Nick Verreos attends NOH8 Event with Alec Mapa and former Miss Universe Brook Lee

One Miss Universe, An Ugly Betty actor, a Project Runway designer and a Housewife from Atlanta: Welcome to West Hollywood!
The First Runner Up Is: "Ugly Betty" Actor and comedian Alec Mapa, Miss Universe 1997 Brook Lee, and Nick Verreos @ Here Lounge NoH8 Campaign Party

Last night, I was invited to the NOH8 Campaign Party at the Here Lounge in West Hollywood and of course, I wanted to go and support! I had been taping some "secret" stuff for Lifetime Networks and headed to the Formosa Cafe to meet up with my good friends; Ugly Betty actor/comedian Alec Mapa (who was performing at the party) and my lovely Hawaiian "sister" and former Miss Universe Brook Lee. Once we were done, it was time for us to make our way over to the party.Tardy For The Party: Kim Zolciak of "Housewives Of Atlanta" NoH8 Campaign Party

There were about 20 paparazzi waiting outside Here Lounge as we arrived. I thought "Is Paris Hilton here?" No, Kim Zolciak of "Housewives of Atlanta" was hosting the event, and we quickly realized they were there for her. Once inside, we also witnessed "Tell It To My Heart" Taylor Dayne belt out some serious tunes (her voice is OUT OF CONTROL!), including an amazing rendition of the Red Hot Chili Pepper's "Californication" and a Michael Jackson song! And of course, Alec Mapa did a really funny--and not-so-PG-13-rated stand-up which had me ON THE FLOOR!! Duck Taped: Kim of Housewives of Atlanta's photo for NoH8 Campaign

Miss Kim did a wonderful job as MC of the event, as she showed off a HUGE new diamond ring that Big Poppa had purchased for her. I have know idea why Kim was here on the West Coast (I'm assuming she was "taking meetings with Hollywood's movers and shakers"), but all I do know is that:
A) No one pulled her wig
B) She didn't sing "Tardy For the Party"
C) She wasn't wearing "She by Sheree" (that's for you, Andy Cohen!)
D) Oh, and I had fun for a WONDERFUL cause!

Click below for a brief video of the fabulous Kim Zolciak being introduced by the NOH8 boys, Jeff Parshley and photographer Adam Bouska:

Marriage Equality March in West Hollywood

A Fashionable Protest: Nick, Brook Lee and actress Amy Hill in West Hollywood
Our Best "We're Angry" Smile: Former Miss Universe, Brook Lee and Nick Verreos march in West Hollywood

Last night, David and I trekked it ALL THE WAY from our "bat cave" in Downtown LA to West Hollywood to join my Hawaiian sister, the gorgeous former Miss Universe, Brook Lee at the Marriage Equality March. What a Couple: NIKOLAKI designers David Paul and Nick Verreos

In case you were in your own cave and didn't hear, the California Supreme Court decided to uphold the ban on same sex marriage and within hours a protest march was organized. I was invited to join in by the NO H8 Campaign founders, photographer Adam Bouska and his partner Jeff Parshley who sent out a "mass email" to come and march. Can We Have an Interview? Brook Lee and Nick Verreos get interviewed by the local media

We arrived into West Hollywood and met up with Brook at our "meeting point", the Santa Monica Blvd. restaurant and bar, Fiesta Cantina. I spotted actress Drew Barrymore, and said "hello". Before I could even finish my hugs and kisses, the No H8 Campaign "march organizers" were just walking out of the bar/restaurant, along with former Miss USA (and No H8 supporter) Shanna Moakler, Miss California USA pageant director Keith Lewis, and celeb blogger Perez Hilton. That's Drew: A partial view of the lovely Drew Barrymore getting interviewed by the media

The only reason we knew is because we immediately saw the photographers go crazy and realized A) It's either Britney coming out of Fiesta Cantina (Nope) or B) The Miss California/Miss USA brigade must be making their exit (Yes).Actress and Comedian, Amy Hill and her daughter Penelope

Along with Brook, I was happy to see the ever-so-fabulous Amy Hill, actress from "All American Girl", "That's So Raven" and so much more. She's Brook's very good friend and was there to march--along with her daughter Penelope. The five of us made our way to the "Starting Gate" of the March and listened to LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, "Star Trek" actor George Takei as well as other notables give wonderful "Go Get 'Em!" speeches. I Do! Scene from the March in West Hollywood

All of sudden, from behind us came a shuffle and a push, and before we could slap someone for being rude, out from the crowd came comedian Kathy Griffin pushing her mom Maggie on her wheelchair--as well as her assistant, photographers and cameramen in tow. Miss Kathy never misses a good "press op", especially when it involves supporting "her gays"!
Thanks Brook, Amy and Penelope for the serene and funny company and for adding to what became a powerful night!
Click HERE for "Access Hollywood's" take on the "celeb factor" of the March and the night.
And below is the latest PSA/Public Service Announcement from the No H8 Campaign, which incidentally features Amy Hill and her daughter Penelope, as well as Brook Lee and her son Fynnegan:

Nick Verreos on New "No H8 Campaign" Behind-the-Scenes Video!!!!!

Nick says Auf Wiedersehen....


The always fabulous Trieu "Trusive" Le, the only (as far as I know) openly gay TV personality of Vietnamese-American descent just sent me this wonderful video he shot, in which he captured the Behind The Scenes action at the No H8 Campaign photo shoot, in which I was a part of. The video shows photographer Adam Bouska and his partner-in-crime Jeff Parshley,--as well as their loving mothers, getting ready for their "No H8" close-up.
You can also see former Miss Universe and Miss USA, Brook Lee (in a NIKOLAKI gown of course!) and Shanna Moakler getting ready for their iconic photo shoot. Sexy Reichen Lehmkuhl(doing push-ups), make-up artist from America's Next Top Model, Sutan, as well as others make special appearances. Speaking of "guest appearances", make sure not to miss my dog Benny, the other love of my life. Yeah, he's all up in there. Don't miss the ending!

Nick Verreos Photo for NO H8 Campaign!!

Scissors, Thread and Pageant DivasNick Gets Bouska'ed: Nick Verreos NO H8 Campaign Photo

Last week, my good friend and honorary "Sister", Brook Lee, just got a step closer to Elton John and Cher Gay Heaven, and at the same time , so did I. She called me up explaining that she was asked to do this "top secret" photo shoot for the NO H8 Campaign. NO H8 is a photo project and silent protest created by celebrity photographer Adam Bouska and his partner Jeff Parshley, in direct response to the passage of Proposition 8, the anti-gay marriage act.
At the same time she told me about the shoot, she also said that they would LOVE to photograph me for the campaign. Where and when, I asked?Color Coordinated Tie Threesome: Photographer Adam Bouska, Nick Verreos (sporting a Hugh Simms necktie) and Jeff Parshley

In the wake of the Miss California/Miss USA controversy, and the fact that Brook was herself a Miss USA AND a Miss Universe (!), she was asked to be photographed for the campaign. The campaign features celebs and non-celebs photographed with white t-shirts, silver duck tape covering their mouths and a painted "No H8" on their faces. Brook and Her Girls: Former Miss USA and Miss Universe, Brook Lee in NIKOLAKI gown

Brook's photo shoot concept, she explained, had her sitting while several fabulous Drag Queens pamper her every whim. She could not (gasp!) wear a simple white T-shirt. God no, she was a Miss Universe, after all. Well, she knew just who to come to: Yours truly! I created an ivory Lurex and Linen strapless "Mermaid-shaped" gown just perfect for a Miss Universe--and for this prolific shoot. As you can see from the final photo, Brook looks both regal and gorgeous in a NIKOLAKI white gown---a Miss Universe's version of a white tee!Nikolaki's Other Half: David Paul poses for NO H8 Campaign

When I showed up for my shoot--with David and our dog, Benny in tow. I was greeted by former Miss California's Tamiko Nash (a Price Is Right Spokesmodel) and Raquel Beazley, both finalists in the Miss USA pageant. Sitting in the make-up chair was none other than Shanna Moekler, who is the co-executive director of the Miss California USA Organization (and a former Miss USA). I threw off my jacket, donned a deep-v white tee and sat down, as Jeff Parshley painted my face and slapped on the duck tape. The lighting was "Oprah Fabulous" so I had a feeling this was going to be good! Two minutes into the posing, I suggested "does anyone have scissors and maybe some thread?" And the shot was done. He even got David--and our dog Benny---to take photos as well!!! We were done. Take THAT Carrie Prejean! Former Miss California's and Miss USA (left to right) Tamiko Nash, Shanna Moekler and Raquel Beazley do their part for the NO H8 Campaign

We said our "Goodbyes" to Tamiko, Raquel and Shanna, who were next up. Little did we know the fantastic "Triple Miss California/USA Threat" photo was about to take place (see above).I Loved the Photo: Nick Verreos exits the Gallery, with a big smile on his face!

The next day was the Gallery Opening/Exhibition of the photographs. Jeff had emailed to let me know that somehow--in less than a 24-hour turnaround time frame--my photo had made it into the exhibit! Crazy. I was nervous and excited to see my photo--as well as all the others. Find Us: Shanna Moekler, Tamiko Nash , Nick Verreos, Reichen Lehmkuhl, Raquel Beazley, Alec Mapa

Photographer Adam Bouska is UNBELIEVABLE! The results were amazing! My photo--as well as the others--were so out of control!!! I loved them so much! I am so proud of the photo and having been part of such an outstanding and historic cause!

Here are some Additional Photos from the Exhibit: Queens: Nick Verreos poses with the photo of the three Beauty Queens, at the NO H8 Campaign ExhibitNick Verreos poses with Lisa Chang, Party Promoter, Manager Extraordinaire and Girl-About-TownNick Verreos and David Paul pose over the NO H8 Campaign Photo Collage (Nick's photo is right above them)