Not only is the local weather following that familiar sweltering path, but the political climate is heating up as well.

In recent Out on the Towns, we’ve covered the wave of new gay characters and TV shows hitting the airwaves. On the evening news recently, all three major networks did stories on the “Coming out of America,” including the runaway success of Bravo network’s “Gay programming,” the recent Supreme Court victory and now the gay marriage debate.

So here’s a heads up. The legality of gay marriage is going to become one of the most important issues in the 2004 Presidential election. If you are old enough to remember Vice President Dan Quayle’s comments regarding CBS TV’s Murphy Brown, the upcoming Culture War will make that look like a schoolyard skirmish.

New shows like Showtime’s lesbian dating show “The L Word” and the new ABC sit-com “It’s All Relative” are sure to add fuel to his fire.

Maybe we should have the “Fab Five” from “Queer Eye” makeover Dubya!

Speaking of TV, for the record “Boy meets Boy” is a blast — not as much fun as “Queer Eye,” but fun nevertheless. I think James the leading man is a bit of a wimp, but my partner thinks he’s dreamy.

Elsewhere, the Amazing Race IV is winding down, but you still have a few more weeks to catch Super-couple Richen and Chip as they race to the finish.

I was crying like a baby during last weeks episode over the loving way each man describes the other and how their mutual support helped them stay in the race.

A U.S. Senator was heard remarking on Larry King about Gay TV characters: “They only show you the funny, light-hearted side of their lifestyle… where’s the substance, the truth?”

Richen and Chip answer the senator’s question on Thursday nights at 7pm on CBS.

Last week, I saw the opening of Chicago at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts. The venue is perfection, a glittering jewel of a building, inside and out.

The huge three-story, glass-walled lobby, crowned with a painting by Sol Le Witt, is magnificent, instantly transporting visitors to the land of make-believe. Entering the fabulous Sarofim Hall, eyes are immediately drawn up — way up!

Perched atop the blue and red hall is a smattering of twinkling stars (OK. They’re LED lights, but go with it!) Complete with a huge red velvet curtain, I felt like I was in “The Easter Parade” or “Moulin Rouge.”

There simply is no better place to experience a splashy Broadway show than at the Hobby Center. Luckily for us, “The Graduate,” “42nd Street” and the mega-hit “The Producers” are on their way.

Let’s eat. I have TWO really terrific new spots to try. Late Night Pie at 502 Elgin, where Elgin becomes Westheimer is really top notich, offering the most authentic New York-style pizza I’ve had in Houston.

Not only do they serve slices, hot and cold sandwiches, salads, sides and desserts, they deliver (even to the Heights) buckets of cold beer (must be 21 with id). Late Night Pie is a great addition to Montrose. Call 713.529.5522.

Or get yourself over to Onion Creek Coffee House & Bar at 3106 White Oak to check out the Farmers Market. The market was originally planned for July only, but the overwhelming response convinced the merchants and management to keep it going.

Every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon, help yourself to fresh vegetables, flowers and even a few homemade surprises. Monica Pope is one of the familiar faces seen there recently, and the market is full of family members. Remember, the Heights is the new Montrose.

The Onion Creek is a darling little coffeehouse that also sells beer, wine and delicious sandwiches, salads and yummy hot dogs (cheap too!) Call their uber-cool General Manager Shatki at 713-880-0706 or visit onioncreek.org for more details.

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