![]() So, to have the curtains and an actual theatre-style setting, the girls love that, you know? It’s usually an honor to work here…all the plays they had here, plus they do a lot of different type of things here.” He even mentioned how the very curtains augmented and enhanced the performers’ act and dress or costume. “Because of this theatre, people from all over the country want to work here, and you know a lot of places and a lot of big name girls have worked at a little neighborhood bar that has a little tiny stage in a corner, if that, or might be on a dance floor. I landed a job there as a performer.”Īs we journeyed between these thick black curtains on the stage, Loc Robertson pointed out some of the famous queens that performed there as well as the greater significance of Footlight Theatre to drag culture. The shows, the icon factor, it’s world famous… that’s why I moved to Orlando 29 years ago. Even local Leigh Shannon, owner of Ritzy Rags and former employee, in reference to Parliament said that, “They come from all over to visit this place. Queens like RuPaul, Alaska Thunderf*ck, Bianca Del Rio, Sharron Needles and so many others have journeyed and performed at this place. The Footlight Theatre at Parliament House has remained quintessential for many drag queens to perform and become famous. But why Miss P? To understand this, one needs to understand the theatre. For those who don’t know, Miss P (known as Paul Wegman) was originally the MC for Parliament House, before Darcel’s tenure up to the present day. As part of my internship, I began conducting research for several images of drag queens that are archived at the LGBTQ History Museum of Central Florida, which unfortunately have no information. Yet some would contest to that.Įarlier this week I met with Loc Robertson, bartender and drag performer at Parliament House to gather some history and information about Miss P and the Footlight Theatre. As it continues capturing everyone’s attention, it would seem that to make it as a drag performer, one has to make it on RuPaul. Fast forward to the present day, drag culture has become so popular that shows like Pose and RuPaul’s Drag Race have made themselves a household name (Miss Vaaaaaaanjieee for those who get the reference). As time went on, the historical presence of drag in Queer narrative was made apparent transforming into a prominent symbol of rebellion against heteronormativity, as popularly shown through the 1968 Tenderloin riots or the 1969 Stonewall riots, where the Queens fought back against the police. When The Queen, a behind the scenes documentary of drag queen beauty contests in New York City was released in 1968, a member of the Society for Individual Rights (SIR) commented, “…this film does more harm than good in furthering an understanding between the straight and gay world,” as it further perpetuated a biased image of the “effeminate gay man”. Interestingly enough, it stirred controversy even within the LGBTQ community during the prime day of gay activism in the 1960’s and 70’s. In several ways it has been, as Michael Wanzie would suggest, a haven where you could truly be yourself. Spaces within Central Florida like Southern Nights, Parliament House, Sadie’s, Faces, Bradley’s and countless others that have come and gone have permitted everyone from all walks of life to escape reality for a just moment and enjoy a few drinks, music and drag shows.īefore RuPaul’s Drag Race and the burst of contemporary drag performers, such performances were considered a social taboo. Most of our history has remained predominately within the scope of the club and bar scene. What’s more rebellious than a man in “women’s clothing”? Regardless of the attempts made against the community, our culture continues to dance and celebrate life, especially with its drag performances. From the Stonewall riots and the Pulse nightclub massacre to the recent lawsuit against the Trump administration by a coalition of LGBTQ groups towards the stripping of medical protection for the trans community it would seem that our reality is a political war zone. ![]() The month of pride has played an important part in both demonstrating the presence of LGBTQ communities in the United States, and the power in collective resistance through innumerable parades that engulf the streets. The colorful crowd, loud music, the open declaration of love and drag performers yes, it’s Pride. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |