What Does the Fox Say?

When you're out and about and get Friday the 13th tattoos with your closest drag queen friends, there has to be a story...right!?

A photo posted by Steve Dixon (@dragged2inside) on May 14, 2016 at 11:07am PDT

Last weekend was a busy, crazy and fun weekend. Basically, everything that I needed after getting bad news about job prospects.

Friday night, we had the Portland Pride Launch Party. I had been asked to take pictures, in exchange for free admission for me, Shaunna Rai and Miss E,on. At least, that's how it was supposed to work. As with the party last year, I had to walk about three blocks to get there after parking. Only to find out that there was nothing for us...so needless to say, Shaunna wasn't happy.  And, it was my responsibility to fix it.

We ended up paying for our tickets, then got reimbursed. Not ideal, but it worked. The launch party was fun. Shaunna was announced along with Cherry Lemonade and drag king Jack Hardness as the judges for the Pride parade. There were so many performances, and I basically was glued to the camera and didn't really interact with anyone...although, my flame glitter beard did get noticed by the MC and I got a shout out.

The night finally was over and I could put the camera away. A few of the other drag queens were going to Styxx, for drinks, so we went along.

As it was Friday the 13th, it turned out to be a very interesting, fun night.

Shortly after going to Styxx, we were told about a shop that was doing tattoos for $20 for as long as they had a line. So, what happens? A troupe of drag queens descended on Lucky's Tattoos. Gigi Gabor had called ahead to see if they were still open, and when she told them that they would be getting a group of queens coming in, they couldn't turn it down.

So, we left Styxx and walked to the tattoo parlor. Shaunna said she would pay for mine, since I'd paid for drinks. We got there, and they said that they were going to cut off just before I would have been able to go. Gigi, Cherry, Shaunna, E,on and Lady Ginger went to sign their lives away as far as paperwork went. I have been wanting another tattoo for a while, especially since I paid for Dan to get one for Valentine's day. So, when she said they wouldn't be taking any more people, I advocated for myself and asked. And, because I was with the queens, I lucked out.

Since we now had a place in line, we headed down the street to Studio 55. And, we ended up closing the club. So, we headed back to the parlor. Jacinda  (who came in boy form) and I had to run to move our cars so they wouldn't get towed.

Finally, we hunkered down for the night...or morning...since it was like 2am by now. There were still a few people ahead of us. The tv was on, and it was sports. Shaunna complained that queens don't care about sports. The tv eventually listened, and changed to some kind of nature show.

"What the fuck!?" I looked up to see people shoot a hippo, and then butcher it on air. What the fuck, indeed. Once that was over, Wild America, a show from the 80's came on. And, again, dying animals...this time at the hands...teeth of other animals.

Finally, it was time to get tattooed. Gigi was first. When talking about what people were going to get, she had said she would be getting the number 207, to represent her Maine drag sisters. I thought that was awesome. 

E,on got the Deathly Hallows (from Harry Potter).

Ginger was excited, because this would be her first tattoo. She got a diamond, with the number 13.

Cherry got a two for one design. She combined a cherry and a lemon, to represent...well...herself.

Shaunna decided to get a key...on her butt cheek...and made sure everyone knew that it was the key to unlock her asshole. Little did she know that it actually unlocked the asshole in someone else. The guy who was supposed to do her key refused to tattoo her ass. So, she got a cool woman instead. The tattooer had to rip Shaunna's tights to do it. And, admitted afterward that it was two firsts for her that night...the first ass she ever tattoed, and the first drag queens she had ever tattooed.

And finally, I got a fox. The guy who refused to do Shaunna's ended up doing mine. And, I think he took out frustration on me during my linework...it hurt way more than the coloring did.

While the fox really doesn't have a drag related story...other than it was done with five queens in full drag...it does have a story, other than that it's cute and looks like something I would draw.

The fox is kind of a spirit animal of sorts...and the story of why is kinda morbid. I was picking a client up from work, and got behind another car. A fox ran out in front of the first car, and was hit and killed. But, before it died, it locked eyes with me. I've been drawn to foxes ever since.

By the time we were done, it was just about 4am. Which normally wouldn't be an issue...except we were doing the Zumba weekend starting at 9am. By the time we got home to go to sleep it was 5am. I still had to wash off my glitter beard and didn't get to sleep until almost 6. Only to be woken up 2 hours later, for a full day of running, taking pictures at the Zumba retreat.

But, it was so worth staying up all night. Because, I mean, really...who else can say, honestly, that they got tattooed with five drag queens on Friday the 13th? I'm willing to bet the number of people who can, is pretty small.

Remembering the Underground

In the grand scheme of things, in terms of the gay community,  I'm about preschool age as a gay man. Looking back on my life, I find that by settling down at 19, I missed out on a lot of the "scene", during my 20's and very early 30's. There is so much history that I have been learning about Portland's, Lewiston's, Augusta's and Bangor's gay history. And, now, there is only Portland left with any semblance of a gay bar, until you head south.

Miss JoAnn

So, when the announcement was made that Styxx was going to host a show called Remembering The Underground, it was one I wanted to go to. The premise, being that years ago, the space now known as Styxx was another business, called The Underground (fitting, as the club/bar is in the basement of the building, therefore it is Underground).

Back in the day, they had shows there all the time. Queens from Boston would come and perform. There was always a line around the corner, just to get in.

This was going to be a #throwbackthursday on a live stage. The queens would be performing music from the '90's and reminiscing about the old days, and some of the Queens and Kings who have either stopped performing by choice or have passed away.

Madame Sheena

For the first time I got kind of snotty about posters. I designed and redesigned, to totally different specifications the poster. I promoted on my own pages. And the performers either didn't share it at all, or literally just hit the share now button on Facebook, and didn't give reasons why anyone would want to go. I took out frustration on everyone, and feel the need to apologize.

The night itself was going to be fun. Both Miss E'on and Leanna Love, ended up being in the show as two other queens had canceled at the last minute.

And, Dan's daughter was going to be there, and get to see Shaunna Rai perform for the first time...aside from at a hair school show. Other than a little chit chat on Facebook, I hadn't really had much interaction with Logan so, I was looking forward to it.

We got to the bar, and I took the bags to the back, as usual. Miss JoAnn was already there. She greeted us warmly, and said something about her age, in response to something Leanna had said about being too old. (Miss JoAnn, I think is the oldest drag queen I know.)

Danielle Dior

Once things were squared away, I went to get Shaunna and myself something to drink. I may have gotten a little snippy with the lady at the door, when I went back to give Shaunna her drink...I drove with half the performers, with no gas money involved, and you're going to charge me a cover? (I now see that I'm just as bad as the rest of the people I complain about. I've been given too many free entries, for being the driver, that it has gone to my head.) And, I learned my lesson. When I'm already in the back, for a show, just wait until the back bar opens...

DJ ChrisO started the music, for the night, and in a way I was transported back in time. The music was the music that was new when I was finishing high school, and starting art school. (In other words, the soundtrack to my coming out.) Whitney Houston's It's Not Right came on, and I literally flashed back to my first time ever in a gay night club, in Philadelphia, at Woody's, when I was just over 18.

Leanna Love

The show started, and Madame Sheena started off the introductions.  Shaunna, E,on and Leanna paid homage to a group of girls that Shaunna used to perform with (the ISG...International Show Girls, who used to perform on the Scotia Prince cruise, back in the day.)

Miss JoAnn was introduced, and a joke was made about her having been performing since 1912...she really isn't that old...I got some great shots of her. Her Somewhere Over the Rainbow was a great number. It's one of my favorite songs, and it just fit for her to do it.

Barbara Streisand made an appearance. Oh, wait, no, that was Madame Sheena.

Danielle Dior, who is a former Miss Gay Maine, and was a fixture in The Underground days, hosting both the shows and Strip Night, did a number.

Shaunna Rai

Leanna, who I normally have a hard time getting good pictures of, did a version of Fever, by Madonna, and I got a few really good shots of her too.

Somewhere in between numbers, I saw our friends Andrea and Dana. I talked to Andrea a bit about a game that I'm excited to see come out, and she talked about someone that she was kind of seeing, having invited her to go to some kind of gamer convention in Boston. Dana asked me if it would be ok for him to put a dollar bill in his fly for tipping Shaunna. I never know what's appropriate until afterward,  so I gave my blessing...only because I know he wouldn't do anything bad.

E,on did her number,  which, for the life of me, I can't remember what it was. The one thing I do remember, was our friend Steve giving her a tip...in his teeth, and the huge grin on his face after. This is what shows are supposed to be about. Having fun.

Miss E,on

The thing I was most looking forward to, was the banter about the back in the day queens, who are no longer around. We reached Donna Summer's Last Dance, and the banter was not there. I knew little more about the old days than I did before I went. That was my only disappointment from the show.

The show was over, and the queens were heading back to pack up. Shaunna was still socializing, and introduced me to a couple, who asked if I could take a picture of them. They had met at The Underground, years ago, and wanted a picture, to commemorate it.

Finally, we were on our way home. The trip home from Portland seemed so much shorter than it did when we were in Portland after driving from Portsmouth.

An Evening With Danielle Dior

The host for the night,
Danielle Dior.

So, the night started out with me in a panic, that I wasn't going to make it to the show.  It was pretty much, in my mind, a case of, I wish I'd known sooner.

When I finally left work, on time, for once, it was with the expectation of arriving back in Portland at the end of the show, with nothing to do, but go home and go to bed.  The drive was long and boring.  And, finally, I made it back to Portland...where the roads were iffy, because we were still digging out from a storm that left a couple feet of snow.

Madame Sheena

I got to Styxx and Shaunna Rai was there, talking with a couple of people that we know.  I got a drink, and proceeded with talking about my frustrating day at work, with a co-worker, who had a hard time keeping track of residents. And, I was reminded that I smile, a lot.  My parents came up in conversation, about how accepting and supportive they are.

Lo and behold, the show had yet to start.  By the time the announcement was made that the show would be starting in five minutes, I think I'd gone through half my drink... Cherry Lemonade made a point of welcoming me to the show...and it made me smile, because who doesn't like a personal "Thanks for coming."

Cherry Lemonade in an Adore
Delano inspired look.

I'd smuggled my camera in, because, well, that's what I do.  I'm the picture guy.  And, for whatever reason, I want to document the drag that I see.  They're all the Candy Darlings, to my Andy Warhol.  (If you don't get the reference, Google it.)

The show started, and I had to say, it was a little odd to me.  Danielle is a Blackstones girl.  I hear, back in the day, when Styxx was the Underground, that Danielle was there a lot.  But, as long as I've known Danielle, it's been rare to see her out at Styxx, much less, performing there.  Danielle always starts the show off, with a thank you to us, the audience, for being there, and then goes into her first number.

Danielle Dior

Shaunna commented that she loved Danielle's outfit, and Cherry Lemonade came over and sat with us for a few minutes, before heading to the back to get ready for her number.

Madame Sheena was up next. I always enjoy her performances...although, my camera, doesn't as much.  She's a fast mover, and the camera tends to have a hard time focusing on her.

Madame Sheena

Cherry Lemonade came out for her number, looking like Adore Delano.  I loved the look.  She used the cage on the dance floor in her number.  At the end of the number, she took the mic, and reintroduced Danielle, for her second number.

Cherry Lemonade working
the Stripper Pole

Sheena came back out for her second number, and Cherry was back out for her second number.  This was one of the more memorable numbers for the night, because, well, the Stripper Pole.  While there was no upside down hanging, Cherry worked the pole, and I was happy to see that I got some cool pictures of it.

Danielle as Liza Minelli

Danielle came out for her next to last number.  I was a little disappointed, because initially, the DJ started playing the Madonna version of "Don't Cry For Me, Argentina," in error.  The correct song was actually a Liza medley.

Madame Sheena

At this point in the show, I was apparently, in the photo zone.  Why do I say that?  Well, for one, I'd taken probably 1100 pictures at this point.  (I took advantage of the settings that I'd found before the last show.)  But, apparently, at some point, about halfway through the number, there was a wardrobe malfunction.  When editing the pictures later, I was very much distracted by Danielle's nipple staring me in the face in about 100 pictures or so.

Danielle Dior

Sheena did one more number, and Danielle came out for her final number.  And, just like that, the show was over.

I sometimes wonder if the shows actually go so fast for the performers as they do for me.  I think part of it has to do with the fact that I'm focused on things, usually, other than enjoying myself.  (Not that I give up the enjoyment of the show, for the pictures, because that's totally not the case.)  I'm just usually more in the zone of point and shoot, than watch, tip, enjoy, repeat.

But, I have to admit, sometimes it pays off to be the guy who zones out by taking pictures.  On the way out, I mentioned to Josh (the bar owner) that I had taken a ton of pictures.  He told me to make sure to post them, and he'd make sure that next time I was there, I got a drink or two on the house, as payment.  Not a bad deal, for something that I would've done for free anyway.

Me, Me, I'm First!

Me, with Mimi Imfurst

Over the summer, last year, Dan and I watched some Dvd's of past Dragapalooza performances. On one DVD, was a familiar face.  Mimi Imfurst, who is one of the most hated RuPaul's Drag Race queens, was performing on the same stage with Shaunna Rai. I watched amazed, and was at a loss for words.

When Styxx announced Mimi's Holiday Hangover Show was coming for one night, and the cover was only $5, it was a given that I would have to go. I needed Mimi to redeem herself for doing androgynous drag at the Pride finale on Peaks Island. I needed a picture, so I had proof that I had met her. And, the androgeny just wasn't going to work for me.

Just after the announcement was made, Shaunna Rai made the announcement that she would be performing with Mimi and a "new" girl, from New Hampshire, Cece Georgia. I quickly rushed to update the poster with the guest performers.

Mimi visited my parents' table, and kept grabbing my drink.

Over the next few days, I heard about how Mimi was texting Dan, talking about how excited she was for the show, and getting music sets for everyone. And, in the meantime, I'm just still thinking how cool it is that my boyfriend is texting Mimi Imfurst. 

Since the show was two days after Christmas, I made it part of my parents' gifts. They came to visit, took me out to eat (since Dan doesn't eat until Shaunna is packed away) and we got a doggie bag for later.

Having been given a time constraint on when to be back, I made sure we made it back on time.  Then came the process of putting on the body. This is the part that I think I like the least. I know what needs to be done, and I have a bad habit of not communicating what I need Shaunna to do. Needless to say, it causes a bit of tension.

 For the first time, my mom saw exactly what goes in to putting Shaunna Rai together. For the rest of the night, she couldn't stop talking about it.

We got to Styxx early. So early, that Mimi wasn't even Mimi yet. Finally they opened up the dance room, for the show. I bought the tickets and then we went in to wait for the show to start. 

Cece finally showed up, and looked lost. Doing my duty, I showed her to the dressing room.

Shaunna Rai

Finally, it's show time. Mimi comes out, introduces everyone, and starts her performance. Somehow, I had forgotten that Mimi actually sings live. And, in the first song, my feelings toward Mimi as a performer changed completely.

Given that during Mimi's appearance on Drag Race, she picked up India Ferrah, and earned a place as a "Villain", she ended up relatively low on my list of queens I wanted to meet. But, after seeing her performances, she earned my respect. Mimi is now at the top of my list of queens I would see again.

Shaunna, as usual was amazing. It was funny hearing Mimi talk about Shaunna. What I didn't know is that Shaunna has been around since before Mimi was created.  Hearing Mimi call her a legend and "historic" was really cool.

Cece Georgia

I was nervous for Cece, since it was her first time in Portland, and she was working with someone famous...and needed to impress. She did great. As a photographer, I had a hard time getting pictures of her, just because she was in the audience more than on the dance floor/stage.

And, just like that, the show came to an end. My parents had to leave, as mom had to work early in the morning. After they left, I went out back, and got in a couple of selfies with Mimi and Shaunna. We stayed for a couple drinks, then it was time to go home and get some food.

Mimi proved that she could bring it, the same way she did on the Drag at Sea Cruise, roasting Michelle Visage. Seeing her live and in person, she is super sweet and, not at all the villain she was portrayed as on RuPaul's Drag Race.  And, unlike many of the Drag Race performers that I've seen come "from away," she didn't "dumb it down". Maybe she picked someone up during a lip sync for her life, but I think it's time to forgive her and move on. Thank you, Mimi Imfurst, for a great show, and giving me a reason to reexamine what I thought I knew.

Evie Does It

Sometimes, people creep into your life, and make their way into your heart. Often, I fight against letting this happen.  I have a bad habit of pushing people away, who want to be close to me, because I have this fear of them leaving.  So, if I don't let them in, they can't hurt me when they leave. (I know, it's lame.  But, it's real. Working in Social work, I see it all the time.)

When I first moved to Portland, it was to get away from having been hurt.  I figured, if I moved somewhere, where nobody knew me, that I could start over fresh.  And, really, I didn't expect that I would end up with friends...all my friends were from other places, and eventually, I would let those friendships lapse, as I got busier and busier with my new life.

Somewhere along the lines about two and a half years ago, I went to Blackstones, for the first time.  I knew of it, because of my roommate at the time, talking about it.  It had a reputation, from what I had heard of being a "leather bar," a "daddy bar", and "a dive bar," but above all else, it was most decidedly, "a GAY bar."  I was terrified.  I did the straight boy thing, and worried that everyone in the bar was going to hit on me, because I was a new, fresh face in the bar.  (I wasn't entirely wrong...)

Scott was one of the first people that I met.  He came over, and started talking to me, and introduced himself.  He intimidated me, at first.  We connected over the fact that I work in the social work field, and was at the time, working with a population of people with developmental disabilities, because he had a son who was disabled.

The first time I met Evie Does-It, I was flustered.  I couldn't figure out why I knew her, but I knew that I knew her.  Evie had a bad habit of talking more than she should, and throwing attitude at the wrong people.  At first I didn't get it.  But, when Shaunna Rai started bartending at Blackstones earlier this year, things started to finally make sense.

A lot of people have a bad habit of talking too much, when they shouldn't about people who don't deserve it.  Scott/Evie had medical problems, and a lot of ribbing came at the expense of those medical problems.  And, so, Evie did what I do, and pushed people away, by being bitchy to them.  She tried it with Shaunna once, and was read the riot act.  After that, their relationship changed, more to a mentoring kind of relationship.  Evie would ask Shaunna for advice about drag, and that was that.

Evie came to every drag show that I ever went to, in Portland.  She loved it.  And, a few months ago, she was talking about the fact that she was going to have a surgery to help lose some weight. Then, after the surgery, watch out world, because Evie is going to hit the stage.

Evie had started having wigs done by Dan, and her look was evolving, somewhat.  I would have loved to have seen what she could have become, with more time and guidance.

Unfortunately, Scott passed away last Saturday.  His timing couldn't have been worse.  Latrice Royale, from RuPaul's Drag Race, was coming to Styxx that night, and he was really looking forward to going.  Scott even had a date for the night.

I found out that he had passed, while I was at work.  And, working in the field I work in, it's hard to keep your emotions in check all the time. Especially for me, because my poker face is busted, and everything that goes through my mind shows up on my face. And, the kids I work with have been in the system long enough that they know how to read someone.  I was worried that something was going to happen to him, because he'd been in the hospital, and Dan, after one of the last shows, had said that he thought that something bad was going to happen, because Scott's skin looked off colored.  What I didn't expect, though, was how hard it would hit me.

Any time I tried to talk about him, I got choked up.  And, twice, before the show, I almost broke down in tears.  I would have skipped the show altogether, if I hadn't been tasked as the official photographer for the show.  And, then I thought about what he would have said to me.  And, realized that for as long as I've known him, he always wanted happiness for everyone he knew.  And, he would have wanted me to go, enjoy the drag, to know that he wasn't in pain anymore, and that he was there in spirit...

My heart goes out to Scott's family and friends.  I'm not able to go to his funeral, which makes me sad.  So, I will figure out some other way to say my goodbyes to him.

Evie, you'll be missed, and Blackstones will never be the same place without you. Good bye my friend.

Big Doings....

I often feel like there is either a ton of stuff going on, or nothing going on.  Just like last year, the spring is the kick-off for drag season.  (I really hadn't thought about it, but the beginning of Drag Race, is more or less the unofficial beginning of Shaunna Rai's drag season.)

Last week, was the official start of Shaunna Rai's Happy Hours at Blackstones.  It was also the start of two new jobs for me.  Well, one new job, and being hired at a second.  So, Friday night, we decided to go out to celebrate.  

I had a few drinks. Chad and his man came, and hung out for a while.  Then, they left.  And, then, apparently, all hell broke loose.  Dan asked me if I wanted another drink, and I accepted.  I took a couple of sips of the new drink.  And, then, everything else I know, until I got home, I'm relying on hearing from other people.  Apparently, at some point, after the second sip of my drink, I lost consciousness.  I fell off my stool, and ended up on the floor.  My eyes rolled up in my head, and I was babbling incoherently.  I got up and back on a stool, and then, within minutes, I was back on the floor again, unconscious.  JR, the bartender gave me a glass of water (which I do remember) that I took a sip of, and then, BAM!  Back on the floor, unconscious.  The next thing I remember, was coming home, Dan asking me if I was okay. And, my going to sleep.  The next morning, the only thing I could think of was that I now knew what it felt like to be an abused person.  When I fell, I apparently, fell on some steps.  With my face.  And my arm.  I'm still sore in both spots, and it's been almost a week.

Tonight, is the first of a few events for Pride Fundraisers.  The next one, will be on Friday, at Blackstones.  Tonight, though, is at Styxx.  I was grateful, that today, after my training, I didn't have shadowing at the second job.  I got to come home and take a little bit of a nap, before the girls started getting ready.  Shaunna and Vanila will be serving up shots at Styxx, while some of the heads of the Pride Committee will be guest bartending, and Cherry Lemonade will be DJing.  And, it will all conclude with a show, around 11pm tonight.  

For me, tonight, is both a good thing, and a curse.  It's great, because it's something that I feel strongly about. We need Pride.  I've lived too many years, just being the gay guy, who didn't acknowledge that there was anything even a tiny bit good about being gay.  Last year was my first Portland Pride. And, given that I'm a Portland-er, I feel that given everything that is going on with the old committee and creating a whole new committee to chair Pride this year, I need to do what I can.  So, I'm already promoting any kind of fundraiser that I can.  And, I'm going to be as much of a part of it as I can be.  Whether that means that I'm posting facebook posts, or blogging about it, or attending events.  Even if I have to be at work at 8:30am, and ready to learn CPR/First Aid (again) tomorrow.

I guess, what it comes down to, is that I've never really been able to advocate for anything, or anyone, other than clients that I've worked with, doing the social work thing.  And, I've always wanted, and believed that I was meant to advocate for more.  I should be able to stand up for gay rights, or Pride, or AIDS research, or whatever the hell I want to.  Now, I have both the outlets and the abilities to do so.  So, I need to really take advantage of it.  

So, if you have time, and money, to do so, consider coming out to Styxx in Portland tonight, or Blackstones Portland, on Friday.  Or just donate what you can to Pride Portland, at: http://www.gofundme.com/prideportland

What it's Like to be a Bar Husband...

One of the interesting things that's going to be coming in the near future, is Shaunna Rai's guest bar tending stint at Blackstones.  She's been talking about bar tending at one of the local bars, pretty much, since I've known her.  Because, really, who is EVER going to forget about being served their drinks by a drag queen?  And, who is going to not tell everyone they know about it.

So, this is going to be starting on Saturdays, right around March 15th.

In the meantime, Dan will be training, to learn where everything is, and how to make the drinks, and the pricing and all that stuff, on Wednesdays for Happy Hour.

Up until recently had never considered what it would be like to be the other half of a bar tender.  To be completely honest, it's just like being the other half of a drag queen.  I knew it was going to be different than just going to the bar, like we normally do.  Because, I'd be sitting alone.  And, Dan (or Shaunna Rai) will be behind the bar, serving drinks.

Like so many other things that I've come to realize, by writing these blogs, I realized that I was jealous.  A) Because when I first moved to Portland, I'd hoped to become a bartender, at some point. and B) Because by sitting there watching, I got a little jealous of the guys who were flirting with him, while he was getting drinks ready for them.  The latter, I think, comes from the fact that I am an observer.  I watch people.  So, I notice the way people look at each other.  I notice the way that someone's fingers linger on someone else's just a second or two longer than is comfortable for most people.

So, what I need to remember, is that bartender Dan is going to be a character. Just like Shaunna Rai is a character.  Because, I know that he's going home with me at the end of the night.  And, flirting is all part of the game. It gets better tips.  As long as I can keep that in mind, then I'm going to be fine.  Because, for whatever reason, knowing that it's a character, makes it easier for me to deal with it.  There's some kind of separation that goes on in my mind that makes it all okay.  Yeah, I know. It's weird. But, it's me...

Meet: Bunny Wonderland

Bunny Wonderland

If you recall, a couple of weeks ago, I decided that I needed to do some research into what it's like to be a drag queen, because I intend to try to make a graphic novel about it...at some point.  And, I wrote down a bunch of interview questions, and posted it all over the place.  Because, when you live with drag queens, you know a lot of other drag queens, and therefore it should be easy to get a whole lot of answers, right?  Wrong.  I literally got two responses.  Well, three, because Dan/Shaunna Rai will answer any questions I have any time I ask.

So, as a way of keeping track of who answered, and a way of promoting for them, I'm going to go out on a limb, and give out some of the answers that I received.

The first, and fastest, to get back to me was Bunny Wonderland.  I met Bunny for the first time, at the Lewistunning Dragapalooza, last summer, when Shaunna Rai co-hosted it.  I'd heard her name, but knew nothing about what of drag she would be categorized in, and so went in totally unprepared for the act.  What came through, was immediately clear, she is hilarious.  The act started with A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes, and moved through The Sound of Music, right on to a demonic possession from The Exorcist.  In short, my mind was blown.

So, who is Bunny Wonderland?

Amber Snow, Bunny Wonderland, Shaunna Rai

Bunny's portrayer, Knate, actually got his start, doing drag, hosting Rocky Horror Picture Show, at the Movies at Exchange Street, in Portland, back in 2001. Bunny made her first appearance at an AIDS Benefit Drag Show, in 2005. Now that I've paraphrased some of her bio, I'll let her speak. "As usual, my first time out of the gate was...well...less than polished. But, I had a taste of the freeness that Drag brings, and with it a happy outlet for gender expression, and needless to say, I was hooked. I was approached by Southern Maine Pride, to be the Princess of Pride in 2006, and to act as a Youth Ambassador. I gave Bunny a full makeover, bought some "cute" dresses and started hanging with other queens (Shaunna Rai, Ariel Gibbs, Amber Snow, etc.) I learned a few tricks of the trade, and developed my character.  Bunny slowly transitioned from a retro kitsch queen to full blown punk debutante in a matter of months. She still to this day has a touch of retro style, and mouth of a sailor. I always wanted Bunny to be sweet as pie, and community oriented. I always have Bunny be the one when someone else says "NO," she says, "Yes, and?""

My personal favorite part of learning about drag queens is how they got their names.  Because, I don't know, it's just fun.  They run the gamut of "First Pets Name+Street You Grew Up On=Drag Name" (In my case, it would be Spice Andrews.)How'd Bunny get hers?
"I've been a vegetarian for close to 15 years. Vegetarian=Bunny.  I have always had an affinity for strong fictional female characters, and my first show was at the hookah bar in Portland, ME. Combined=Wonderland"

What's your favorite part of doing drag?
"The ability to make people laugh, think and be moved by a smart and clever performance is the reason I do drag. Hands down, nothing is more important to me than having someone walk away from a performance and go, "That was fucking awesome." I could lip sync to Beyonce for 7 mins and collect a fistful of tips, but honestly...that's not my speed. I also love the pomp and circumstance that comes with "putting on the mask." People treat you very differently while in drag, and I kinda like it. I can do, say, and be something I normally wouldn't be."

Queens tend to get categorized. (ie. Comedy, Club kid, Pageant Queen) What category do you consider yourself to be?
Campy, Esotreric Punk Debutant

Bunny Wonderland

I have experiened stage fright every time that I've ever done anything on stage.  Have you ever experienced stage fright while performing? How did you overcome it?
I have only experienced stage fright as Bunny once. In 2007, I performed my largest performance to date, hosting Oberlin Drag Ball in Ohio, close to 2000 people. I was to be sent down an elevator for my opening appearance and I was terrified. I waited for close to 30 mins for the damn thing to go down and for the show to start. I kept saying "Let's get this started, I'm scared being up here!" but the show never started. Finally, someone came to me, up in the stage grid and said, "We're waiting for your call to start!" I had no idea that I was supposed to give the word. I said go, and I felt the thing go down to the stage and I almost died of fright.

Have you ever won any titles/awards?
Princess of Southern Maine Pride 2006-2008.

Good or bad, tell me about some of your backstage experiences with other queens.
I have always had an easy time getting along with other queens. I have seen everything from catty comments, to full blown fights but I have never been on the receiving end of them (thankfully). There was one time backstage, while I was hosting an amateur drag competition that a queen competing threw a HUGE hissy fit trying to get a thigh high boot on. She literally lost her damn mind, screaming, crying, kicking, swearing, hitting her friend to help her. I remember thingking to myself, "I will never take drag as seriously as that girl..." (btw, this is NO one we know, this girl lasted very shortly on the scene, mostly due to her bad attitude). I was in shock at what I was seeing, and couldn't believe that someone would react so violently to putting on a fucking boot...

Shaunna Rai does her own makeup, and hair. She sometimes hires out Benni Bernard for costumes, when it's not something that she can do on her own.  Do you do all your own hair, makeup and costuming? Or, do you have help with some or all of the above?
"I do my own makeup, hair and costumes. I usually buy wigs online and then style them myself, add hair, additions. Costumes, I buy a silhouette I think works well for me, and add to it. Makeup has pretty much always been the same "palate" if you will. With tweaks and the like thrown in over the years.

I've had so many "adventures, since I started hanging out with Dan/Shaunna Rai. Tell me about a memorable adventure that you've had that you would not have had if not for drag.
What I'm doing now would not be possible without my yeats as Bunny. I currently run a series at a professional theatre that combines drag, burlesque, film and onstage industry professionals from film. Basically, I host a night of cult films, and we have someone from that film do an onstage interview with Bunny. I've worked with everyone from Lloyd Kaufman (Toxic Avenger), Rae Dawn Chong (Color Purple, Commando) to Michael Finnell (Gremlins) and Noah Hathaway (The Neverending Story).

When you're out of drag, what do you do? (ie. Work, fun, etc.)
I work as a producer/arts programmer for Seacoast Repertory Theatre. I also am a resident actor for the Rep as well. I serve on a bunch of Arts boards including NHPTA (New Hampshire Professional Theatre Association) and the NH Chapter of TED Talks.

Obviously, I am not a drag queen, and I'm doing this to research what it is like to be one.  Tell me anything else that you think might be important for me to know, to get inside the head of a drag queen.
We crave attention. It is what fuels us. No matter what anyone says, it's always about attention and intention. And that, kind sir, is not a bad thing at all.

What's Community Got to Do With It?

The gay community as a whole, tends to be a little more giving than your average community.  Part of this, is that there is more disposable income.  Part of this, is that we tend to band together to support our own.  This however, can be a double edged sword for the community.  If we're banding together for the right reasons, we can make things happen.  We can raise money for our causes.  We can donate enough food to stock a food pantry, completely, without the help of our hetero friends and family.

Tomorrow night, at Blackstone's, at 9pm, there is a benefit drag show.  Four of the Portland favorites will be performing, and there's potential for some other guests. Vanila Honey-Bush, Shaunna Rai, Danielle Renee Phillips, and Cherry Lemonade will be the performers for the evening.

Blackstone's shows are usually on Sundays, with JR playing DJ and bartender.  So, why on a Saturday?

Last Sunday, Shaunna Rai, Vanila Honey-Bush and I went to Styxx, to watch the Lip Synch For Your Life event, with DJ Cherry Lemonade. While there, between making fun of the performers, OR being surprised at how well they'd done, I happened to check my Facebook.  Front and center, there was a story about a house in Portland that was ablaze as of 9:30pm.  Now we'd just left the house, prior to that. There was a non-descript picture of where it was.  And, for a minute, I thought, "God, that could be our place." And, I quickly ran through my memory, to make sure that I remembered blowing out all the candles, and everything before we left.

Anyway, we came home to a home.  Some others in our community were not so lucky.  Three of our own were living in the building that had caught fire.

The show tomorrow night, is a benefit for those who were not as lucky as we were, to be able to come home to a home.  There will be a 50/50 and raffles. And, I encourage anyone who will be in the area tomorrow, to come out for this show.  Help us show those effected that we're behind them, and willing to help them out.  And, help us prove again, why the drag community is among the top of the fund raisers in the LGBT community as a whole.  

Happy New Year!

Shaunna Rai

The period between Halloween and New Year's, was kind of a slow time for Shaunna Rai. And, it's been an interesting time for me. 

I gave up my job, in an attempt to eliminate some stress from my life.  Of course, immediately, I picked up some new stressors...like being broke, and the search for a new job.  Because, at the moment, the blog isn't making me any money...nor are any of my other talents.

Right around Christmas, though, Shaunna Rai started making appearances again.  The first was for the USM Drag Show. Then, an event at Styxx to promote World Aids Day in affiliation with the Frannie Peabody Center.  This was a bit of a disappointment, because there was very little interest in free testing. Shaunna and I both got tested, and I believe that Vanila did as well. And, the good news is that the tests came back negative.  This was the culmination of a few other events around town with the Peabody Center.  And, gave me more of a human face to the disease.  This of course, makes me sound like I didn't know anyone who has it.  The truth of the matter is, that the event prior to the Styxx event, held at the Salt Museum, was the first time that I heard a first hand experience of what it was like to have it, from the beginning of the epidemic.  It was the first time that I felt like I wanted to do something more to contribute toward finding a cure, or even assisting people who are afflicted with it.

Mercadies Chanel

Christmas came, and this was when Shaunna started really making her weekly appearances around town. Dan has been working less hours, and has had a lot more time at home, to work with wigs.  So, over the last couple months, Shaunna Rai, and Vanila Honey-Bush have gotten new hair.   I got a new camera from my parents for Christmas, so new pictures will be coming.  And, the new pictures have helped me with a new business venture of my own...

The drawings here, are drawings that I have been doing, as commissions for people.  Dan has been encouraging me to do something with my drawings for almost as long as I've known him. And, for the most part, I've avoided it. Why? The same reason that I avoid a lot of things.  Fear.  Fear of not being good enough, fear of having people tell me that I suck.  And, the stupidest fear of all...the fear that I would actually enjoy it, and start drawing again on a regular, full time basis.  And out of them all, the last was the one that has come true. I've drawn more since the start of the new year, than I did the entirety of last year and the year before combined.  Sad but true. Commissions can be requested via my email: swd8880@yahoo.com and can be paid for via paypal using the same email address. Pricing starts at $25, but varies depending on the complexity of the picture.  The drawings will be totally customisable, to the buyer's specifications.

Mizery

Two out of the last 3 weeks, Shaunna Rai has been out of state performing, with the two other queens featured in the drawings, Mercadies Chanel, and Boston's Mizery.  And, she's in fact headed back there this weekend to perform with them again. At the end of the last show, I got a shout out from Mercadies, for the drawings that I had done of her...she called out my name in front of everyone, and told them to check out the drawing that she is using as her profile picture on Facebook, then told them that I am accepting commissions.  It was an awkward, but awesome feeling to hear my name called.

Shaunna Rai will again be performing with Mercadies and Mizery at Club 313 in Manchester, New Hampshire, this Saturday.  She has a show coming up in March, and potentially may have a show on a cruise out of Portland harbor sometime in May.

Her show schedule is starting to fill up, and that means things get a little busier. I kinda love it, because this means I have more to blog about. I never know what to expect.  Shaunna Rai changes up her look all the time. I can't wait to see what she has in store for 2014!

Upcoming Shows

Various Mondays: Styxx for Watch RuPaul's Drag Race with Taffy Pulls

April 10: Danielle's Birthday Show at Blackstones

April 12: Phierce Friday with DJ Aga at Mainestreet Ogunquit

April 13: Shaunna Rai and her Dolls at Altera

April 18: Battle of the Divas, P!nk vs Kelly Clarkson at Club Cafe, Boston

May 4th, 7pm at Bates College

June 10: Miss Blackstones Competition

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes...

So, one of the most interesting experiences that I've had has been telling people that I'm dating someone who does drag.  In and of itself, it's not really that big a deal. Well, to me, anyway.

The reaction that surprised me the most, was "So, do you only date drag queens now?"  This makes sense, in that the last boyfriend I had, and my current one both do drag.  (And both are friends.)  My first reaction to that, was offense. Because, in the moment, my thought was, I wasn't dating the "alter".  I have since changed my stance on that a bit.  (More on this in a minute.)

The best reaction, I have to admit came from my mom.  "Oh, so, what does he do?"  Me, being me, I couldn't exactly leave it out.  Especially, since the first time I talked about Dan, was when he invited me to go to see him in a show in Waterville, the Screaming Queens.  So, I explained that he had two jobs, and that he did drag.  She later friended him and recently friended Shaunna Rai on Facebook.  Mom's response? "He makes a prettier girl than I do."  And, later on, "How does he walk in those shoes? If I tried that, I'd fall on my face!"

So, back to dating the "alter". As I said, my initial reaction was to get mad. Because, I'm not a gay guy trying to pass myself off as straight by dating someone, who sometimes, kinda looks like a girl.  I'm a gay guy, dating another gay guy, who just happens to sometimes dress up like a woman, and looks amazing as either. The longer we've been dating though, the more I realize that in some ways, I am dating Shaunna Rai as well. Screaming Queens was technically a date, with Shaunna Rai. And, on a few of our other dates, even though, I was out with Dan, dressed as Dan, people referred to him as Shaunna Rai. I was quite unsure about how to handle it at first. But, now, it makes no difference. If I'm Dan's boyfriend, Awesome. If I'm Shaunna Rai's boyfriend, Great. And, with the promoting that I've started doing for Shaunna Rai, and company, I'd say that she definitely has had an impact on my life.  In more of a positive way than I ever would have imagined.  I feel like I'm doing something, for the first time in a long time.  

Taffy's Drag Race!

Come see Taffy Pulls work it at Styxx with her weekly viewing party.  In her own words, "Ive got a weekly show going on. Styxx is hosting a viewing party for Rupauls drag race. Every Monday night @ 9pm. Ill be there with other drag queens doing tutorials and shit. Its awesome. We give away prizes. Last week we gave away Henna work - the week before it was a quilt -- and after the drag queens get off the stage -- the mens come on the stage to strip and dance their shorts off!"

I am not a Drag Queen

I'm not a drag queen. I don't play one on tv. I have only dressed in drag twice in my life. At some point, you will see the pictures, I'm sure.

That being said, I have found myself embraced by the Portland drag community. I come from a small town on the coast of Maine, where drag is only done by high school jocks, on Halloween, because: a) They have  the bodies for it, and b) they're the only ones who can come out of it, unscathed.

RuPaul is not a common topic of conversation, back home. Drag is not spoken of. Being gay is something you hide, and nobody would ever be caught dead impersonating the opposite gender.

My goal, with this blog, is to open up the Drag Closet, so to speak. I want to try to answer some questions that I have about drag in general. I want to do some interviews with some drag queens. I want to explain what its like to date a drag queen, from my own experiences. I hope to promote venues, and shows, and the Queens who have taken me under their wings, without trying to "recruit" me. I want to give some exposure to the business side of a community that is most often treated like clowns.

I know, I'm hoping for a lot, from a blog. And, we'll see what happens. Anyway, thanks for joining me for the ride.