by Billy Masters

I truly believed he would never get married. He never seemed interested.

—The mother of Al Reynolds (the soon-to-be former Mr. Star Jones) explains why she was so surprised that her son was getting married. After all, gay marriages aren’t legal—yet!

Billy’s back in L.A. after spending a lovely time at the Filth2Go Beach House in Fort Lauderdale. Although I skipped Lance Bass’ SoBe birthday party, I did manage to slip into town and spend a night at the Miami Gay and Lesbian Film Festival. Boy, have gay flicks gotten better in the past few years. There was a time when these films looked like crap, the writing was abysmal and the acting atrocious. I want to single out the short by my bon ami, Dennis Hensley, (who, apparently, has a hidden career as a gender illusionist on the side). His flick, Reunion, looked like a million bucks, and gave a tantalizing glimpse of what I predict will be great things to come.

The feature Tru Loved was also quite enjoyable. Again, it looked as good as anything out there, and the script and actors were more than acceptable—some better than others, to be sure, but no one was terrible. And, how great it was to see Nichelle Nichols on the big screen —and playing the mother of Jasmine Guy, no less. At the after-party, thrown by SoBe socialite Edison Farrow, I got to spend time with Nichelle, and congratulate writer/director Stewart Wade and Najarra Townsend, who pretty much carried the flick.

In these politically charged days, it seems everyone has an opinion. But how interesting that one of those voices is coming from the 16-year-old openly gay son of a famous singing mom and a very conservative dad. James Duke Mason is the son of Belinda Carlisle and Morgan Mason—who was an aid to President Reagan and the son of actor James Mason. Duke is an unabashed political junkie. He’s a staunch Hillary supporter (so, incidentally, is Belinda) and a well-informed, articulate boy who is trying to inspire his peers. Being a product of our times, he’s getting his message out with video blogs on YouTube (account name JamesDukeMason) and writing for www.thinkyouth.org. It’s sad that some Obama supporters have stooped to anti-gay slurs against this young man, who has responded with a strength of character and dignity that belie his years.

Another youngster looking toward the future is T.R. Knight, who will be attending a commitment ceremony in West Hollywood kicking off Gay Pride Month. Popular WeHo watering hole, the Abbey, is the site of this annual symbolic ceremony, and T.R. will attend with his boyfriend, Marc Cornelsen—who, being 19, is really not even old enough to get in, but apparently that’s neither here nor there. Reportedly, T.R. and Marc plan to marry and are even talking about children—although I believe one must no longer be considered a child before they can adopt one. By the way, to register for this ceremony, go to www.MatthewShepard.org/

GetMarried

You may recall at this same ceremony in 2004, I married porn superstar Kurt Young. It may not have been a binding ceremony, but the conjugal visits are a good perk. That and the free champagne (and cake)!

I know you people think I hate Reichen. The truth of the matter is, I think he’s a lost soul who has consistently made bad choices and routinely uses his (and other people’s) looks as a solution to problems best worked out on a therapist’s couch. The latest news is that he’s broken up with model/trainer/kept boy Ryan Berry—and went public with his anger. While Ryan returned to Laguna (where he was the “desk girl” at a local gym), Reichen changed his MySpace profile status from “In A Relationship” to “Single,” and added the tagline “You shady lying sack of shit. You’re beyond gross. What an idiot I have been!” While I appreciate the candor, I have serious doubts that he’s actually learned anything from the tables having been turned. He also posted a list of “Dating Tips for Hollywood,” two of which jumped out at me: 1) Never believe them when they say they’re only going to sleep with you, especially when there is a social climbing opportunity in front of them, and 2) Never underestimate their need for celebrity, money and fame. I think Chip has a similar list.

Congratulations to actor Van Hansis, who was just nominated for a Daytime Emmy for his work as gay teen Luke Snyder on As the World Turns. And, double congrats since he is allegedly dating former A Chorus Line hottie Tyler Hanes ... who was the subject of a blind item a few months back.

While I’m sending out congrats, both Marissa Jaret Winokur and Sam Harris have signed deals to shoot talk show pilots for next season (Sam for Lifetime, and Marissa for syndication). This is not the first time their paths have crossed. Both appeared in that notable production of Hair here in L.A., alongside Steven Weber—and his impressive appendage.

Sexy Shia LeBeouf plopped himself down on some grass in the Coachella VIP section, took off his shirt and tanned between acts. As someone who has never seen the appeal of Mr. Beef, I must say he's buffed up quite well for the latest Indiana Jones flick. And, naturally, those photos will also be posted on our website.

Speaking of Coachella, former Lost hunk Ian Somerhalder was cruising the fairgrounds shirtless—and looking remarkably buff and hot. A fan sent me some sizzling snaps, which I will happily share on BillyMasters.com.

Our next item brings together two of my favorite things—hot guys and donuts! There’s no doubt that Cameron Mathison is one of the most spectacularly gorgeous men alive. Face, body, hair, height—you name it, he’s got it. You know what we have in common? Obviously nothing on the surface, but we both harbor a secret love of donuts —mine perhaps less secret than his! Cam was heading home after a tough day on All My Children when he happened upon a street vendor closing up for the day. What did that mean? Two free donuts for Cam. And photos of this Adonis eating donuts are on BillyMasters.com.

Our very own Tuc Watkins returns to One Life To Live, which leaves his role on Desperate Housewives up in the air. While many people have complained that neither of Wisteria Lane’s gay characters have had much to do, I look at them as a slightly more feminine Mrs. McCluskey—who usually joins them on the back burner (although she did win an Emmy).

That leads directly into this week’s Ask Billy question. Darren from Hartford: Is Jesse Metcalfe doing anything? Or is his career over?

Jesse is trying to change his luck, after burning numerous bridges. Now he wants us to consider him a bad ass. This transformation began when he started getting some tattoos. Then he stopped shaving his body (camouflage). Then he stopped shaving his face, going for a scruffy look. He or his people (if indeed he still has people) released the photos, making it clear that the industry should start considering Jesse for different roles. I don’t know how different he is, but he sure looks hot. Not in the way of someone who would knock over a mall, but one who might show up at the mall for a make-over—and eyebrow waxing. At least he’s lost some of that baby fat. We’ll run the pics on BillyMasters.com.

When I’m more interested in soapy guys eating donuts than dropping trou, it’s time to end yet another column. One more week until I take Chicago by storm with my new show, Going Out On A Limb, at Bailiwick Repertory on May 21, 23 and 25. In addition to juicy gossip, www.BillyMasters.com also has tickets for the show—and information about my other appearances in the Windy City. If you have a question, feel free to write me at Billy@BillyMasters.com, and I promise to get back to you before T.R. dates someone old enough to drink! Until next time, remember, one man’s filth is another man’s bible.