10/03/2004: Gay Shame disrupted the "Cutest of the Castro" beauty contest at the Castro Street Fair to protest body fascism's "cosmetic assault" on the queer community. The contest was originally marketed as benefitting the Maitri AIDS hospice, but Maitri later backed out of accepting money raised by a corporate-sponsored contest celebrating a "fantasy fetish" of youth and ability. Thirty costumed Gay Shame protesters unfurled their banners and marched through the crowd making a ruckus, much to the consternation of the hundreds of spectators. After a police escort left the scene, Gay Shame was invited onstage to share its perspective; two costumed contestants spoke to the crowd while Grimace danced around on stage. Although results have not yet been posted to the website, it did not appear that any of the costumed contestants were likely to win "Cutest of the Castro."

Gay Shame, which has been quietly operating under the radar for most of the year, aside from publishing its acclaimed newspaper CRAP (Community's Reactionary Asshole Publication), promises "further and grander forms of insurgence soon." Reports: 1 | 2 | Photos: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | Video | Indybay LGBTQI page