Chaz Bono is no doubt a venerable advocate and champion of the LGBT community so it isn’t any wonder he was selected as this year’s Grand Marshall of the San Francisco Pride Week. Part of his city-by-the-bay agenda includes a book signing event of his latest release Transition (Dutton Adult, $25.95, 256 pages, 978-0525952145)

Mario Lopez arrived alone, with no posse, publicist or security. In fact, I was waiting with Book Passage staff at the normal front entrance at Book Passage in the Ferry Building and he arrived from the back. He simply walked in, and charmingly said hello to those who had lined up outside for his book signing. I was pretty much used to celebrities arriving with a little bit more buzz and fanfare and was pleasantly pleased at his calm demeanor. He greeted the crowd and before he took a seat, he posed for photographs.

Ashley began to speak of her childhood. She explained it in the most eloquent way. No nonsense, no sugar-coating – it felt real. Initially, there were a few laughs here and there as she shared awkward childhood moments about family and herself but as the minutes progressed it was clear that Ashley drew strong senses of emotion from all of us.