Good morning! I'm making a second attempt at a GLAAD recap . . . my first 'evaporated' when I hit 'post' . . . . and at first I thought it had something to do with the updated Adamtopia format; but now, 24 hours later, and definitely with a clearer mind (lost count of the glasses of champagne and cocktails!), I betcha I hit the wrong button. So, here we go again. Feel free to scroll; this is old news by now!
A beautiful dawn greeted GLAAD Awards day in San Francisco. Glitter was definitely in the air! After strolling through Union Square, I met with six other Adamtopians for a mid-afternoon lunch at the Hilton. I have been acquainted with all these women for over three years now, and our excitement and anticipation hasn't waned one bit! Some of us have become dear friends; all of us share a sisterhood of understanding and commonality; it's a link that binds us on this roller-coaster ride.
At the Hilton, tables had been set up just outside the 'Golden Gate' banquet rooms, where we would pick up our tickets and learn of our table seating at 4:30PM. We had a little time, so we went 'on the hunt' for the location of the awards banquet in this enormous hotel. We stood in a cluster of amazement when we found the venue - - - 'Adam royal blue' lights filled the ballroom, and presenters were rehearsing their lines and sequences. Posters of the table seating arrangement were already on easels outside the entrances, and we photographed them, too - - not knowing which tables were meant for us - yet. I've gone back and counted - sixty tables in all; each with seating for 10 . . . so somewhere between 500-600 people attended. The official site stated 6303 attendees; it must be the total for all three awards ceremonies, in NYC, LA and SF.
Anyway, at 4:30 we were among the first to pick up our tickets. I was at table #33. Zoomed in on the photo I'd taken on my phone, and saw that this was a great spot! Second row table, in front of the stage! The group of us then parted; each to our own rooms to begin the glam process, before doors officially opened for the red carpet and preparty at 5:30. You can bet I was there by 5:31; picked up a glass of champagne and stood behind the photographers and media - as honorees were already arriving.
It was almost an hour before I saw Adam. When he came onto the red carpet, I swear a collective gasp filled the room; followed by whooshing air as guests scurried about for a place to see. Adam was accompanied by his mom; and entered holding her hand. A woman next to me (obviously clueless!) wondered if Leila was Adam's girlfriend! In spite of the media between us, I had a very close and clear view of Adam. Leila stood apart as Adam was interviewed, and Adam often glanced her way. I couldn't hear what was being said, but, boy, this man is not a 'yes' or 'no' person! Not 'rushed' at all.
He talked and smiled and gestured and listened intently, with that 'Adam gaze'. Every now and then his laugh would ring out. He was iridescent, luminous. He wasn't wearing his medges, or any platform shoes, so his physical size blended in. But, in stature, in posture, in presence, in magnetism, he just glowed. The aura was palpable. He was a monarch butterfly, and we were colorful moths of every persuasion, undeniably drawn to the flame. After the 'red carpet' Adam and Leila were escorted to one of the half-dozen martini bars set up by Keitel One. Adam patiently posed for photo upon photo in a very short space of time. I heard a handler say 'No more photos - we must go now' - and just like that he was gone; and the partygoers were left to mingle in awe. It felt like a scene of life returning to normal after a flash mob finishes the performance.
The banquet began! I took my seat and soon learned that the woman directly in front of me (the back of our chairs touched) was 'Mel B' - the Spice Girl who would introduce Adam! Tables filled, and I noticed that two chairs at Mel's table were unoccupied. Yep, YEP! Just as the lights dimmed, Adam and Leila came in! I almost choked on a mouthful of endive! Adam was five feet away; directly in front of me and occupying my line-of-sight to the stage. I could not help but feast on Adam throughout the banquet.
As alluring and flavorful as he was, my attention was also drawn to the presentations; the courageous, inspirational, worthy recipients of each award. I daresay there wasn't a dry eye in the room, as speakers, such as the two couples who are taking the fight for marriage equality to the Supreme Court; or the lesbian cub scout leader; or the parents of the Eagle Scout who was denied his achievement; or the movie director who told the story of the married gay couple that had their special needs child removed from their home and placed in foster care; or the imprisoned transsexual; or as leaders in sports and industry told their stories of this civil rights struggle. What connected everyone?
Love.
From each struggle, bitterness and contempt could have resulted. Instead, bravery and certainty and unity and love spread from that stage and caressed and empowered each of us. We all knew, with conviction and honor, that a change is going to come.
I think the banquet lasted about three hours. I was enthralled. Not a lull! Adam's award and speech went by so quickly! As with all the speakers, he had a teleprompter, but had such charisma and spontaneity; and when he sang the line 'Whataya want from me?' I swear I hit the ceiling!
We talk about how Adam has 'grown' since AI - what I see is a grace, an elegance emerging from him. He feels royal. You can see it in his fingers; the way he folds a napkin or claps or lifts his glass. I was able to speak with him, and Leila, for a brief few moments; and it was as if I was experiencing a tangible, exquisite work of art. I felt clumsy. I can hardly recall his face or our conversation. It's as if he's meant to live in my dreams. He belongs in the satin and jewels he'll wear in Vienna; yet I long for the raw Adam, on the stage at Del Mar.
The afterparty was a flailing celebration, even though I never saw Adam. My feeling is he was already on his way back to LA - for yesterday's Idol rehearsal.
We danced, we were regulars at the martini bars, we posed for pictures, and we were able to talk with most of the award recipients, who were partying right along with us! I spoke with the producer of the award winning film as we freshened up in one of the 'gender neutral' bathrooms; and we ended the evening partying near the elevators with Omar Sharif Jr. and Wilson Cruz! The night we wished would never be over (I now have a new appreciation for this song) ended in my hotel room just before 2AM, and even then I found it hard to rest.
This amazing event was an overwhelming celebration of destiny; of motivation to bring this civil rights struggle to its rightful conclusion! There is more than one crazy train heading toward a glowing horizon; what lies beyond will soon be within sight.
Adam was my inspiration to become intolerant; to become involved. I said to my first friends from Planet Fierce three years ago - "I know Adam will change the world!". I realize now he can't do it alone; but he was born to lead. And I'll be near, every step of the way, with unapologetic white hair and years of living to spare. As Adam said - "we aren't black or white or young or old" - we are so much, so much, the same.
