My vote for "Gay of the Year" would be Ellen Degeneres. Ellen survived all of the blowback from her historic coming out, and did not lose her quirky, rambling, goofy sense of humor. If anything, the sense of humor may have been what helped her claw her way back to the spotlight.

Her sense of humor and genuinely warm nature has made her a great talkshow host. She has had her gay topics, but she hasn't had to be gay in all caps. While certain other talkshow co-hosts seem to like the sledgehammer approach to opening minds, Ellen seems content to work with a small mallet and chisel, gently chipping away a little at a time. In time, she will likely prove to have been more effective at shifting opinions about who and what gay people are.

For that matter, you guys deserve top billing in that list as well. You've already been recognized as a pioneering podcast by Apple, and I really believe that you will be to podcasting what people like Milton Berle, Lucille Ball, Red Skelton, and Imogene Coca were to television. You've made people laugh, cry, and think, and you are opening minds around the world.

Great to have you guys back, and best wishes to you as you take this show to the next level.

Said by: David at January 2, 2007 08:15 AM

Fuck, I've Missed you GAYS, glad you're back.Hope you enjoyed your time off- but back to making us feel so creamy good. rainbow kisses

Said by: Noé at January 2, 2007 08:51 AM

My vote for gay of the year would be Mark Foley.

It does make me uneasy having someone who is less than desirable make it as Gay of the Year.

We don't really get to hear about all the people who work hard behind the scenes to create change.

Said by: Daryl at January 2, 2007 08:59 AM

Great to have you guys back! You shouldn't apologize for your vacations.. For all you do you all deserved it after this crazy 2006!

Have a happy 2007!

Cheers-n-queers!
Your kinkster,
Buzz

Said by: Buzz at January 2, 2007 03:43 PM

Yes! Yes! Yes! A new season of FoF is upon us. A most Happy New Year to y'all...And Quarter Turns for everyone!

Said by: Jason Smith at January 2, 2007 04:25 PM

Quarter Turns indeed.

Said by: Fausto at January 2, 2007 04:35 PM

Welcome back boys! Great show! :)

Said by: Aaron C at January 2, 2007 06:54 PM

Marc, be thankful you've never had to suffer through Personal Best. It has to be one of the worst lesbian films I've seen. Unfortunately, it was the only one my public library had when I was starting to come out and desperate for some sort of affirmation or support.

Said by: Anna at January 2, 2007 08:54 PM

Oh Anna,
I'm so sorry you had to got through that. Finding good GLBT content is so very diffficult. I think that is probably the main reason we do this show.

Said by: Marc at January 2, 2007 09:46 PM

Dunno, Anna,

Growing up in Venezuela - my only option was 'Making Love'. (Harry Hamlin, Kate Jackson, and Michael Ontkean).

One does what one must.

Welcome back y'all.

BTW - 1st groaner of the year is that outgoing Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney has been successful in getting the legislature to approve a ballot measure against gay marriage. It has to be approved a second time before it can go to the public ballot. Everyone watch out for this one - he'll be in the Republican race and he is dangerous.

Said by: Alec at January 3, 2007 08:54 PM

It is sooo good to have you guys back on my ipod. My 120 mile (round trip) commute would be impossible without you. Wishing the two of you all the best in 2007. I would love to meet you guys this year, I am keeping my fingers crossed for a meet and greet in Washington DC. Dupont Circle is very nice :) Keep up the great work that you and the whole cast of fools produce, week in and week out. Thanks again.

Said by: Tim A at January 4, 2007 08:12 PM

I thought MASS was all for the gay marriage. What happened to change that?
Don't screww this up MAS you are a role model to us all.

Said by: Marc at January 7, 2007 12:10 AM

I thought MASS was all for the gay marriage. What happened to change that?
Don't screww this up MAS you are a role model to us all.

Said by: Marc at January 7, 2007 12:10 AM

Gay marriage in MA got through because of 'activist judges' (as the opposition calls them) on the Supreme Court pointing out that, (duh - way duh), excluding gay couples from basic constitutional rights is not quite cricket. As soon as it went through - boys and girls started getting married. So it never went through the full legislative process - just that a lot of forms had to be updated.

Romney hated, hated, hated that it happened on his watch - particularly since he has been grooming himself for a presidential run since day 1 of his governorship (in 2006, he spent 212 days out of the state).

In any case, it looks like it will now go to popular ballot in a couple of years (note, the new Legislature that came in this year will have to approve it - however it only takes something like 50 votes to put it out to ballot).

And Romney can say, 'I did all I could to keep those homosexuals from getting married.

Not quite sure how us getting married threatens everyone else's marriage - unless it maybe refers to our much more selections at gift registries and caterers? Guess that could threaten some people.

Hasta Luego,
Alec

Said by: Alec at January 7, 2007 10:12 PM

Meant 'much superior selections', of course.

Said by: alec at January 7, 2007 10:15 PM