Congrats to BOI Magazine cover model ERIK SOSA for his recent VOX/OUT Mag commendation, celebrated at Sidetrack July 27th. In its fifth year, the award designates LGBT community members who "signify style, vision and design." As one, whose press photos show a lean dark torso and gleaming smile before one of his abstract creations, paint brushes in hand, Mr. Sosa shows that even in the art world, sex sells. When pandering to a gay audience, it sells even more. His recent opening, "Groove is in the HeART," with its many high profile attendants and raising over $1700 for the Aids Care Foundation, proved just that. Erik's current exhibition featuring his new colorful conceptualizations on canvas can be seen for just a few more days, closing on the 20th at the Big City Swing Studio on 1012 W Randolph.

Yet don't mistake that first paragraph for my thesis because here it is now! The experience made me realize that it may behoove me (physically) to start focusing more on the noble efforts of our individual community members ­ especially the hot ones. Alas, Mr. Sosa was already spoken for.

So off went to hit Halsted's Hydrate to offer a very special RtVR birthday wish to co-proprietor RODNEY BECKER. Using his popular night spot venue to raise money for notable charities in the past -- like Equality Illinois and Chicago House to name a few -- this evening was intended solely for the celebration of Rodney's big day! (Yet I can't tell you how old he is, lest I get 40 lashes. That's right -- 40 of them. 40 big ones right on my butt!) Perhaps you've seen him mixing it up music wise at X/O Saturday nights? This distinguished 6'4 salt and pepper gent has always made yours truly swoon. However business partner MARK LIBERSON, with his handsome boyish grin and gracious courtesy, does just the same to me. How could I choose? No matter. Neither were interested anyway.

Maybe I'm coming on too strong? That was "suggested" to me at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater's benefit performance of Princess and the Pea for Season of Concern. Apparently a certain theater publicist thought I was shamelessly throwing myself at CST Associate Producer MATT SCHAEFER and SofC Executive Director STEPHEN RADER. But I can't help it! There's something about a man (or men in this case) with a passion and conviction to dedicate their lives to art, community and social change, raising $1500 for their not-for-profit cause in one night that makes my insides -- and outsides -- wiggle a little. But throwing myself at them? Hardly. Draping my manly wares all over their bodies in public, perhaps, but I certainly wasn't throwing myself at them! Seriously, queens can be so vicious with their gossip! And I'll just have no part of it.

For more vicious gossip, like how KIRK WILLIAMSON got pink eye from skat and more private jokes no one but us will get, write Jason Paul at JPsVelvetRopes@aol.com.