It’s not uncommon to hear leathermen compared to drag queens in a bitchy way. You’ve probably heard it too, comments like, “Leather’s just another form of drag … especially on her.”
Personally, I would take that as a compliment. And then I’d quote a certain Cee-Lo song in response.
Drag queens were the first to fight back at the Stonewall Riots. They were on the front lines of every protest and every Pride event from the very beginning of the gay-rights movement. They weren’t always welcomed by the more “mainstream” gays and lesbians, but without them we would be nothing. They deserve and have earned our respect.
As I understand it, drag queens and leathermen joined together back in the early ’80s to produce the first AIDS fundraisers. When no one else would help the gay community and when we had no political or economic clout, drag queens and leathermen worked to form the first community outreach organizations to educate ourselves and help fight the epidemic.
Think of all the similarities between drag queens and leathermen: We like getting dressed up, we spend way too much time and money on our outfits and we put up with a lot of shit just for being ourselves (even from some in our own community).
But if you ask me, drag queens will always have bigger balls than leathermen. Leathermen do our stuff in basements and dungeons, but drag queens do it on stage with a spotlight. That takes real guts.
My cap is off to all of our amazing drag queens.
Dragapalooza
So why all this talk about drag queens? Because last Saturday I saw the best drag show I’ve seen in years, and it wasn’t in Provincetown or New York City. It was right here in Philadelphia.
Dragapalooza at Voyeur was a huge smash. The line to get in was around the block half an hour before the doors opened. Hundreds of people showed up to watch 18 performers in a tribute to Broadway. Everything from the costumes to the choreography to the lighting was spectacular.
My friends and I had a great time, whether we were fresh-faced drag-show virgins (two of us) or grizzled old hags who can’t remember how many we’ve been to (the rest of us). Even the bitchiest among us had to admit we’d never seen such cooperation and coordination among all the girls in a drag show. It was a top-notch professional production from beginning to end. We loved it.
Unfortunately, some of the promotional materials were a little misleading by stating that Carmen Carrera from the current season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” was going to be there, but in the end we didn’t miss her.
The best news of the night was the announcement that this was the inauguration of what they plan to make a regular series of events. So when you start hearing about Dragapalooza 2, do yourself a favor and run to get your tickets!
Kickstand
Have you ever wondered what would happen if WOOF Philly and The Bike Stop had a baby? Well, we found out last weekend.
Last Saturday saw the birth of “Kickstand,” a new monthly dance party at The Bike Stop hosted by DJ Barney and the men behind WOOF! Philly. Five dollars got you into the party and covered your first beer, and all proceeds benefited the Mazzoni Center.
We dropped by Kickstand after Dragapalooza and the top floor was already packed, the music by Barney and DJ Ryan W. was intense, and the men were beyond hot. Where have these guys been hiding?
Dates haven’t been selected yet, but Kickstand will be a monthly event going forward. I’ve said it before and I’ll keep saying it: The Bike Stop is back, people!
Meet the Meat
On March 19, the Keystone boys of Leather will host a Meet the Meat party at The Bike Stop. There will be specials and other surprises, so get geared up and come out and meet Philly’s favorite boys! Check out the Facebook page or www.kbol.org for more information.
Kinky Karnival
On April 9, Philadelphians MC will host its annual Kinky Karnival at The Bike Stop. Be sure to visit the top floor and get your tickets to ride! They’ll have a hot wax table, a flogging station and lots more.
LOCAL CLUBS & EVENTS:
— KEYSTONE BOYS OF LEATHER: Meets at 7:30 p.m. every second Thursday at The Bike Stop, 206 S. Quince St. Next meeting: April 14; www.kbol.org.
— PHILADELPHIANS MC: Meets at 7:30 p.m. every first and third Monday at The Bike Stop. Next meetings: March 21, April 4; www.philadelphiansmc.org.
— WOOF! PHILLY: Every Sunday at 5 p.m. at The Gold Club, 1416 Chancellor St.; www.woofphilly.com.
Questions? Comments? Predictions for the winner of “RuPaul’s Drag Race”? Contact Jim at [email protected].