Female impersonator an AIDS educator
his Patti LePlae Safe character may be
the most recognized - not to mention
the most unorthodox - AIDS educator
ODD GRAY believes all things in all of Texas.
are possible.
As an out-of-place kid growing up Playing it safe
in a dull Arkansas town, he fantasized The setting is a
about making it to a big city one day. the outskirts of Gal
He dreamed of gaining respect and t-r1- AT e
making a difference.
Today, as the female imper-
sonator "Patti LePlae Safe,"
Gray, 29, believes he has. After
losing many of his friends to
AIDS, Gray now dedicates his
life to bringing AIDS education
to gay cabaret audiences in Dal-
las and across the nation. A tire-
less performer at AIDS benefits,
classy piano bar on
k Lawn's gay bar dis-
evening AIDS fund-
,
j44C
'j yam e;
4 t
Ki
raiser featuring Patti and her Play Safe
Playmates has attracted about 80 mostly
gay men in jackets and ties. They ap-
plaud enthusiastically when the star
takes the stage in a lavish sequined
gown.
"Hello, I'm Patti LePlae Safe, and I'd
like to dedicate this song to Terry, Bob,
Please see PATTI, D-3
1'r
rs.
Donna Bagby / Dallas Times Herald
Rodd Gray is a volunteer at the Aids Resource Center.
%i
By Ron Boyd
OF THE TIMES HERALD STAFF
Jesse Hombuckle / Dallas Times Herald
Patti LePlae Safe
I
Ll;L. t U y t
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