Today was the first really warm day of Spring, the kind of day you dream about all winter from within the confines of your itchiest sweater, so of course I wore a t-shirt to work, and OF COURSE this was the day when I got a random, last-minute email from a HuffPost Live producer about appearing on their show to discuss the problems with Tyler Perry’s schtick, particularly related to HIV in his movies.

Obviously I’m not the right person to talk about how his films affect the black community, and I haven’t even seen “Temptation” (my friends and I had planned to see it but opted not to line Perry’s pockets after reading that open letter on Racialicious), but they liked what I had to say about the other stuff, so SURE, I’ll do it!  I had 45 minutes to prepare.

That meant a mad dash to a local men’s store for an overpriced, ill-fitting collared shirt, the top three inches of which would hopefully magnify my credibility and prevent my mother from being humiliated. (I know she notices these things, because she pointed out to me later that the host himself was wearing a tee-shirt. I countered with the fact that he clearly has a better job than I do.) I also bought a chapstick and a package of peanut M&M’s in case my blood sugar crashed or my entire head began to dehydrate like one of those apple dolls. I can’t imagine when I thought I might actually get to use these items once the program started, but what can I say? I’m descended from survivalist frontiersmen. I could not face the situation empty-handed.

Being the only white person on a panel of black experts is incredibly humbling. They were all really incredible and brought up very good points, and I’m grateful to everyone for making me feel welcome at the table, even if I have the least at stake in this discussion of practically anyone. Anyhow, this was an incredible opportunity and I am really happy with what I managed to squawk out through my parched, rapidly constricting throat.

I’m also really happy the men’s store gave me a full refund on the shirt. At the last minute I’d thought to stuff paper towels in the armpits so that I could return it with an immaculate conscience (didn’t I tell you I was resourceful? And classy?) Mom was so proud, and that’s all that matters.

Watch above! I hop in at about 19:00. Also, thanks to my buddy Kevin for this priceless screencap:

Featuring:

• PETER J. COOK, Field Producer of the television show Stalked: Someone’s Watching
• ALANA MCNAIR and KATE WILKINSON, co-creators and stars of 2005 off-Broadway comedy Fatal Attraction: A Greek Tragedy
• Performances by burlesque sensations IRIS EXPLOSION and DANGRRR DOLL
• Internet stalking tutorial byOUT Magazine managing editor MIKE BERLIN.
  
• Sinister fragrance samples from BLACK PHOENIX ALCHEMY LAB
• After-party with DJ ACCIDENT REPORT

Come out and play with us!

The usual clips, performances, and mayhem. Special guests:

• Project Runway’s Kenley Collins
• Screenwriter George Northy and TBA cast from the G.B.F., the new comedy by Darren Stein (Jawbreaker)
• After-party with DJ Accident Report
• Sinister fragrances by Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab

In all this time I’ve never covered the same topic twice, but we’re gonna be reliving some Greatest Hits this spring, beginning with the Frenemies & Nemesisters show that I hosted with David Archer back in 2011. Join us on February 22nd for a fresh look at the world’s oldest stereotype! Project Runway‘s Kenley Collins and cast/crew from G.B.F., the new comedy directed by Darren Stein (Jawbreaker). Be there!

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS & INFO

After over twenty shows spanning three years, you’d think I’d get used to the kind of emotional catharsis that results from spending weeks (or months) dwelling intently upon a single subject and then releasing it into the atmosphere via a lively and attentive audience. But tonight was something special for me, and I owe so much of it to everyone you see in these photos, and to the person who took them.

Thanks again to all who lent their spirit (and in some cases, concrete physical presence) to this ridiculous flight of my fancy. We’ll be back on Feb. 22 for our Frenemies & Nemesisters show (co-hosted with David Archer). In the meantime you can follow Meet The Lady on Facebook and Tumblr — and don’t forget to join/share our campaign to get Elsa’s book reprinted.

In addition to our January 25th tribute to Elsa Lanchester, I’ve also launched a fan campaign to get her marvelous autobiography reprinted. The Facebook-inclined can join the cause here:

http://www.facebook.com/ReprintElsa