*I wrote this in February, 2019, but forgot to publish it! It's a year later now but still fresh in my mind.
I've been to drag shows before. I mean, haven't you? A couple times with a gay friend, once for a bachelorette party, and maybe a couple more when we were looking for a last minute place to dance.
And last night I got to revisit the Gay 90's to celebrate the success of a former student (from many many years ago) of mine who now goes by Mercedes Iman Diamond while on stage. I've stayed in touch with her sister, Najma, since she graduated and we've made the transition from teacher-student to friends.
We both arrived early and somehow got roped into managing the merchandise table before the show. People are buying t-shirts, tank tops, fans, and 5x7 glossies. Everyone is super excited to see Mercedes.
Meanwhile:
I keep messing up my pronouns-
I keep thinking about how white and straight I look.
I love the fact that Najma doesn't drink and tonight that means I don't either.
I can't stop smiling!
The MC, Alex, shared her personal story about coming out to friend and that friend's mom who responded with love and acceptance. Unfortunately, Alex's own mother didn't respond in the same way and kicked her own child out of their home. At 15 he came home and the locks had been changed. His step-dad said simply, "You don't live here anymore."
I was moved at how this big drama show started with such a poignant memory that seemed to ground the audience in acceptance and love as the focus.
Each queen was amazing with her own personal style and surprises. The costumes, gymnastics, sass, music, and pure joy made each act unique. And then, the moment we'd been waiting for...Mercedes Iman Diamond hit the stage and everyone went while. Her current favorite move seems to be turning to walk away and throwing herself down on the floor, whipping hair back, and tossing all the $$$ up in the air. Epic.
Also, there was a switch from the first wig (a long black weave) to then tearing the hair off to find a long blond wig underneath. It was genius.
At one point, Mercedes introduced Najma and I to the crowd. I wonder if it was the first time a queen introduced their former teacher to the crowd?!
Najma and I went back stage. I don't want to share too much, but wow. I learned A LOT:
THE BOOBS
The money for BOOBS $$$
The feel of fake books on my face
Bins of overflowing makeup
So many feathers
The bra trick
No drinking/using regulations
And the learning around drag mothers and drag daughters...
Prada - Mercedes - Sasha
I even managed to get a compliment on my age...There's no way I could be over 40!
The only criticism I have is around coat check. Just say no. I said yes and it took me more than 25 minutes to get my coat at the end of the night. It was chaos and I was totally unable to embrace it. Even the coat chaos couldn't take away the night of laughter, love, and learning that I shared with former students turned friends at a drag show.
