Take Me To Church...

Marcus Bennett, for whom the benefit was held.

 The period between December, and June, seems to be the busiest period for drag, in Shaunna Rai's booking schedule.  This is great for her, but it kind of sucks, as far as when shows happen.  Because, any time between December and (to be safe) April, there's a good chance of snow.

Sheneeda Diet opened the show.

At work, they're getting frustrated with me, I think, because, I ask for a lot of time off, for shows.  However, I make it up to them, most of the time.  We had an overnight person, who has given his notice, and so, there's overnights open.  Since I've been going crazy dealing with some of the behaviors, recently, at work, I decided that some overnights, might not be a bad thing...although, they might kill me, because the lack of sleep makes it really hard to recover...

So, Friday night, I did the overnight.  Which is fine.  However, Saturday, the day of the show, when I left work, it had started snowing.  I hate snow.  Yeah, it's pretty, yeah, it's cool.  But, yeah, I suck at driving in it.

Jacinda

The entire drive home from work, all I could think of was, "I hope the storm is over, before we have to leave to go to Lewiston for the show."  When I finally got to sleep, it was still snowing.

It was still snowing, when I woke up a few hours later.  And, texts were flying furiously, about whether or not the show was going to be cancelled or not.  It was finally determined that the show must go on.

I was half relieved that it was still going to happen...and at the same time, I was irritated, because, it meant that I was going to have to drive in the crappy snow, to a show that Shaunna wasn't getting paid for, for a person who I didn't know.

Shaunna Rai

While I processed all that, I realized how much of a jerk that made me.  The show was a benefit, to "Pay it Forward," to the family of a young man who was known for "Paying it Forward."  Really, I didn't have any right to be angry...because Shaunna gave me the option of not going to the show.  I had a perfect excuse...I had worked the overnight, and so, I needed to sleep.  I was the one who chose to go to the show.  If I was going to be mad at anyone, it needed to be myself, not the show.

Leanna Love

I've been getting better, about having things ready to go, before Shaunna is ready to walk out the door...because I've gotten flack for that, in the past.  And, so Saturday night, I was on top of things again.  The car was loaded, and I just had to make sure that Shaunna's door was unlocked before she got to the car.  So simple.

Finally, it was time to leave.  And, the panic started to set in.  I don't consider myself a good driver, in the best of conditions, much less, when there's three inches of slush on the road, and half of the traveling I have to do before I get to the highway is uphill, because, let's face it, Portland is built on a hill, that we live in the middle of.

Miss E,on does "Take Me to Church".

It was actually, kind of funny, Occasionally, I hear Shaunna coming out of Dan's mouth, but it's very rare to have the opposite happen.  Driving up High Street, praying that the car would make it, Dan reminded me (using Shaunna's mouth) not to stomp on the gas, and to pump the brakes, and not slam on them.

Once we finally got to the highway, the roads were clear, and I could relax again...at least, until we made it to Lewiston, where the roads were nasty again.

Sheneeda Diet, with the mane.

I wasn't sure quite what to make of the night, given the weather.  A few people had said that they would try to make it to the show.  So, once we got there, and I brought in the suitcase, and some wigs that Dan had re-worked for Sheneeda Diet and Brystal Kreme, I went to find a place to sit.

When you're early for a show, it's kind of boring, sitting and waiting.  Especially, when it's a show, where people might not come out, because the roads are gross.  So, I found my spot, and waited.  People started to trickle in, in ones and twos.  Shaunna came out to get a drink, and while she was out, a friend from school and his friend came.  So, conversation started.  Eventually, I took them both to my table.

In the meantime, another friend of ours came, with a friend of his, who is a huge fan of Shaunna's.  They sat at my table too.  For a few minutes, I felt special.  I had people sitting with me, who wanted to be there, not because they were assigned to be there.

Jacinda

Shaunna's fan, Andrea asked me what time the show was going to start.  I told her, quite honestly, the poster says 9:30pm, but, it'll probably be later than that.  Drag time is it's own time zone.

Finally, the show started.

The first number was the tribute number, by Sheneeda Diet.  A slow, sad song, but totally fitting, considering the ultimate reason for the show was the death of a young man.

Sheneeda Diet

The show went very quickly, once it started.  Jacinda was up next, then Shaunna Rai, Leanna Love and Miss E,on.  E,on's number floored me.  Hozier's Take Me to Church, only it was a female cover.  (I've spent the week since the show, with the song stuck in my head...Thanks E,on!)  Sheneeda Diet was back out, with one of Shaunna Rai's stand by songs...although, which, I don't remember, at this point.  I loved the hair.  I watched it go from an old wig to the giant mane with blonde highlights that it is now.

Leanna Love

The show took a break.  When people came back from smoking, or buying drinks, or whatever, they did a raffle.  When Shaunna got drinks, she also bought tickets.  The goal was to get one of two gift baskets...one filled with candy and tickets to the movies.  The other, was a gift certificate to Lotus Chinese restaurant, which also included movie theater tickets.  Unfortunately, we won neither.  But, at least the money raised was going to go to the family.

Miss E,on's All About The Bass.

Jacinda started the second half of the show.

Then Sheneeda Diet again, with another of Shaunna's usual songs.  It was interesting to see someone else perform the same song.  It was a little weird, because these are numbers that I've seen so often, that I pretty much know what movements happen when...so when they didn't happen, it was a little jarring.

Leanna Love went next.  She's great when it comes to working the audience...but as a subject to photograph, I got frustrated with her.  Since the emcee told us that there was no flash photography allowed, I had to use the existing lighting for pictures.  (When I asked her about it later, she said that she hated the lights, because they're so bright that you can't see anything anyway...so it made sense that she stayed away from them.)

Shaunna Rai

E'on went again, and shocked me.  I have never seen her in anything other than her black and/or purple hair (and blonde once, but only in pictures.)  She came out in red hair.  She did Meghan Trainor's All About the Bass, a song that I immediately thought of her, the first time I heard it.

 Throughout the course of the night, I played with camera settings, in hopes that at least some of the pictures would come out, since I couldn't use a flash.  And, in the process, I would every so often review what I had just taken.  And, I found, at some point, I had changed the settings, so that I could literally hold the trigger, and it would automatically take multiple pictures.  So, when I reviewed it, it was almost like playing back the show, only minus the music.

Shaunna was next to the last number.  And, as usual, had a couple tear aways.  (Reviewing it in reverse was fun, watching her put things back on, as they flew back at her.)

Brystal Kreme

Finally, it was the new girl, who I had never met, much less seen perform...as it was her first time performing.  Brystal Kreme moves fast, and didn't seem to like the light any more than Leanna Love did.  (Neither of which made for good photos.)  She was very much involved with the audience...so much so, that at one point, while visiting our friends, she actually knocked my camera out of my hands into my lap. (No damage was done, thankfully.)

And, just like that, the show was over.

There was a bit of a meet and greet at the end.  The girls made themselves available for group photos with anyone who wanted them.

The crowds cleared out, and it was time to go home.  Lewiston was still a mess, the Turnpike was fine, and Portland was still a mess.  But, we made it home safe and sound.

Where I Come From...

My parents, Kathy and Steve, with Mimi Imfurst

"You really should write an article about your parents."  That was Wendy, at the Seacoast Rep show, last weekend.  "I loved that picture that you got of them with Mimi."  Wendy really likes my parents.  She has met them a couple of times.

But, what does one say about their parents?  Generally, people don't have anything good to say about their parents, until after they're gone.

I grew up in a small town, near Rockland, Maine.  Up until I was about 5, my parents moved around quite a bit.  Robbinston, Waldoboro, Thomaston, before they finally settled down in Warren, Maine.  They've lived in the same house for nearly 30 years.  They've been married for 36.  And, they have the kind of love that most people only dream of, or see on tv.  I've never seen them fight.  On rare occasions, I've seen tears, but they were never inflicted by each other.

My mom, Kathy, has had a number of different jobs, throughout her life, before settling into a job as a manager of a group home.  My dad, Steve, has worked for the Maine State Fire Marshall's Office, for as long as I can remember.  He started off working as a Fire Investigator, and has since moved on to being an inspector...he inspects amusement park/fair rides, and things like that now.

Mom and Dad with Latrice Royale at Styxx.

Like most kids, I spent a good amount of time disliking my parents.  We were far from rich, growing up... Back to school clothes shopping meant going to second hand clothing shops.  When we wanted video game systems, we actually had to work for them...We spent a whole winter, shoveling driveways around the neighborhood, in order to get our Super Nintendo.  And, I hated that they wouldn't just buy it for us, because I had friends, whose parents would, and did, do that kind of thing.

What I recognize now, is that they were, at the time, trying to prepare me for life.  Contrary to what drag queens will have you believe, life is not all about Rainbows and Butterflies, and pretty faces.  Life is about working for what you want, and appreciating it more, because you worked for it.

My parents allowed me to go to Art School, in Philadelphia, 500 miles away from home.  It was what I wanted, and they supported it.  They also supported me through the mental breakdown, that brought me back home, to Maine, a year and a half later.  They didn't throw me out of the house when I finally came out to them.  They instead, continued to show me the unconditional love that they have always given. They have always had my back.

Mom and Wendy with Me and Shaunna Rai at Paradym
for Alyssa Edwards.

When I decided to make the move to Portland, for the first time, my mom wasn't really okay with it.  It was really going to be my first time on my own.  I was going where I knew hardly anyone.  And, I was going to be further away than she thought I should be...especially given that I was still grieving a dead relationship.

Little did any of us know, how much that move would change things for all of us.  Three years later, I can't even think of how many times that my parents have come to drag shows.

The first drag show my parents ever attended, was at the (now defunct) second location of Altera, in Lewiston.  My mom was excited, because she was going to meet Shaunna Rai, and Taffy Pulls...I actually think that she was most excited to meet Taffy.  She made sure to tell me that she was knocking things off her Bucket List that night.  It was her first time at a Bar.  It was her first ever drag show. (I think she had forgotten my one night stint as Spice Andrews, in Damariscotta...) And, it was her first time at a gay bar.

Mom with Taffy Pulls at Altera.

I was more uncomfortable than either of them, I think...because, I felt the need to protect the straight couple, who seemed totally out of place.  They didn't really need protection though.  I'm sure that they both had cameras blazing, as did I.  I get the photography thing from them.  They never go anywhere, without a camera.  Literally.  There is a camera in the back seat of the car at all times.  After the show, I introduced my mom to Taffy, and she got her picture with her...a high point of the night.  And, I found out how my dad felt about the show in the bar...he was great with the show, but thought that the bar patrons were rude, because they were there for a show, so should not be talking.

They've come quite a ways.  During the first Dragapalooza that they came to, Shaunna had been in their lives long enough for my mom to be "inspired" by her.  She came to Dragapalooza decked out in a Duck Dynasty t-shirt, and glittery heels.  Again, cameras blazing, during the show...and then, they came to the after show, at (the now defunct) Mama's Cabaret, also in Lewiston.  At this point, I knew that my parents would be "safe" at a show, and so I was less protective, and let my inhibitions down a little.  And, had a few drinks.  Enough so, that at one point, I noticed Shaunna's contact was out, and she had two different colored eyes, and said that she reminded me of a husky.  She then, went on the mic, not once, I don't even think twice...I think it was three or four times, and told everyone in the bar how she was going to "fuck me doggy-style", because I said she looked like a dog.

Dad with Alyssa Edwards.

Obviously, they enjoyed themselves, because they continue to come to every show that they can.  They were there for JuJubee, Latrice and Mimi, at Styxx.  They took the trip to Manchester, NH, to see Alyssa Edwards (where they met Wendy for the first time.)  And, I still get asked, so when is the next show?

During Mimi's Holiday Hangover Show, at Styxx, my mom got to see what really goes into making Shaunna Rai into Shaunna.  She knew how long the makeup took, and that there was some work to make the body.  But, she had never actually seen the process.  That night, she did.  And, she left, saying that she had a new appreciation for it.  Although she had known that there was a lot of work to it, she had no idea about the hips, and the butt, and the corsets and the bras...the list goes on and on.  She seemed to be in awe of the process.

Mom with one of her favorites, Alyssa Edwards.

While I'm on the receiving end of being given unconditional support, I am often reminded of the fact that not everyone is so lucky.  In three years, I have yet to meet Dan's parents.  And, they definitely haven't been nearly as supportive of the drag.  My parents, in the short time that they've known Shaunna Rai, have been to see her more often than Dan's own parents.  I'm extremely grateful for this, and a little bit saddened by it as well.

I started the blog, as a way to let my parents see what I was up to, much like any other blogs that I have had since I first got the internet.  It was a way of sharing people, places and events that I enjoyed.  And, in the process, I hadn't really thought about how much it has actually affected them.  Mom wore heels! She's looking for RuPaul's Drag Race to buy on DVD.  And, she was trying to talk Dad into going on the Drag at Sea Cruise next time it happens.

I realize now that I haven't been the only one dragged to the inside.  My parents have as well, although, to a slightly lesser degree.  And, I think I love them more for that.  Mom, Dad, thank you for being you.  Thank you for being so supportive of us both.

I'm On the Outside, Looking In

I have a bad habit of being anti-social, so it always surprises me when people consciously choose to spend time with me.

When the Seacoast Rep Theater announced that they were going to do a show with Jujubee from Season 2 of RuPaul's Drag Race, I decided that I wanted to go. My schedule worked for it to happen, because I chose to work an overnight shift the night before, in exchange for the weekend off.
Our friends Wendy, Cody and Frank, who we met during last summer's shows were all going as well.

So, plans were made to meet for dinner, then go see the show, and maybe go for drinks after. We went to Dos Amigos, a Mexican restaurant, and got dinner. I was shocked that Wendy decided to foot the bill for both Dan and myself. (Not that I should've been. She's super sweet.)

During dinner, we caught up a bit. And, the boys said they would meet us at the theater, because they were running behind.  Dinner for me was a large thing of chicken nachos (I ate all of them) and a margarita.

Rainbow Frite

The walk back to the theater was icy. The wind was blowing, and the temperature couldn't have been any more than 20°, if that. So, there was a lot of walking fast and not a lot of talking.

We got to the theater and picked up our tickets. And, I realized how much I missed the shows that Shaunna Rai did over the summer. It felt weird to be there without Miss E,on. It was  even weirder to not be hauling Shaunna down to the depths of the building.  It became such a habit dragging the suitcase down the steps, praying that I didn't lose my balance and fall down them.

Discussion, while we waited for the boys turned to the new season of Drag Race, and its mysterious premiere date change. I tend to be a listener, and take in bits and pieces of conversation around me, as well as the people who are actually talking to me. A little ways away, across the room, there was a group of older people. The last time I had seen them, there were two elderly ladies talking, and all of a sudden, I hear, "Do you know how to twerk?" And, so, I had to turn around and see what was going on. Sadly, turning around ruined the picture in my mind.

The boys finally showed up, and it was a, "Hi, you've you been? Wanna go for drinks later?" Before turning back to Drag Race. And, I realized that I need to do some rewatching of old seasons.  As a fan of the show, and drag in general, I should know who Yara Sofia is, and I should also have some idea of what some of my favorite queens look like out of drag.

Lili Whiteass

The crowd finally started to move toward the doors, and the wait was on.  Finally the doors opened, and I felt a bit like a cow being led to slaughter...there were so many people trying to get in at the same time.  I almost lost Dan.  And, I got stuck next to a girl who smelled like a ferret.  It was great... I was glad when I finally got ahead of her, and the smell was gone.

My old spot, with Wendy and the boys was taken by the older group.  So, we got second row, center.  Not a bad place to be, but for pictures, the front row is definitely better.

I told Dan how the whole feeling this time, was different than the shows during last summer.  For one, there was no going backstage.  It's weird having that freedom, to just disappear backstage, and say hi, or get drink orders, or whatever, and then having that freedom taken away.  It's kind of like the experience that everyone else gets when they go to a show, I guess.  I wanted to go say hi to Bunny, but, it wasn't appropriate this time.

Delta Miles and DA Michael

The show started like the Red Light Series Drag Race girl shows did, with an introduction to each of the queens.  And, I started my ritual of taking pictures.   And, then I went into a full blown panic.  During the short break between the introduction, and the start of the first number, I checked out the pictures...and they were bad.  Like you couldn't even tell what I was taking pictures of.  So, I started playing around with every setting on the camera that I could play with, to get it right.

Bunny Wonderland started off the night, with her high energy performance, getting the crowd prepared for the amazing night to come.

Rainbow Frite was up next.  I had seen Rainbow Frite in Boston, at Jacques, before, however, it was as a server, not as a performer.  I didn't realize that Rainbow Frite was a singer, and I especially didn't expect her to come into the second row to grab tips...and then climb on my lap, and ask me to say "Cock and Balls" on the mic.  As usual, the embarassment took over, and I was ready to die.  And, at the same time, I was enjoying the hell out of it.  I will admit, while it looks like I'm cringing on the outside, and wishing that I could die, on the inside, I'm so excited to be picked on that it's not even funny.  And, I spent part of the time wondering what Dan was thinking, while all this was happening.  (Apparently, he expected it to happen, and it was all cool, I guess.)

JuJubee

Lili Whiteass went next.  She came out in a pink gown, blonde hair and a beaver skin hat. And, then she started singing.  It took me a minute to recognize the song, because in my head, it had to be a "girl" song...only, it wasn't.  It was Billy Joel's  Leningrad.  I was pretty much blown away.

Next, was Delta Miles.  Well, it was supposed to be...until there were technical difficulties.  (I was surprised that it was "technical difficulties", because generally, at a drag show, they're called "testicle difficulties"... With a dead mic, Delta came out, and gave the sound crew hell, then went on for a bit with no mic.  She asked if anyone had a birthday, and it turned out that a guy named Michael  muchdid.  And, it turned out that he was a DA.  And, she pulled him up on stage, and used him in her number, as a prop.  And, he seemed to love it.  And, I just couldn't stop laughing.  She was hilarious.

Bunny Wonderland

Jujubee was up next.  She was beautiful.  I wish that I could remember all the songs that all the performers did.  Juju came out with the perfect hair, a tear-away and a stoned leotard.  I remember when Juju came to Styxx, almost being disappointed in her performance.  I'm not really sure what it was that she did differently, if anything, but I was so much more impressed with her performance this time.  (Which was good, since Jujubee has always been one of my favorite RuPaul girls.)

Rainbow Frite performing
Memory

Bunny came out again.  I can't even describe how much I enjoy Bunny's performances.  They're usually a bunch of songs mixed together, along with soundbites from movies.  And, I think for anyone else, it would come off as odd, but for Bunny, it just works...with the high energy that she throws into her performances.

Rainbow Frite came back out, and did a mix of The E-Harmony Cat Lady Song and Memory from the Broadway Show Cats.  I nearly died with the E-Harmony Cat Lady part, because, although I knew of the song, it had been a long time since I had actually heard it, and I totally wasn't expecting it.  When it switched over to Memory, I did what I always do...I broke out in song, along with it...all the while, snapping pictures.

Lili Whiteass, Anything Goes

Lili Whiteass was up again, and cemented her place in my mind as someone with a ton of talent.  Anything Goes.  Not only was she singing it herself, but, my God, she could tap dance too! How is it that I don't ever think about all the hidden talents that queens have?  All too soon, the number was over.

JuJubee

Jujubee came back out.  At one point during her number, she talked to a girl in the audience.  She asked her about who she was with, and if it was her girlfriend...and it turned out to be her mother! At the end of the song, Juju and Bunny chatted for a little bit, before bringing on Delta.

Delta Miles

Delta Miles again called out the sound crew...and a drunk girl in the audience.  And, then proceeded into a number, in which she did 'shrooms, coke and some kind of pills, along with what I could only imagine was a pot cupcake.  Watching the various drugs take effect and lose their potency was a hilarious descent, which ended with her backward somersaulting off the stage.

Rainbow Frite

Intermission came up, and Dan asked me what I thought about the show.  I explained how funny it felt being "on the outside, looking in".  It felt weird having him in the audience with me, because Dan doesn't usually go to drag shows.  Shaunna does, and she only usually does, when she's in them. Dan, started talking to a couple of people behind us about Drag Race, and shows at Fran's Place.  Then he started talking to the people in the front row.  They explained how they like to go to shows.  They go visit a gay couple in Florida, who go to bed early, while they stay up and go to gay bars, because the people are nicer there,than they are at straight bars.  They gave an example of a couple of guys who gave up seats at the bar to them, because of their age (presumably, since they didn't come right out and say it.)

Bunny Wonderland

The show came back up, and Rainbow Frite was back up.  This was probably my least favorite of her numbers.  Although, I had to laugh.  Earlier in the show, someone had commented about the front row having a blanket, to keep them warm.  Rainbow, toward the end of the number, used the blanket to her advantage.  She went right to the front row, and simulated oral sex with the old man in front of me.  (I was a little relieved that it was him, and not me.)

Bunny was back again, for her next number.  Dan leaned over to tell me to make sure to get a picture of her outfit, (because Shaunna might need something like that in her future...)

Delta Miles

Delta was back again, and sought out Michael in the audience again, for an introduction to her number.  And, she had to shut up the drunk girl in the white tank top again.  Along with training Michael to play along with what she needed him to say, to introduce her song about Jealousy.  For whatever reason, during this number, I spent a lot of time, thinking about how much she reminds me of Miss E,on.

For the first time (and last time for the night) Lili Whiteass did a lip sync.  I was a little disappointed that it was actually a lip sync, until she came over to get some tips...when I realized that she was actually singing along to the lip sync.

Bunny popped back out for a final number, and a response to a letter to the editor,  that had been posted earlier in the week, criticizing the Rep management for allowing the drag shows and B-movie nights to happen.

Lili Whiteass

Juju came out for her last number.  And, I was panicking at this point.  My camera battery was just about dead.  And, for whatever reason, I had decided to just bring the camera, and not the camera bag, which has a backup camera in it...That'll teach me.  (You'd have thought I would've learned after I forgot to bring any camera to Cherry Lemonade's American Idol viewing party...) With a couple of pictures I got, though, you'd have thought that Juju knew that I was the one taking pictures, because, at one point, she was staring dead into the camera, and it was almost like the end of the night was just for me and my camera.

The show was over.  And, so, we followed the herd back upstairs, for an after party.  Dan and I stood back, as much as possible, to stay out of the way of everyone who was getting pictures taken with the queens.  As people started to file out of the building, I went to get my last drink of the night.  Finally, when most of the crowd was gone, I asked Dan to start getting some pictures with the girls.

JuJubee posing for my camera

My pictures with Delta Miles came first.  She was fun.  We took a couple of serious ones.  Then, she decided to cover my face with her hand.  And, then, when we were done taking pictures, the sleeve of her dress got caught in my earring.

Rainbow Frite decided that Dan needed to be in the picture too, so she took a selfie of us...which kind of made me happy, because we don't really have a lot of pictures of us together.

I was kind of star-struck with Lili Whiteass, just because of how surprised I was by her performance...and because at one point, she had followed me for a second or two on Instagram.  And, I told her so...and then got home to find that I either had imagined it, or it really was for a second or two, because when I checked my followers, she wasn't there.  But, I found out that if she had followed me, even for a second or two, it was a fluke, because she doesn't usually follow people she doesn't know personally.

And, finally, I needed to get another picture with Jujubee.  Having met her before, and being able to talk to her that time, I knew I could talk to her this time.  So, I asked for my picture with her, and told her that the last time I got a picture with her, she had bitten my lip.  She was going for that again, and, well, she missed.  the picture makes it look like she was trying to eat my chin.  Which, actually, I thought was awesome.

Finally, we were the last people, aside from the performers, there.  So, it was time to head out.  The boys were staying in Portsmouth, so they were planning to go out.  At that point, I was tired.  I'd worked the overnight, and only slept about 4 hours after getting home.  So, I chose to go home, instead of going out.  Although, plans were made for definitely going out, in March, when they all come for the Battle of the Seasons show, here in Portland.

The show was amazing.  The night was amazing.  The people were amazing.  And, I realize now, why I need to make more of an effort to talk to people.  I need more people like this in my life.  I need more situations like this in my life.  Thank you to everyone who helped make this a night to remember!

If negativity breeds misery, then positive energy breeds happiness.  And, we can all use a little more happiness in our lives.  

I Still Get Jealous...

Shauna Rai, photo by Lauren Kennedy

It's no secret that at times, I am totally jealous of Shaunna Rai. Today (Sunday) gave me yet another reason to be jealous.
Today was a photo shoot with a local photographer, Lauren Kennedy.

Dan got up early, to get Shaunna together, for a 10:30 am appointment. I slept in, if you can consider sleeping until 8:30 am sleeping in. By the time I got up, Shaunna was already taking shape.

We got to the location for the shoot, Lauren's mother's house, before Lauren. She'd gone to get coffee.  She was back minutes after we got there, but, not before I was convinced that I was at the wrong house.

Lauren showed us in, and let us know kind of what to expect from the shoot. She had some questions for Shaunna about drag, that came out, throughout the shoot. 

Shaunna Rai,
photo by Lauren Kennedy

The first question was about pronouns, a topic that I feel like I'm relatively well versed in. I was glad I didn't try to answer for Shaunna, though, when she gave her answer. "Some people want you to use the pronoun that fits how they look. I, personally don't care either way. If you call me Dan when I'm Shaunna, I'll look. Just like if you call me Shaunna when I'm Dan, I'll look. To me it doesn't really make a difference, they're both me."  She then talked about how there are some queens, such as Mizery, who she has known for decades, but has no idea what Mizery's actual name is.

While Shaunna got into the first outfit, I talked with Lauren about whether it would be okay for me to take pictures of her taking pictures, for the blog. She said that would be fine, and encouraged me to get up and take pictures while she took hers.

"If you could turn this way..."

The first round of shots were to get the lighting right. As everything was being shot with a digital camera, I took adadvantage of being able to see the pictures as they were taken.  Once these shots were taken, she went to town. I thought that I took a lot of pictures,  as my average per show is about 100-150 useable shots...I'm sure that the total was well over twice that of shots in general.  Between having the vision and the speed with which the camera recovered from the flash, I was super jealous.


Lauren asked Shaunna about Drag Mothers. What are they,  exactly,  and are you one? Shaunna is drag mother to Jacinda, although,  she tries to avoid saying that she's anyone's drag mother. She would much prefer to be referred to as their "fairy drag mother," as Bunny Wonderland once called her.

Red Ribbon Gown, 
photo by Lauren Kennedy

For a little bit,  I got to play Shaunna's personal assistant...helping with costume changes, getting jewelry ready for this shot or that, and a couple times, I jumped to keep the lights from falling on someone. Oh, and a couple times, I ran to shoo Lauren's cats out of Shaunna's suitcase.

As Lauren posed Shaunna,  I often was looking at the pose from a much different angle, and had no idea how the picture was going to look good.  "Put your hand like this, but away from your face." What I saw made no sense, but apparently, translated much better from where she was standing.

"Just like that."

During another costume change, Lauren asked me about what I do...aside from writing the blog.  I explained about being a DSP and working in a group home.  And, lo and behold, she had actually done DSP work, as an ovenight staff.  I often forget how many agencies there are that provide long term and/or short term care for people.  And, it's always nice to be able to talk about my job, when I'm talking to someone who has actually done the work before, because they can understand some of the frustrations that other people may not.

Shaunna came back out, in the last outfit, and after what seemed like a million pictures,  the shoot was over. I was a little sad, because there were so many outfits that Shaunna had brought along, that never got used.  I jokingly said later, that Lauren just wanted to shoot Shaunna naked.

One of my shots of Shaunna Rai

Lauren who had been using her laptop to bring up a Pinterest board with pictures that she was using for inspiration for the shoot, took the memory card, and started uploading the images into her laptop, asking Shaunna to go through and mark the pictures that she liked.  Even the pictures that were just the pre-shoot test shots were amazing.

Lauren asked about if there were any photographers who only took pictures of queens.  Shaunna mentioned a couple of names of photographers (that I don't remember).  Really, the only name that came to mind for me was Jose Guzman Colon, who has shot a few of the RuPaul girls's pictures, that tend to be used mostly for promotional materials.  Lauren then talked about wanting to do some more shoots, with other drag queens, and maybe doing some group shots, and that sort of thing.  Shaunna was totally interested in doing something like that, and made sure to say so.

And, now, I'm jealous.  I want to have a photo shoot of my own.  Not that I expect much from it.  I'm far less photogenic than Shaunna is.  And, like everything else in my life, when I'm in front of the camera, I'm awkward.  I smile like a Cheshire cat, and look like a goofball.  But, I still wouldn't mind having some pictures of myself so that I could pretend for a few days that I'm famous enough for someone to want to take my pictures.  

They Tried to Make Her Go to Rehab...

Back in July, American Idol held auditions, here in Portland.  My friend Conor (Cherry Lemonade), went to the auditions.  From there, the trail went cold.  Conor wouldn't talk about how he did on the audition...and then there was a random trip to Kansas City, MO.

I've known for a while, that he was at least going to be on air.  I don't really know much more than that.

For the last week or so, Cherry has been in the midst of a media blitz.  Radio interviews, TV interviews, newspaper articles, and even a write up in an online article through INSTINCT magazine.

Thursday night, the second night of the premiere, was the first night of the Kansas City auditions.  Cherry had spent the week promoting a viewing party at Styxx.  For once, my schedule worked in my favor, and I was going to be able to go.

About 7:30 pm, we left to go to Styxx, just to make sure that we were going to get a seat, and be ready for the start of the show.  Cherry was mingling with her adoring fans, making sure that everyone knew how grateful she was that we were all there.

Given the fact that Cherry has been doing shows over the last few months, and has a few coming up in the next few months, talk turned to the upcoming shows, and the possibility of getting into some shows in Boston, in addition to the shows at Fran's Place.  Cherry told us about how that morning, 4 minutes into what should have been a radio interview, she was just waking up, and how non-stop all day, there were interviews, here, there and everywhere.  And, then, she was off again, mingling.

We grabbed our seats, in the alcove, by the DJ booth, in the front room.  As it got closer to show time, people came streaming in.  The guest list was pretty much a who's who of Portland.  For once, there were more people that I knew, at the bar, than that I didn't know.

Me with Cherry Lemonade

  We put ourselves in the perfect spot, apparently.  The TV screen was in front of us.  The TV crew from WGME, Channel 13, the CBS affiliate in Portland was parked outside, but the camera man was literally directly behind us...he asked us if we minded being recorded. And, I ended up on tv, so obviously, I didn't mind.  And, Cherry was back and forth in the DJ booth, all night, so we got the best of everything.

Of all the days, to not think before the show started, I forgot my camera at home.  I asked Cherry for a picture, to which she asked, "Will it end up in Dragged to the Inside?" It's cool to know that one of "my" queens is actually hoping that I'll write about her event.  

Our new friend the Camera Guy,
 in blue

The show started, and people quieted down.  Cherry gave a play by play, on some of the singers.  She revealed that each person was asked to prepare three songs to sing for the judges.  She also revealed that there were two other Mainers who made it to the "out of state" auditions, and that both of them had been invited to the event, to perform live.

Halfway through the show, it was still Nashville, and I began to wonder if we were actually going to see Cherry on tv...  And then, cuteness happened.  Conor, Cherry's male alter ego, would probably be able to give me names, because I'm bad about remembering names, but, I remember events...A mother came on to audition, and brought on her little girl.  The daughter sang "Let it Go" from Disney's Frozen, and I started tearing up, when JLo give the little girl a golden ticket (a feat that is usually only accomplished by watching Titanic. RENT or Philadelphia).

Cherry talking about the show

During commercial breaks, Cherry would alternate between showcasing local singing talent, and sharing stories about what it was like going through the audition process, occasionally jumping behind the bar to help keep up with the bartending duties.

At one commercial break, I checked my Facebook, and that was when I found the blip about Cherry on INSTINCT's page.  After freaking out about how cool it was, and reposting, I ran out to let Cherry know that she had made it as far as a National Gay Magazine's viewership, and since it was on Facebook, that meant international...

Finally, the Kansas City auditions started.  The stakes were getting higher.  This is the right city.  Each time a contestant finished, the next one could be Cherry.

Yeah, I might've taken a pic
of the heckler...

Unfortunately, for my little camped out group, this also became the time, when we received a big distraction from the show.  Around this time, a girl came in, who, most decidedly, is not a fan of, "What?! American Idol? The worst show ever..." and some choice expressions of disgust toward the show.

At this point, it was time for another drink.  Cherry had Cherry Lemonades as a special for the night, and I figured that since I've tried Shaunna Rai's Shaunna Rai drink, it was only fair.  Unlike Shaunna's Jaeger, Grey Goose and Redbull, Cherry's Cherry vodka and Lemonade was right up my alley.  It made the heckler just a little more bearable...or, maybe it made the responses to the heckler from Dan just a little funnier.

And then, the show was over.  And, Cherry wasn't on it.

There was disappointment, because, hey, we're all here to see Cherry. But, really, it wasn't Cherry's fault that the information she was given was that Kansas City would be on on Thursday... So, poor Cherry, apologized profusely, inviting everyone back for Wednesday's show, because that episode will also feature the Kansas City auditions, so she should be on that episode, and we should find out then, whether she got the Golden Ticket to Hollywood.

This is just my personal speculation, at this point, that she actually did get the Golden Ticket, because, to me, it wouldn't make as much sense to have a viewing party, if she knew she'd gotten the boot...

While this week, my schedule worked out, for the viewing party, Wednesday's schedule is not going to do the same.  Fortunately, I work in a home, so I can claim the TV while I do my paperwork, at 8pm.  But, it won't be the same as it would be if I were watching from Styxx.

I Wanna Kiss You at Midnight

Each time that Shaunna Rai has a show out of state, it brings about a slew of new stressors for us both.  I have to be sure that the car is loaded and that I haven't forgotten anything.  I have to be sure that I have the time off from work.  I have to be sure that if we're bringing someone with us, that I have the time to get them before we have to leave for the venue.  Toll money, gas money, ID, all of it. 

Add caption

So, Miss E,on was part of the show, so Tuesday night, we drove to Lewiston to pick him up.  Any time with Benni is always fun.  And, it was nice to see him, since it's been a long time.  

Wednesday morning, I had to be at work at 7am, so I had to go to bed early Tuesday night.  And, I had to be up early Wednesday morning.  The day was long, and frustrating, because I wasn't really feeling it.  I wanted to be off from work.  And, finally, 3pm came, and my day was over...sort of.  The boring part was over.  The fun part still was a few hours away.

Miss E,on does a Weird Al Yankovic mix

I enjoy the process of dragging up when E,on is around, because (quite frankly) I don't have to help as much with the location of hips, butt, etc.  I get to pretty much goof off, and get dressed for the show.  Then I'm the bag boy, and chauffeur.  E,on does all the hard work, and given their history, Shaunna and E,on have worked together for a long time, and know how to deal with each other's bodies.

Bonita Katrina

The drive is always the worst part, when it's an out of state venue.  While I was waiting for the girls to come out, I'd run to the gas station, to fill up, and remembered to set the GPS for Fran's Place. This is huge, because I never remember to do either before going somewhere new.  So, yay, me.  

Upon arrival, I parked in a loading zone.  And, then panicked, because it was 15 minute parking, and I was going to be there from 8pm-2am.  We checked in with Asia, and met Dineen, the manager, who had invited Shaunna Rai and Miss E,on to come perform, and then I took Shaunna's suitcase upstairs, to the dressing area.  Asia told me that I could move to the rear of the building into the No Parking zone, and I would be fine for the night.  So, I went to move the car...and promptly got lost, because where I thought there should be a cross road, there was none.  So, I turned around, and then, very rebelliously, I parked in the no parking zone. And, then prayed like I have never prayed before, that I didn't find my car missing at the end of the night.

Asia Thavone

I had to go back through the bouncer, and tell him who I was, and explain that I was the photographer for the night, and my name was on a list.  I was a little annoyed, but, hey, I'm a new face, and how is he to know who I am?  Shaunna and I grabbed drinks, with our drink tickets, and then went to talk to Asia.  Dineen came over to talk to us, and let us know what to expect for the night.  She asked me about my plans for pictures, and whether I was going to be selling CD's of the night, or not.  Figuring that it wouldn't hurt to try selling them, I said I would, and then started what was a very stressful tour of the bar, during which I  

Shaunna Rai performs
to Proud Mary.

went around to random people asking if  I could take their pictures, explaining that I was selling the CD's of the night, and handing out business cards.  And, surprisingly, I actually managed to sell a couple of CD's.

After being able to hardly conceal my excitement of having sold the CD's, I ran back over to Shaunna, to share my excitement. Dineen came back over, and introduced us to the owner of Fran's Place (whose name I have since forgotten).  He told us that he was excited to work with some new queens.  He told us about a couple of queens who had come to work with Fran's before, who had since moved on, but he wanted to keep queens in the picture.  

Cindy and Candy got engaged.

And, then, it was almost show time.  Shaunna and E,on went upstairs to start getting ready for their numbers, and tasked me with letting Bonita Katrina and Dee-Lish know that the show was close to starting.  This was cool.  I always kind of like getting to interact with the queens I don't know.  Bonita, I had seen on Facebook, prior to the show, so I had no problem talking to her, because I knew exactly who she was and what she looked like.  Dee-Lish, I didn't know.  And, I'd heard her called Delicious.  I wasn't sure what she looked like, and so I hoped when I actually saw her that I would recognize her.  And, I lucked out and did.  Only, I had to bite my tongue, and not use her name, because I couldn't remember it, in the moment, and would have, more or less put my foot in my mouth.

Dee-Lish

Just before the show, Dineen had me go out on the stage with her, as she told everyone who I was, and that I was going to be selling pictures.  She plugged this blog, and told people who were interested in getting pictures, to see me.

The show finally started. Dee-Lish was first, E,on did a Weird Al Yankovic number that I always enjoy, then came Bonita.  Shaunna was supposed to be up next, but the DJ was having trouble with the music, so there was a last minute switch up, for Asia to go, and then Shaunna.  And, as usual, the audience was singing along with Tina Turner's "Proud Mary." And, the first half of the show was over.

Miss E,on

Food was brought out, and a buffet set up.  People were dancing.  And, then, the countdown started.  10, 9, 8.... The clock struck midnight, and everyone kissed.  I got a rare kiss from Shaunna Rai.  And, then there was an announcement.  A pair of women were called out to the dance floor.  And, I witnessed my first proposal in person...and got to photograph it.  I just wished that I could've had a flash that recharged faster, so I could've gotten more pictures.  

Bonita Katrina

At some point in here, Dineen asked me to show myself again, while she let everyone know that I was going to be selling pictures from the night, and that anyone interested should see me. 

Dee-Lish again started off the second half of the show, E,on was "All About That Bass", Bonita did a number, that was mixed with clips of Miss Swan, from MAD TV (and I just about died, because I was laughing so much), then Shaunna and finally Asia.

Shaunna Rai

While my CD sales came to a grand total of two CD's, I had a lot of fun.   I started off the New Year, doing something that I love doing.  And, I started it off doing something that scared me.  Because, let's face it, I'm too shy for my own good, unless I'm hiding behind my blog.  By stepping out of my comfort zone, and actually talking to people I don't know, I proved to myself that I could do it.  I don't have to be the guy who hides in the background while Shaunna Rai mingles with her "adoring public."  Because, I can do that too, and get my name out there as someone who writes a silly blog about what it's like to go to all these drag shows, and hang out with drag queens, and as a photographer, who takes a ton of pictures.

I took more pictures throughout the rest of the evening, although, after the end of the show, things cleared out pretty quickly.  

Asia Thavone

Then, came the long trek back home.  The, "Oh crap, I hope I don't get stopped, because I don't know where I'm going, or which lane I need to be in..." moments.  The customary trip to pick up fast food for the way home.  And, finally, the minute we walk back through the door at home, and I more or less run to the bedroom and pass out on the bed.

In my history of 34 years worth of New Years Eves, I would say that this was, without a doubt top two.  The only rival, being the first year that Dan and I were together, when we went to Mainestreet, in Ogunquit.

Dineen, and Fran's Place, thank you so much for having us, and for having me, specifically.  I look forward to coming back in February, for Valentine's Day!