A FAB NOH8 Bash!
Nick Verreos, NOH8 3rd Annual Anniversary Celebration House of Blues Sunset Strip, West Hollywood
Three years ago, celebrity photographer Adam Bouska and his partner Jeff Parshley began a photographic silent protest--the NOH8 Campaign--in direct response to the passing of Proposition 8--the Anti-Marriage Equality Act. The photos--which I'm sure by now you've seen EVERYWHERE--feature subjects with duct tape covering their mouths, symbolizing their voices being silenced as a result of Prop 8, with "NOH8" printed on one cheek in protest. Two years ago, in 2009, I took my photo:
Scissors, Thread...and Duct Tape: Nick Verreos NOH8 photo
Since 2008, the NOH8 Photographic Protest Gallery has grown to over 18,000 photos of people from all over the world taking part in this. On Tuesday, the City of West Hollywood proclaimed the day, December 13, 2011, as "NOH8 Day" with a proclamation by Mayor John Duran and later that evening, Adam and Jeff and the NOH8 Campaign held their 3rd Annual Anniversary Celebration at...
The House of Blues on Sunset Boulevard West Hollywood. They were kind enough to invite me and of course, I attended! I had actually gone to the very first Anniversary Party in 2009 but missed last year's so I was happy to "come back"!
The Hottest Date: My very good friend--and "Brother from Another Mother", Erik Moreno, NOH8 3rd Annual Anniversary Celebration, House of Blues Sunset Strip
I brought one of oldest (not in age but in how long we've known each other!) and dearest of friends, Erik Moreno to be my "date" (David had to stay home with our doggie Benny--He's such an obsessed "Poppa"!). As I arrived, the bash (which by the way was OPEN to EVERYONE and FREE!), was just getting into full swing as I made it to the upstairs balcony "Viewing Area" of the famed House of Blues, where there was a "VIP" section (Thanks Adam, Jeff and NOH8 for even thinkin' I was "VIP"--LOL!).
There was an Open Bar in the first hour and hors d'oeuvres being passed around--the Cajun Chicken skewers were DELICIOUS by the way! (yes, Gays eat). Also in this upstairs area was a mini "Red Carpet" and step-and-repeat area.
The House of Blues was also transformed into a Gallery showcasing photos from the last three years of the NOH8 Campaign. It was nice to see all the fabulous photographs of famous and the not-so-famous but equally FABULOUS! On the main stage, the DJ was spinning the tunes, plus there was a Photo Studio set-up where photographer Adam Bouska was taking on-the-spot NOH8 photographs right then-and-there! There were also some great musical performances later in the evening as well.
LeAnn Rimes, NOH8 3rd Annual Anniversary Celebration, House of Blues Sunset Strip
As the guests began pouring in, I spotted singer LeAnn Rimes--looking very chic in a black tuxedo jacket, black skinny pants and top, as well as Rebecca Black (yes, from that annoying "Friday" song!), Tila Tequila (looking actually quite vamp-y and elegant in a red 1940's style dress), and dancer/choreographer Louis Van Anstel from "Dancing With The Stars". Here are some "Highlights" from my celeb run-in's at the fun party:
"Henry" Love: (Right to left) "Ugly Betty" actor Christopher Gorham, Nick Verreos, and Anel Lopez Gorham, NOH8 3rd Annual Anniversary Celebration House of Blues Sunset Strip
I was so happy to see Christopher and his wife, Anel. I had run into them ages ago in a mall (don't ask!) and it was such the BEST encounter: they were big fans of "Project Runway" and I was a big fan of "Ugly Betty" (and Christopher) so...you can only imagine...yes, lots of screamin'!
Check out their beautiful NOH8 Campaign family portrait above! Beyond Cute.
Nick Verreos and "Big Brother Season 8's" Nick Starcevic, NOH8 3rd Annual Anniversary Celebration House of Blues Sunset Strip
Big Brother Hunk: I also met with Big Brother Season 8's Nick Starcevic (above)--What a Hunka-a-Hunka-a-Hunk-a Hunks (and a very nice guy too!). He introduced himself to me (his friends recognized me from "Project Runway") and well, the minute he said "I'm Nick, and I was on 'Big Brother'..." I was like "Done and Done". He was so sweet and he works on Oil Rigs--Seriously!
Smile-licious: Actress/Comedian Kim Coles and Nick Verreos, NOH8 3rd Annual Anniversary Celebration House of Blues Sunset Strip
I also said "hello" to the GORGEOUS Kim Coles! Kim looked AMAZING and was outrageously classy and beautiful --all at the same time! And yes, we were like High School girls as she took out her IPhone (or Blackberry--can't remember) and...
She took a photo of us. LUV Her!
NOH8 Love: Nick Verreos and NOH8 co-founder and executive producer Jeff Parshley, NOH8 3rd Annual Anniversary Celebration House of Blues Sunset Strip
Hair Do: Nick Verreos and Tabatha Coffey of "Tabatha's Salon Takeover", NOH8 3rd Annual Anniversary Celebration House of Blues Sunset Strip
Finally, it was great to run into the always-fabulous Tabatha Coffey. The last time I saw her was when we did TV Guide Network's post-Academy Award Red Carpet Wrap early this year and we had such a blast--PS: would LUV to do some more "Red Carpet Two Cents" commentatin' with my blond girlfriend Tabatha! ASAP!!!
Congrats NOH8 Campaign on your 3rd Anniversary...and Thanks for inviting me to the bash!
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