorized (and very gay) version of Miley Cyrus’ “Party in the USA” popping up on YouTube as “Party in Fire Island,” Disney has allowed the viral video to spread uninterrupted by copyright concerns. Disney perhaps sees a potential gain in gay men taking an interest in the company’s latest tween star, and actually called the video’s creator to say how much they loved it. The real winner? Fire Island, which looks as hot and fun as the stars of the video itself.

Here’s the video in question–and thanks to Andy at Towleroad for the story:

GayCities guide to Fire Island

Barcelona’s Sergio Lara takes the Mr. Gay Europe 2009  crown in Oslo, August 22. This is the second year in a row that a Spaniard took the Mr. Gay Europe title.