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"Mob Wife" Big Ang Celebrates Gay Pride

by JC Alvarez

EDGE Media Network Contributor

Friday June 15, 2012

Everyone is getting into the swing this Pride season, and no one is more ready to jump into the deep end than the star of the VH1 reality series "Mob Wives" the all-too lovable Big Ang. The celebrated gangster-girl is just one of the big names on the bill hosting "Pride a Deeper Love" presented by Michael Hades at the Midtown Loft & Terrence.

The event, offering an incredible view of the parade, will take place on Sunday, June 24 from noon - 7pm at 267 5th Avenue at 29th Street in New York City. With DJ Michael Hades spinning on the rooftop and DJ Jerome Farley assuming duties in the loft space, nightlife notables Mark Nelson, Sasha Seven, Geffrey Yabes and King Ralphy will also be on the bill to celebrate Big Ang's annual 29th birthday with a couple hundred of her closest gay friends.

We caught up with Ang who was prepping for the big day...

EDGE: We must be the luckiest folks in the world to have you hosting one of the events at this season's NYC Gay Pride. What made you decide to join the boys (and girls) as part of this year's festivities? Are you bringing any gay single "mob boys" to the party? I have a weakness for bad boys!

BIG ANG: Yes! You are lucky. I love my boys and girls. Thanks to Michael Hades and Anthony Caggino I am hosting this event. I wish I could bring my single mob boys.

EDGE: Have you always been a supporter of the gay community? Is there anyone in your life that is especially close to you who is gay? Any advice for young people struggling with their coming out?

BIG ANG: I've always been a supporter of the gay community Just come out and enjoy life!

EDGE: As a New Yorker have you attended the Gay Pride Parade often? The gay community has changed so much especially in the last 2 years. What do you think has been our biggest (or proudest) moment in recent gay history?

BIG ANG: I've never been to the Pride parade. I'm so excited. I'm so happy about gay marriage!

EDGE: As a cast member of the hit reality show "Mob Wives" on VH1 there's no one tougher than you ladies on TV, but I think that you also have the biggest heart of all the girls. Are you really just a big softy?

BIG ANG: Ooo I'm a softy. I always was and always will be.

EDGE: One of the things I think we have most in common is that we're both on the hunt for true love. Why is it so tough? Do you think that men are intimidated by a how big a personality Big Ang is? What do you look for in a guy, and what advice would you give your best gay guy pal on finding a man?

BIG ANG: I don't think men are afraid of me at all. I look for a pension at my age, but you guys should look for money and looks!

EDGE: You've been recently seen in some commercials hanging out with the "Jersey Shore" star Snooki who is happily expecting a baby. Did you have any advice for everyone's favorite meatball?

BIG ANG: I told her if she gets married only be married three days a week, but she can't. She's in love so get over it.

EDGE: What surprised you the most about Snooki?

BIG ANG: How small she is.

EDGE: Do you think any of Snooki's "Jersey Shore" cast mates would be "Mod Wife" boyfriend worthy?

BIG ANG: I think Ronnie would, and especially Paulie D.

EDGE: And finally if you have one message to send to everyone who is still fighting against marriage equality and bullies who are still a threat to our gay youth, what would Big Ang have to say?

BIG ANG: Listen to me...gay guys and girls are great people! Leave them the f*ck alone. They make the best friends and they don't bother anyone. Just be happy and get over it!

Watch Big Ang from VH1's "Mob Wives" July 8th 9/8c. Big Ang personally invites everyone to "Pride a Deeper Love" to help celebrate her birthday alongside Michael Hades and Jerome Farley on Sunday, June 24. Advance tickets available at http://wantickets.com/prideadeeperlove.

Native New Yorker JC Alvarez is a pop-culture enthusiast and the nightlife chronicler of the club scene and its celebrity denizens from coast-to-coast. He is the on-air host of the nationally syndicated radio show "Out Loud & Live!" and is also on the panel of the local-access talk show "Talking About".