You better work

The stigma that goes with being a drag queen is sometimes really quite unbearable. We are supposed to be bitchy, bitter, twisted, alcoholic, hard partyers and still look glamorous and give a great performance. Talk about being a touchable star! The fact that you come out of it at the end a semi-normal human being is remarkable in itself. Granted everyone touches on one or more of the points I just listed. God knows, I have been bitter and twisted many times over the last year.

But believe me, we do have our good qualities also. They are here somewhere under a light smattering of Maybelline foundation.

One thing I must mention to my delight is the increased involvement of showgirls in parties and charity organisations.

I recently bludged a ride with Mitzi, Wyness and Faren on Sunday after working at Trivia. I was heading to visit my newest infatuation and they were off to work at Arq. We got talking about things that we thought needed changing and how would we do it.

I am first to say, if you didn’t like a party or something in our community, be proactive and change it. Do we really have a right to write in to one of the papers and bitch and carry on, when the means to change our dislikes into likes is by just volunteering, getting on a board and having our opinions heard?

Here are some of the girls who are pulling their fingers out and making themselves heard.

Portia Turbo I am sure we have all heard or experienced her involvement at this year’s Sleaze Ball. Some agreed with her input, some didn’t, but she got in there and actually did something. Portia is also heavily involved with the Pride Centre.

Mitzi Macintosh Mitzi tackled the huge task of the Mardi Gras parade last year, and I personally have to say, thumbs up, girl. Granted she worked like a dog for months prior to the parade, but the end result was fabulous.

Trudi Valentine Many remember this old girl from the Albury days, dancing up a storm on a stage the size of a postage stamp. She has always had a passion for drag and this is proven with her association with the DIVAs. Trudi is giving back all those years of experience (and I mean years!) making sure that things aren’t lost.

So I guess what I am saying to all the showgirls who end up with the shits in the corner because they didn’t like something or something didn’t go their way is: do something about it.

If it means getting your hands a little dirty, going to a meeting once a week or even just turning up for a working bee once, do it.

EYESPY Western Sydney queens have recently said good-bye to Marcia Monterey, retiring from her regular night at Pash. I have been told she will be seen around many charity fundraisers and her creations can be seen all over Sydney. See you round, old girl!