Articles tagged with: drag
The ICP Ball: End of a Reign
Princess April Rains and Regent-Prince Joseph Williams will step down on Saturday night at the annual Imperial Crown Prince and Princess Ball, at Mad Myrna’s in Anchorage. They were elected to the ICP positions at last year’s Ball.
“The ball is ‘Crowns and Gowns’ and was planned by Mimi of Seattle as a traditional formal ball,” writes April. “We’re also doing a Valley Trash masquarade theme, so I’ll bring my Iditarod gear, construction tools, hay and saddle to represent the Valley and myself.”
The 2009 ICP Ball will include performances by Mary Bess Bohall, Yeager Bill, Cookie Cannon, Ms. Alaska Teen, and the drag queens from Fairbanks as a group, plus the Emperors and Empresses. Jake and Kristara will emcee. Four candidates are running, two for prince and two for princess. Imperial Court members will vote for the new titleholders, and crown them at the end of the ball.
April Rains reflected on how this one year journey as Imperial Crown Princess was the culmination of a several year process of self-discovery:
In a week, I will step down as the Imperial Crown Princess of All Alaska, and someone else will step up and begin anew. For a while now I have been regretting this event. It will signify an end to what has been evolving for me in this role, and has exploded into an incredible experience I don’t want to end. A lot of what has unfolded had something, but not everything, to do with being Princess.For the past several weeks, I’ve been working like a dog Monday morning through about noon on Friday, then slipping into a skirt and lipstick until the new work week begins. In some ways, it’s an escape from my reality as a male, while in other ways it’s just a pure expression of myself as a multifaceted and talented person. As the years have evolved, what was once a rare Friday night outing in a skirt by myself, has become a fully intergrated part of who I am. The days of changing last minute in some out of the way bathroom are over. Now I’ll leave the house mid-day for the whole world to see and I won’t care. Where I was once paranoid that someone would find out where I lived or who I was ‘out of face’, now it seems the whole world knows. Where I was just another confused cross-dresser, now The Diva April Rains is becoming as prominent as her male counterpart.I’ve walked through stores and people have complimented me, stood in front of several hundred neighbors, associates and friends as they cheered at the end of “April’s Follies”, spoke with folks who say awesome things about performing in the Friday Night Diva’s show, and stood there humbly as Sherry Vine and Joey Arias acknowledged me during their show. These are all circumstances I never knew I’d get to experience.For months now, emails have come in from men in circumstances similar to mine years before, where fear, disgust, self-hatred and confusion rule their lives. They want to get out of their bedrooms and experience the real world. How do they do that? How do they talk with their wives, kids, and friends about their “secret”. They are relieved to know they are not alone, but realize that it’s a journey of self discovery to find who they are at the core of their being. This has little to do with being gay, straight, bi or any need to have sexual re-assignment surgery or take hormones. They have simpler questions, like what bathroom to use at a club, how to cover a beard, where to find shoes and hair, and so much more.If anything, being the ICP presented a unique route for me to be more open and visible about who I am as a person. It took a role I thought was a “fantasy” and interjected it into dead center of reality. A role where I attended meetings for the corporation of the Court recognized as a female, but blended it with my male experiences to help make real world business decisions. A role where my male community recognition as a builder, fire fighter, dog musher, dad, and partner allowed me to meet with other local business owners and associates as a female, to garner support for a first-ever Valley fundraiser.As the big weekend draws closer, what I felt was an end is in fact a new beginning. The end of the 16th ICP Reign will occur, as the 17th reign steps up and another very unqiuely talented and creative person hopes to make some positive changes during her reign. While my title as Her Most “Not So Sweet, 16th, Valley Trash, Imperial Crown Princess of All Alaska” will be entered into the lineage of the Court, my title as “The Valley Trash Baroness of Big Lake” will remain … and that’s a title I have yet to develop.
"Double drag" with Mad Myrna’s Divas
by April Rains
My friend Larry didn’t know what to expect at April’s Follies. He, like so many others, was under the impression that it was some type of adult sex-based show and was really hesitant to go. But after it was all said and done, he was totally surprised that it was just another form of comedy. That’s what drag shows are – a unique and bizzarre blend of comedy that challenges the norms of sex, gender, and how we perceive our world and others in it.
At the Mad Myrna’s Divas Show on Friday, I tried, for the very first time, what is referred to as a “double drag.” Basically it’s a guy, dressed as a girl, dressed as a guy… or vice versa. I painted my face, did my hair, jewelry, perky 38 B’s, and still had my manicure from last weekend, but wore my typical guy t-shirt, jeans, cowboy boots and a dirty baseballl hat. The song I used was Toby Keith’s “I luv this bar,” with his deep male voice similar to mine.
At first the mic was ‘hot’ so I could talk with the audience. As the song began, I shut it off, sync’d it, then turned it on afterwards. The mix of live voice and sync creates the illusion that I can actually “sing” like Toby, with a voice identical to his, when in fact it’s just my lips moving. The attire gives a strongly mixed visual signal of gender identity, by enhancing my muscular male build with my female accessories, and heightens the words behind the song by reinforcing the theme that “anyone is welcome in this bar.” That’s what makes Mad Myrna’s such an incredible place: anyone is welcome at anytime without any judgement or prejuidice about who they are.
It was a huge stretch for me to try this, and the idea came basically at the last minute as I trounced around WalMart in drag looking for the CD, and of course, twisting people’s views of the world once again. I wanted to do something completely different, on the edge of what I’ve done in the past, and push the boundaries out a little further, as with everything I do. Diva’s is a really great show, and variety is a must if you expect folks to keep coming back. Now we have all types of folks showing up, and if for some reason I only do one song vs two, that is a good thing. We have more for folks to see. Not that doing one song is all I want to do every night…
My friend Felisha does double female drag a lot by dressing as a queen but she is actually a real female. She gives an illusion that makes one think about who and what she is. Loren [not her real name], who I thought for weeks was a real girl like Felisha, is actually an incredibly gorgeous guy, although few people could tell based on her size, hair, and other very feminine features, including her typical day attire which is very “fishy” (close to or what one would expect for the typical gender role).
One of the shows emcee’s, Daphne Do All, is very obvious when she dresses. She is very “campy” (exaggerated) in that she presents as your great aunt going to church or your Sunday School teacher in her big blonde hair, tailored business suits and mega-dollar heels. She and her counterpart Paige (a real girl or GG “genetic girl”) could rival Amelda Marcos with shoes. Ashley, Jovy, Maraquita, Raina, Sasha and others are what one would expect for drag queens: male performers accenting their female strengths like energetic dancing, killer legs, and really skimpy costumes that leave one wondering where they put it. When Kristara performs, she is in a class by herself. A vixen-ous mix of sexual energy, beauty, and an extensive wardrobe that encompasses all the great designers and more. Whether you’re male or female, straight, gay or bi, she can weave a spell around you that would leave even the most conservative leader of the Christian right following her home, despite the surpise he might get later.
Each of us is unique in our own views on life, gender, sex, and how we blend and present in the Friday night show, but yet are united in that we don’t see the world as many in the “mainstream” do. That’s the incredible thing about a drag show – it twists reality and leaves one thinking that “life” is not what we have been taught it “should be” but way more. Luckily we have that venue here in Alaska and can share it with anyone who cares to watch and listen.
On the Way to the Follies
April Rains hosted “April’s Follies” this weekend, the first Imperial Court drag show in Wasilla. She describes her adventures on the way to the Follies in her first contribution to Bent Alaska.
——–
All Right
by April Rains
He stood there silently looking at me as his wife purchased material in Joanne’s, his large “NRA”, “IBEW” and “Marine” patches clearly visible. He was in his lates 60’s and was obviously only there because she was. His look said any place would be better now that I was standing there.
A smile crossed my lips, but he gave no response, and several other people joined the checkout line. Keith said it was the clothes I wore that were drawing attention, not “typical” for Alaskan women. “Alaskan lesbian chic” I call it, a look completed with a fringed leather motorcycle jacket and draping green plaid scarf. The two of us made our way as an odd couple through a myriad of stores and shops, picking up last minute items for tonight’s show.
I used to wear high riding mini-skirts and killer heels for very brief, and nervous, stops to get cigarettes or coffee. Home, to the club, and back again. Now it’s colorful layered t-shirts, sweaters, designer jeans, flowing skirts and dresses, and dress boots or heels, and what once was a rare occurance to enter a store or do errands in femme, has become the norm in many ways. The styles now reflect the ease, comfort, and fun with which it is done. Enough to say that whatever I am to onlookers, I am not just some guy faking it in women’s clothes. There is self confidence, style and taste, life experience, and even serious sex appeal at times, behind the red hair and french manicured nails.
***
At Mila’s Alterations I stood in front of the full length hallway mirror wrapped in a $1000 torqoiuse blue evening gown as she adjusted this strap and that. Mila insisted that I model gowns and dresses with her professionals at tonight’s show, and I agreed if she would find something for my daughter to wear as well, as a surprise. Dad and daughter hitting the catwalk together as female fashion models. A first, I am sure, for Alaska.
It’s prom season and three teenage girls stood there in amazement and shock as I turned side to side to check the fit. The gown is gorgeous and, like the cocktail dress I bought, cut as if I were the mannequin the designer built it around. “Even I didn’t look that good in that dress,” one girl replied, and a sound of discontent crossed her lips. They were there as Mila and I discussed shoes and makeup pallettes to match. All just part of life as it moves ahead in odd and bizzarre twists and turns.
***
“We need to drop Jesse off at her house,” Keith said as we headed out of town. She lives on Fort Richardson, the army base just north of Anchorage. This is not the place one plays games, as armed guards, attack dogs, metal/bomb detectors and heavy armor guard the gates. It’s a major deployment point for Striker Brigades, equipment and infantry into the Middle East. The names and units of those killed in combat sit freshly on the minds of everyone, as do those still there, or soon to be going. Anyone or anything in question is not taken lightly there.
Pulling up, a line of cars and trucks waited as teams of soilders stripped and searched each car one by one due to a high security alert. Too late to turn around, the three of us sat there: a goth military wife with a partial mohawk and green braided hair, a photographer covered in tattoos, wearing dark glasses and purple hair, and a drag queen. The minivan was crammed with boxes of potato chips, makeup, dresses, a spot light, camera equipment, and a bright pink guiter. If there was about to be a massive incident, everything pointed at us, even though we had done nothing.
As we watched, all the traffic was directed to the right and crews descended on the vehicles. We moved up, and we were the only ones told to go left. We approached the guards, and I sat there nervously as Keith handed them our ID’s. “Fundraiser,” Keith said. The guard stared at the pictures, then at me, and then grinned. “Go ahead,” was all he replied, and we were the only vehicle to enter the base without incident. The guards knew I was male by my ID. They didn’t care. Go figure. Guess I am all right.
April’s Follies bring Drag to the Valley
It’s Drag Weekend in Wasilla with “April’s Follies,” the first Imperial Court show in the Valley, on Saturday April 4 at the Best Western on Lake Lucille. “April’s Follies” is an adults-only theme night with singers, dancers, and of course lots of drag queens.
“Within 5 minutes of picking up the tickets and flyers from the printer, the tickets were selling,” wrote Imperial Crown Princess April Rains, hostess of the Follies. “Several business hopped on board as sponsors, contributting certificates and clothing. Performers lined up and word got out. It’s going to be an awesome show!”
The Mat-Su Valley is home to a growing gay community, and an LGBT Community Center recently opened in Palmer.
April’s Follies: Tickets available online from ICOAA, or at Mad Myrna’s in Anchorage, Dangerous Curves and Mila’s Botique in Wasilla, and College Floral in Fairbanks. $15 person/$25 couple, must be 19 to attend. Ask about discounted hotel rates and group rates for 10 or more.
Straight audiences enjoy drag show at Anchorage gay bar
The Divas Drag Show at Mad Myrna’s is featured in the Sunday Anchorage Daily News, with a headline and photo displayed on the front page.
“Gay bars change acts to appeal to straight customers”, written by Julia O’Malley, focuses on the performers, the show, the bar and how the audience is now more straight than gay.
Myrna’s has been home to a drag show for a decade, and straight people have long been part of the audience. But on some Friday nights lately, gay patrons have thinned dramatically, replaced by military couples, bachelorette parties and curious young professionals. It’s part of a national trend.
Read about the drag queens, gay go-go boys and straight girl co-host who perform the weekly drag variety show.
Thanks to Julia and the ADN for this article about the gay citizens of Anchorage and the straight people who enjoy our company.
National Drag History Month
January 2009 marks the first-ever celebration of National Drag History Month!
“This month-long event salutes the richness of drag culture and pays tribute to the courageous queens & kings who have fought for equality while inspiring, educating & entertaining us all,” according to Logo, the sponsors of Drag History Month.
Come celebrate Drag History Month in Fairbanks at ICOAA‘s Masquerade Ball, January 10 at the Carlson Center, 8 p.m. The evening includes a drag show, food, and a contest awarding $100 for the best mask.
Drag*d Through the Ages raises $2,000 for IAA
Cross-dressing Vikings in Fairbanks?
On December 5, Drag*d Through the Ages performed a sold-out show in UAF’s Woodcenter Ballroom as a benefit for Interior AIDS Association.
“I’m quite proud of everyone!” wrote Leah, an organizer for Drag*d. “No one fell off stage, and everyone did wonderfully.”
The program was packed with drag kings and queens in scenes representing human history, from cavemen to future fashion models.
ICOAA Duke Liz and Dutchess Brittany made a special appearance as Spankers for the Spank-a-Thon, where audience members paid one dollar per spank on the cast member of their choice.
The Spank-a-Thon made over $300.
Local funk band The Good Daze played for the dance following the show.
The UAF GLBT Alliance sponsored the benefit. They are considering another show in the spring.
A review of Drag*d Through the Ages is posted on The Ester Republic, and Jesse posted this great set of photos from the show.
Good work, Drag*d!
Fairbanks is "Drag*d Through the Ages" for IAA Benefit
Drag*d Through The Ages is a music, dance and comedy show with scenes from throughout human history: a caveman routine to a futuristic fashion show and plenty of drag fun in between.
Stay for the dance party following the show, with music by local funk band The Good Daze, featured in one of the scenes.
Other headliners include Cold Fusion Tribal Dance (an experimental belly dance troupe) in a flapper number from the 1920’s and a 1990’s song, The Fairbanks Roller Girls doing a 1970’s number, and Dance Theater Fairbanks performing an 1980’s scene.
The program is also packed with drag kings and queens as cavemen, operatic Vikings, Victorians, flappers, silent film stars, 80’s Vogue Off dancers, and fashion models of the future, plus songs from Marilyn Monroe, Al Green, The Blues Brothers, and Hedwig and the Angry Inch.
Drag*d Through The Ages is sponsored by the UAF GLBT Alliance and is a benefit for Interior AIDS Association (IAA.)
Don’t miss this hilarious one night only show!
UAF Woodcenter Ball Room, December 5th, 8:15 pm. $10 at the door, $8 for students. All proceeds go to IAA. Dance party after the show with The Good Daze.
Drag Queen Bingo!
Join Adam & Steve at Snow City Cafe on Thursday, June 26, 7-9 p.m for their annual fundraiser. Admission is $5 unless you come in drag or bring 5 cans of food for the Four A’s food drive. Drag Queen Bingo is an all ages event, with fabulous prizes and entertainment.
Juneau "Femme Fatale" Raises $3000 For Four A’s
by E. Ross
The annual Femme Fatale Drag Show was a success, raising nearly $3000 for the Alaskan AIDS Assistance Association (Four A’s), despite the lack of electricity in Juneau and an early end to the legislative session.
“The surprise of the show this year,” said Mikey LaChoy, Emperor 25 of the Imperial Court of All Alaska (ICOAA) and coordinator of Femme Fatale, “was when we pulled four un-witting contestants from the audience and let everyone vote on which would get a drag make-over and perform in the show. This was so popular that we decided to make it part of the show from now on.”
Femme Fatale has been a tradition in Juneau for almost twenty years.
“Emperors, Empresses and other drag performers from Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau put on a two night show, grown from the original one night only,” said LaChoy, who has been involved off and on for fifteen years. “The performers and staff pay their own airfare, hotel, and expenses, so all the money raised goes to AIDS prevention, education, and client services.”
This year’s Femme Fatale performers were Miss MeMe, a past Empress of Seattle now living in Anchorage, Past Empresses Joani and Vicki, the current empress Mary Bess, and the always fun Empress Rosie Rotten. Local performers also supported the show, including Juneau personality Mikea.
Originally, the show raised money for Shante of Juneau. Then Four A’s expanded to serve most of Alaska, including Juneau, and now the money raised by Femme Fatale is donated to them.
The Four A’s was established in 1985 and provides one-on-one case management, housing assistance and other supportive services to people living with HIV/AIDS, and also provides HIV prevention and education. The main Four A’s office in Anchorage coordinates services around the state.
Four A’s in Juneau is a small two person office. The case manager, Robbi Woltring, handles the client issues such as doctor’s visits, medications, housing, food and counseling. Lee Wagner is in charge of education and outreach.
“I hand out condoms on the streets downtown and in the bars, as well as doing outreach at the Glory Hole (Homeless Shelter/ Soup Kitchen) and the Polaris House (Mental Health Facility),” said Lee, an AmeriCorps volunteer known as the “condom lady” of Juneau. “I teach HIV 101 classes for Lemon Creek Correctional Center, Gastineau Human Services, Rainforest Recovery and others.”
Juneau Four A’s also provides free HIV testing in the office and the community. They use the Oraquick rapid test, which is an oral test that requires no blood, and the results are given in twenty minutes.
As for Femme Fatale, LaChoy is already making plans for next year. “We want to have the show earlier, during the legislative session, so we can get more attendance,” he said. “Yes, some of those legislators DO attend!”
“Hopefully, they will have fixed the energy crisis down there – although the girls looked even prettier with the dim lighting.”
