Gay Place

WE'LL ALWAYS HAVE PARIS We received some sad news at press time: Local drag diva Paris Chanel passed away at the age of ... well, divas don't talk about their age, but let's just say she was in the prime of life, and her demise is a devastating shock to all who knew and loved her. That list is long, my friends, as Paris has entertained in just about every gay bar in Central Texas (and beyond) for more than two decades. Her recent home turf was Charlie's Austin, where she was a regular at the club's Sunday show and host of its Monday night Wet Underwear Contest. The club held a memorial and benefit this past Wednesday and will host a second night of drag tribute in her honor Christmas Eve (see Wednesday). More last-minute news: We are sad to report the passing of frequent public-office candidate Jennifer Gale. See the Newsdesk blog for more details, austinchronicle.com/newsdesk.

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