New York, November 12 – Tom Ford and George Michael were among Out magazine’s list of one hundred people who have helped shape gay culture this year, but the two never made it to the party celebrating the December issue. Among those who were at Capitale for the festivities, the presidential election was one subject still on a lot of minds – including activists Susan Sarandon, Rosie O’Donnell, same-sex-marrying New Paltz, NY Mayor Jason West and fellow Mayor John Shields, of Nyack, who is suing the state of New York in order to marry his same-sex partner.

We tried to keep the conversation on more important things, like fashion and winter vacations, but even actor Alan Cumming slipped in the odd election-related comment here and there. The only sensible one was Marcia Cross, the hot redhead from Desperate Housewives, who waltzed around in a $55,000 white fur coat over a revealing dress. Cross didn't actually tell us the coat's value, but rather delightfully conjured Minnie Pearl, leaving the price tag dangling.