For some time now, I've had a rather insatiable obsession with Drag Queens. Luckily this area has quite a range of these a-typical performers. We have respected queens like Apple Love, we have seasoned bawdy queens like and then we have innovative new queens like Gianna Love and Lennox Liemont. Now the later mentioned are on the wave of being uncategorized by "old standards"…and much to my disapointment there has not been a comprehensive explanation of the different standards that make a drag queen OFFICALLY a "Drag Queen." However I am on the hunt for a knowledeable cooperative Drag Queen who will diagram out for me the legistics of this. Additionally Drag Kings are also a tricky category that seem to be on the verge of change. For example we have great performers like Teddy D, 6 Pak, and Spikey Dikey, they all ave different approaches to "being in drag," for some its about the performance, others its really a lifestyle combined with a performance aspect…overall drag has become an outlet of expression that can encompass fabulous performances and intriguing costumes. So entertaining and yet complex! So while i'm out hunting down "drag persons" to unravel this complex world i'll provide a little sampling of some great places I like to go to see some local drag…
Monday's a Drag @ Georige's Alibi 3100 3rd Ave N St. Petersburg, FL 33713:
The Bartenders dress up in drag, unshaved, but with themed ensembles, and they call your bingo numbers. Bingo is free to play, but it get packed quickly! Favorite bingo call: "G 30, G as in Gonorreah 30." By favorite bingo caller and bartender: "Nicolette on Her Knees" Raunchy and tacky…love it! 6-9:30 (all that and Happy Hour too!)
Monday DIVA Search with Natasha Richards @ Georgies Alibi:
Beginner Drag-ers compete weekly to win $200 in CASH. Crowd loudness decides the winner. Also you can catch a few songs by Natasha who is oh so charming, and has great outfits! Starts at 10 pm
Friday- Saturday @ Club Nautico's NEW Crown Theatre 4900 66th ST N. St.Petersburg, FL:
It feels like a real caberet, with little candles on quaint tables, beautiful stage curtains, low lights…it is a great place to settle in an get a show. There are two performance times, 10:30pm and 12:30pm. Prepare to be entertained.
Monday, Thursday-Sunday Valentines 7522 N. Armenia Ave.Tampa, FL :
I've yet to check out a show here, but occasionally Gianna Love performs and Apple Love. Their website boasts they are "#1 rated drag show in central Florida."
This article appears in Aug 19-25, 2009.