NON-STOP QUEENS
My friend Sharon and I hopped into a taxi and headed to the opening of Bushwig 2017, Brooklyn’s weekend-long explosion of drag, music and love. I unfolded the three-page line-up of the 120+ performers I’d printed out in advance. Sharon and I reviewed it in the car, circling the shows we were most eager to see, based on our past Bushwig adventures. It became obvious we’d be traveling back-and-forth between the catwalk at the main stage and the outdoor music venue in the back.
Mz. Amber Alert (above), aka my drag artist kid Harry, was hosting that first day of Bushwig 2017 and performing on Day 2. She was being interviewed when we arrived, but I got her to to strike a quick pose for me outside the entrance.
So here, for your scrolling pleasure, are some of my fave photos from Bushwig 2017’s main event. I only wish we’d been able to see everyone!
MY TOP PIX FROM BUSHWIG 2017
Yup, it was love, love, love, love, LOVE. With non-stop performers over two full afternoons-into-nights, Bushwig is an entertainment extravaganza everyone should see at least once in their life.
Sharon and I decided that next year we need to spend more time touring the 50,000 sq. ft. space and grounds. We missed capturing a lot of over-the-top looks, and not just from the performers! Like Sharon says, “When you’re going to see drag queens, you’ve got to up your game.”
If you want to get in on the fun, sign up for my newsletter, and I’ll let you know send you the pre-sale starts for Bushwig 2018!
As for Amber Alert’s lip-sync performance of Cher’s “Turn Back Time,” well there were so many reveals that I had to create a special section just for her. Plus, she is my daughter. So here goes:
That’s my child — a born entertainer from the age of two. And now, from the true queens of Bushwig 2017 to a real prince…
#STILLMYVICEPRESIDENT
I had the extreme pleasure of seeing Joseph R. Biden honored this week at the NYC Anti-Violence Project‘s 21st Annual Courage Awards, along with other recipients David France, Victoria Cruz, and the cast and crew of The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson, and VICE Media.
With the current Republican administration’s lack of regard or compassion — and what I’d call outright contempt — for LGBTQ+ folks, people of color, women, children, Muslims, Jews, and those with disabilities, Joe Biden’s remarks gave me a boost of hope and inspired more outspoken courage.
The Joe Biden quotes I typed into my phone:
“The law doesn’t matter unless it’s enforced.”
“We can change the culture. It is within our power to do it.”
“Every single person is entitled to be treated with dignity, deserves to be treated with dignity.”
“Stand with those who feel powerless, to inspire them to take action.”
“Silence is complicity.”
Those powerful words are now on a continuous loop in my head. We can can change the culture…Inspire those who feel powerless to take action…Silence is complicit.
Then, before she welcomed trans activist Victoria Cruz to the podium, AVP Executive Director Beverly Tillery asked everyone in the room to “raise our voices as loudly as possible in a shout for freedom, safety, and justice.” And we did. “Together, we can accomplish anything,” she said. And I believe that.
So let’s do it! Call or email your representatives in Congress and demand equality, justice, protection and aid for all Americans who need it. Sign petitions; speak up at neighborhood meetings and town halls. Participate in demonstrations when you can, get your friends and family involved. And if you don’t have time, give as little or as many dollars as you can to the non-profit organizations who work 24/7 defending the unalienable rights our Constitution guarantees us. Thanks, y’all.
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