A queen’s duties

It’s really not just about donning a wig, a frock and jumping around like a fool. Being a fully fledged showgirl not only takes time and preparation, but there are also certain responsibilities that go with the lashes.

Maybe it’s not so serious if you are just frocking up for a one-off at a mate’s birthday party. But to enter the Sacred Circle of Showgirls (this circle is very similar to Lord Of The Rings, but with less hairy feet) there comes great responsibilities.

Some are very simple but should be adhered to every time you step outside your door. The first is to look and be as fabulous as you can. There is nothing better than going into a club and seeing a fabulous-looking showgirl having the time of her life. As a showgirl you should be able to lift the people’s spirits with not only your presence but also visually.

Another responsibility is for the community. I get in trouble all the time for mentioning drag queens and charity work but when it gets down to it, we get asked to do it, and we say yes. That’s basically it.

We have all done it and I encourage all young showgirls, if they haven’t rattled a bucket or sold a ribbon, to raise their hand whenever asked. The feeling of community that comes from being there is truly amazing.

Many showgirls take on their own personal crusades and work with charity organisations. Mitzi and ACON, Claire de Lune and basically every charity organisation, me and safety issues, and more recently the always fabulous Courtney Act and 21 Down.

21 Down is a group for all the younger gay and lesbian people who still may be at school or just out of school and are having issues with their sexuality. The feeling of being the only gay in the village plays a huge factor in many of these young people’s lives.

I remember many times sitting in Caf?91 by myself, drinking a latt?or hours, not knowing anyone at all, but happy just to be sitting on the outside of all these gay people. I was desperately hoping someone would come over and start a conversation, nothing to do with sex -“ just to interact with another gay person is what I craved.

Well, Courtney is starting that conversation with many of these young people, and giving them a chance to talk with others like themselves.

Courtney is having a social gathering for 21 Down on 4 February from 1pm to 5pm at Slide for all those under 21 and their friends.

Courtney will introduce many different people from our community and the afternoon will also work very closely with ACON’s other youth education programs, Ins and Outs and School’s Out.

If you want to join in and you are under 21 (ID will be required) come down to Slide and have a boogie with us. It’s a 100 percent drug, alcohol and smoke-free event.