How big is too big?

It’s over for another year. DIVA celebrated its 20th year and it seems official that I am now a hasbeen. No nominations or awards for me. I’m 43 and dying, at least my drag career is.

The venue was gorgeous and there were some amazing dresses on the evening. I would like to take a moment to toot my own horn and say I looked FABULOUS. It did take three people to do me up, including a random in a secluded alley, and I was also bleeding at the end of the night, but it was well worth it.

Highlights for me were the wins of former western suburbs queens Prada Clutch (Bonnyrigg) for Best Technical Contribution for Clutching at Curls and for my dear friend Christina Dior (Fairfield West) for getting new Rising star, making my new wig (after 10 years of the same one) and for thanking me and Heaven in her acceptance speech.

Talking about Heaven, Desperate Drag Queens will see its final bow on October 9. It will see the death of me (from the production shows anyways) and the whole cast will be sent to prison for the Prisoner Cell Block H[eaven] show in February next year.

Speaking of next year, we are very glad to announce we have locked in our dates which will be the LAST Saturday of every second month starting February 26 at the Northmead Bowling Club.

Don’t forget — we will have our final Christmas show on December 11 with all your favourite special guests returning for our last HO HO HO.

How fabulous! Parramatta Pride Picnic celebrates four years this year, and it will be bigger and better than ever. I’ll be attending with my two dirty daughters and it’s definitely a social highlight for the GLBT communities of western Sydney.  September 26 from 11am at Parramatta Park, Site 23, Pavilion Flat, O’Connell St. Bring your picnic baskets, trade and sunscreen and join me for a little tug-of-war.

Talking about tug-of-war, it’s all heating up in the Gong, Wollongong that is.

Contrary to the rumours, Unity Wollongong is alive after a short break in caretaker mode. An announcement of a new committee sees the return of the ever-popular dinner and dance nights. I have very fond memories performing at the Beaton Park Tennis Club and am looking forward to returning sometime soon. Join Unity Wollongong on Facebook for more details.

OMFG, Pure Pride has just announced its Double Dose, which will see the GLBT Pure Pride Night running twice a month. The venue is glamorous and exquisitely decorated, so all you poofs should love it. I personally think it’s a little hard to find, but the location on the Piccadilly Rooftop is just great.

Also let’s not forget the Gong’s DIVA Dee Dee Lemar hosting some of the best (and trashiest) drag shows you’ll ever see in the Gong every Saturday night at Castro’s (Victoria St).

Rumour also has it that a new GLBT nightclub will be opening its doors in the new year. Is this a great asset for the Gong or a case of overkill chasing the pink dollars?

Talking about pink dollars, a new fabulous night called Shine will premiere at the the Alex Hotel Leura (Blue Mountains) on October 1. It will run every Friday night with shows at 10pm and midnight, and it’s all FREE. Theme for the opening night is ‘Shine In Glitter’. Bedazzle yourselves and get out to the opening Nnight. Join Shine Alexhotel on Facebook for more details and updates.

Queer Out West gets a breath of fresh air with the addition of Robert Manser from Guide to Gay appearing on the fourth Monday of every month with news and entertainment gossip. Don’t forget to visit Queer Out West every Monday from 10pm – midnight online (www.893fm.com.au) or through your tranny — transistor radio, I mean.

First and third Mondays produced by Paul and Gracie Lou. Second and fourth by me and the fifth by Aleks Smith. Not forgetting our multiple award-winning DIVA Maxi Shield every Monday at 11pm. Other presenters include Ida Slapda, Matt Vaughan, and LayDee KinMee as well as weekly special guests. So listen in for a whole lot of laughs and community news.

Drag Gossip: Mother Buttercup says never offer drugs to friends or their partners. This comes from an old hasbeen or ‘has been there and done that’. Drugs will not help you become a better, more popular or entertaining person. I’ve seen too many of my friends crash and burn over them through the years, so stay clear. Visit www.acon.org.au/aod

Until next time, gorgeous. Be safe, play safe! Love, Bev.