Over the last three years, members of WomenSing have raised nearly $4,000 for their East Bay choral group by auctioning annual brunches with columnist Pollo Del Mar.Over the last three years, members of WomenSing have raised nearly $4,000 for their East B

On May 26, California’s “Day of Decision,” my iPhone was going wild long before the State Supreme Court upheld Prop. 8 at 10 am. By shortly after dawn, I already had several voicemails and tons of emails. Some – like the call from reigning “Emperor” Paul ‘Maka’ Poole, with whom I had agreed to attend the morning “festivities,” made perfect sense. One, though, was completely unexpected. 

“Pollo, it’s Michael Brandon,” the surprise email read, “Call me ASAP. I need to talk to you about something important.”

Unlike most, when I think of Michael Brandon, I think of him with his clothes on. In fact, though I am obviously aware of his extensive body – of films, that is – as one of the foremost directors, actors, producers and bona fide stars in the male adult entertainment industry, I have only seen his work once…And that was quite by accident. Instead, the Michael Brandon I know is a friend, a tireless advocate for safer sex and against crystal meth usage, a community leader and all around good (if extremely gorgeous) guy. 

In recent months, I have been in contact with him only sparingly. Of late, he has been dealing with his own demons, and that is where I expected our conversation to lead. Imagine how pleasantly surprised I was when, instead, he invited me to join him in discussing Prop. 8 as guests on “Life Without Limits,” an Internet radio talk show hosted by Mike Michaud.

While I wanted nothing more that day than to be arrested alongside my friends – like Sister Maudlin Masscara, who I envy for being carted off to jail like a common criminal while quietly protesting the Court’s decision - deadlines, rehearsals for The Golden Girls: More Gay Pride Episodes and other time constraints prevented it. So since I was unable to riot, loot or even take an intersection hostage, Michael’s invitation provided a perfect opportunity to vent my frustrations and make certain I was not silent in the wake of the extreme injustice done our community.  

So shortly before 1 pm, I arrived at One Halladie Plaza, home of Energy Talk Radio (www.EnergyTalkRadio.com). Inside, the calm, serene office proved to be everything one might expect from an Internet radio station dedicated to fun, inspirational programming while contributing 30 percent of net profits to worthy charities.  

A little more than two hours later, after calls from Castro Theatre programming master Marc Huestis and District 8 Supervisor Bevan Dufty, we wrapped. With Marc leading lively discussion about proposed cuts to the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) and Bevan confirming his plans to run for mayor in 2011, a global audience of more than 22,000 brought one of the highest listener ratings in the station’s short history. (It launched only months ago.)

So excited were station owner Mike Michaud and co-creator David Trudrung, and of course my pal and new Sales and Marketing Director Michael Brandon, a week later I was sitting in their offices again. This time, though, the conversation revolved around providing my own weekly show! 

Within an hour it was hammered out – all except a worthy name.  Beginning Friday, June 5, I’m filling the 1 pm hour with entertainment, current events and discussion of the latest in politics relating to the LGBT community. Of course, I’ll be calling on some of my favorite celebrity friends to join the good times. Kicking off the first show, I hope to have Marc Huestis back again and to give her own perspective and insight on issues relating to HIV/AIDS, my gal-pal and Season 1 Drag Race finalist Ongina. 

Speaking of Ongina, I was gabbing away with her late into the night recently about the talk show and Drag Race, where I let slip that I recently tumbled from #7 to #8 in fan votes. Though I was still the top vote-getter west of the Mississippi River, I felt my chance to be cast could slip away. Finally, letting go of my pride, I asked Ongina if she might consider backing me in my efforts. In no time, she posted my URL for her Facebook friends. 

It reminded me of what another Drag Race finalist – Shannel – told me just weeks ago. When you want something in life, go get it.  Don’t sit back and hope people bring it to you. While that sometimes happens, as it did with Michael and my soon-to-be-weekly radio gig, more often than not, it doesn’t.  

When you go out into the world and put in the footwork, though, that’s when things tend to really happen. And once you’ve done that, when it pays off, then it’s no surprise at all. 

Vote Daily to See “The Glamazon” on Season 2 of RuPaul’s Drag Race. http://RuPaulCasting.com/people/PolloDelMar