|
||||||||||||||||||||
Host Committee
Host Committee: Richard fischerr002@hawaii.rr.com Raquel: hawn_t@yahoo.com China: chinameilinglee@aol.com Lacie: lace8082003@yahoo.com Jerrine: coco5chanel1@yahoo.com |
||||||||||||||||||||
Those
were the Days
|
||||||||||||||||||||
|
Aloha from Queen
Mother
a
Message of Aloha The kick off for the Reunion started with the Lokahi Luau at the Willows Restaurant. I was surprised that everyone was there on time if not earlier, whereas, I was on mahu time (1/2 hour late). Upon entering the banquet room, I could instantly feel I was back with family that I missed. The live Hawaiian music, the lei greeters at the door (which everyone received) a nd more kisses than I could imagine! The evening started off with a blessing by Bernadette Kaloi and recognition of the host committee. A gracious maholo was given to Anita, Shelley and myself for all our Dreams that were about to become a reality. That's why we were there. The evening went on with people reminiscing, laughing and everyone exchanging their tears of joy. Tuesday morning at 10:00 AM at Aloha Tower we gathered at the Star of Honolulu boat ride to start our 2 hour cultural cruise with a lunch buffet. Wednesday we gathered at Kualoa Park. Unfortunately the horse ride was cancelled because of rain. The picnic still carried on! Thursday was our free day. Some of us went to Yakiniku Camellia (Korean Buffet) and later that night everyone met at Aku Bone (Hawaiian music bar). It was lovely, reminding me of the Blowhole. When we returned to the hotel, the countdown was on for the Glade Show night. Feather boas, beads, beads, sewing machines, gowns and wigs were all over everyone's house. Friday, the Glade Reunion Show. I woke up to see Wendy combing out a wig to become 3 feet tall & Fawne doing her last minute beading on her beautiful gown. By 5:00 PM everyone looked like a Princess going to the ball. In my old age, I took 2 hours to get ready! Upon entering the Japanese Chamber of Commerce where the Show was held, the flashback began with the Glade marque all lit up. Queens for the needy, hair-dos and gowns. I thought I was back in Las Vegas at the Cirque DuSoleil Show! It was a sold out crowd of 400+! The evening started off with a viewing of the documentary The Glade Project by Connie Flores, followed by the show of former Glade Show Club headliners, Brandy Lee, Dina Jacobs, Racquel Gregory, Linda Brown, Lanaye Abraxas, Kaina Jacobs, Fawne Vertido, Orland delSol, Yoshiko and many others. I had the honor to present a token to Tilly, the Glade manager & Mama Gerry the owner. I also presented the recognition award to Raquel for her achievements in keeping the art of female impersonation alive and being a mentor to new generations. The night ended with Dina and Brandy singing 'Those were the Days' and a parade of performers to the song of Dreamgirls, 'a Dream Come True'. Sunday was an Aloha Oe picnic at Ala Moana Park with tons of food and friends. The evening came to a close with hugs, kisses and tears. What a special wee tis was. I would like to send out a special mahalo to everyone who attended and participated to make this a fabulous Reunion. Hats off to Richard, Raquel and the host committee members for making this a memorable event that we will never, never forget. Aloha & Maholo Isadora Sei P.S. The next Reunion will be June 20 - 22 2008 in Las Vegas to be hosted by Aunty Anita. AND, October of 2009 I will host the reunion in Thailand. Details will be announced at a later date.
"Those Were
the Days" Glade Reunion Address, Friday June 15th 2007
Although this Reunion's initial intent was to bring all of us together to share Aloha and talk story about 'the Good Old Days', there is a much deeper purpose. This is the time for the blending of generations. As our generation learned from the queens who came before us, it is now our Kuleana (responsibility) to assume the role as mentors for the generations who follow us. I'm talking about the Queens from A-1 Bakery & Yappy's days and even those before them, the pioneers who paved the way for our right to be. At the time they probably didn't realize how their being true to themselves and just who they were would have such an impact on the acceptance of the future generations. We send our Aloha and deepest respect and most sincere appreciation to them all. Even as we enjoyed the 'Glade's Era' with the fabulous shows, glamourous pageants and dressing to the ultimate, we never imagined that we were contributing to the acceptance of alternative lifestyles in the years to come. Though we came from a Glamourousa Era, it was not all beautiful. We had the harassment from the Metro & Vice squads and even the Police especially during the election years. We were required to wear pink badges with the words 'I am a Boy' on them which became a symbol of the times. Although it bothered us at times to have to wear them it truly made a statement that having to wear the badge was not going to intimidate us or change who we were or our choice of lifestyle. Fortunately, we were not alone during this time. Many of us found comfort in belonging to extended families. there was the Halekauwila Hale, Olu Street, Kapiolani House, Waianae-Nanakuli, Pensecola, Kapahulu, Waikiki, Waimanalo, Kuakini and many others. Each home had an individual who assumed the role & was respected as the Queen Mother who offered us guidance and at times discipline when necessary. In return, we offered them our love and respect for protecting us from the dangers in life that many times was overshadowed by the glitz and excitement of our world. We send a special Mahalo to Mama Gerri, Tilly, Michelle (Puffy), and big Francis Silva, Pops & Mama Julia and everyone else from the Glade who offered us a safe haven to express our creativity. For over 20 years the Glade provided many of us with jobs, hosted pageants and allowed us a place to share a positive and beautiful side to drag life with all who came to be entertained. Let's not forget the Halo hairspray . . . "Those Were the Days". While we we're at it, let's also say Mahalo to all the clubs and restaurants in the area where we were welcomed. Remember the dinner plate & rice chuke at Tin Tin chop suey, Lomi Aku from Molly's Cafe, Hawaiian food from Kamehameha Grill, Beef Stew & Buns at 4 am from Red Seat Cafe or the Beef luau from Charley's Fountain. Remember the Tropical Serenaders, Little Joe Pa'aao, Abby Momoa, Larry Arieta and Bobby Martin's Hawaiian music at Shindigs on the weekends or the echos of 'Blue Darling' with Brother Tony Lindsey at midway. let's not forget Chico and the gang from Bill Lederers, Aunty 'Lulu' Mona Fleming who looked after the girls at Swing Club or Harry and Gloria at Roosevelt Bar with their pupu's and $1.00 pitchers of beer and our titas Raynette & Ronnie Cruz, Lorraine's, L & D Bar and many many more. "Those Were the Days". Like everything else, we must adapt to the changing tmes. Many of our headliners left for the mainland to further their careers. Pageants became bigger and more complex. High Drags slowly declined and a new breed of Queens made their debut. Many titas dropped out of the limelight to settle down in relationships. The new generation adopted a more simple and natural look. Many of them furthered their educations, found jobs outside the expected feilds and blended in the mainstream of society. It was a good thing because look at our titas today and be proud of how far they have come. But for us who came from the glamorous Glade Era, take pride in knowing that we all helped to make this happen and will always have the memories of a lifetime. In closing we would like to recognize Aunty Anita for her vision & dream of having a Reunion. With the help of Shelley, Dora & their Ohana, her dream became reality 3 years ago in Las Vegas with our first Reunion. It was a very emotional & memorable time for all who attended. It sparked this year's Reunion in Hawaii. With the higher cost of living in Hawaii and the larger number of attendees this project would be a challenge. Richard, Raquel & their planning committee worked very hard at fundraising, and organizing this year's event "Those Were the Days". Needless to say, "We are Here". We welcome home our titas from afar and thank our local titas for their Kokua & Aloha. All we ask is that you enjoy yourselves and hope that this will be a most memorable time for us all. As we enjoy this time we share, Remember all who have passed . . . . Honor all who came before . . . And have Hope for all who follow. May there be Peace on Earth Long Live the Queens!!! |
||||||||||||||||||||
| aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa |
Schedule of Events 
|
|||||||||||||||||||
