Drag Magazine - 09/09 - Issue 007

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ISSUE 7 • SEPT/OCT 09 • IMONTHEDM.COM

COMPLIMENTARY • PART OF THE OnQ NETWORK

WHISTLING

DIXIE

HOW DIXIE LONGATE BECAME THE QUEEN OF TUPPERWARE TM ...

LITERALLY!



DRAG MAGAZINE THE MONTHLY MAGAZINE SHOWCASING THE ART FORM THAT IS DRAG

DRAG MAGAZINE

•••••••••••• SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2009 , ISSUE 007 ••••••••••••

04 a word from dee 04 editor’s rave & review 05 keepin’ it real

06this town’s a drag

this issue Stephanie Sinclair takes a look at Asheville, North Carolina. More than just the Biltmore, it is home to all forms of drag.

08spotlight Opinions expressed by advertisers, columnists, feature writers, or other contributors are not necessarily the opinions of DRAG MAGAZINE, the OnQ Network, it’s affiliates, or staff. All advertisements, sponsored features, pictures, text, and illustrations, are published with the understanding that the advertisers are fully authorized and have secured proper written consent for use thereof. DRAG MAGAZINE shall not be held responsible for any errors, loss or expense, or liabilities on advertisements accepted after the issue deadline. Publication of the name, photograph of any person, or advertisements, contained in this issue is not to be construed as any indication of the sexual orientation of such person, advertiser, or organization. Partial or incomplete reproduction of any advertisement, column, feature, or photograph from DRAG MAGAZINE is strictly prohibited. DRAG MAGAZINE and the DM logo is part of the OnQ Network and protected by trademark. All rights reserved.

BE SURE TO PICK UP OUR SISTER PUBLICATIONS

OnQ Carolina Edition • Stereotypd

Phone: 843.647.2357 Newspaper Web: imonthedm.com Gayborhood Web: ruOnQ.com Directory Web: my-gay-411.com

PUBLISHER

OnQ Network, LLC

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Jamie Seabolt • jamie.seabolt@ruOnQ.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Dee Gonet • dee.gonet@ruOnQ.com

COPY EDITOR

Lin Orndorf • lin.orndorf@ruOnQ.com

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Dee Gonet • dee.gonet@ruOnQ.com Ira Schultz • ira.schultz@ruOnQ.com

COVER DESIGN

Jamie Seabolt • jamie.seabolt@ruOnQ.com

GRAPHIC DESIGN

70 Davenport Rd., Asheville, NC 28806

Jamie Seabolt • jamie.seabolt@ruOnQ.com Porscha Yount • porscha.yount@ruOnQ.com

Dixie Longate shares her success both in Tupperware and on stage performance around the world.

10 rubberman: playing safe is truly an art 11 what pride means to me 12 drag nightlife directory from Florida to W. Virginia 13 random rants

online build your free drag profile & access archives at www.imonthedm.com

}ST{

PUBLIC RELATIONS

Jamie Seabolt • jamie.seabolt@ruOnQ.com

FEATURE COLUMNISTS

Michael Harney • michael.harney@ruOnQ.com Stephanie Sinclair • stephanie.sinclair@ruOnQ.com

CONTRIBUTORS

Ava Clear, Bianca, Carla Cox, Justin of Atlanta, Kandi Kane

OUR HUMBLE GRATITUDE TO

Dee Gonet, FOUNDER • dee.gonet@ruOnQ.com

A WORD FROM DEE...

This magazine is inspired and dedicated in loving memory of Wes Johnson RIP. Thank you Teresa for always believeing in me.

OUR NEXT DEADLINE (Issue 008)

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1st, 2009 at 6P, ET for a street date of THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15th, 2009

NEXT MONTH’S COVER

a one-on-one encounter with

LADY BUNNY

PLACE YOUR ADVERTISMENTS TODAY.

CALL DRAG MAGAZINE 828.505.2870

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months since DM “came out,” the response from readers has been huge and positive. With an amazing publication like OnQ Carolina Edition as our sister publication, DM will be able to bring you the art, world, and personalities of drag in a more grown-up fashion and with a style that is in keeping with the queens and kings of the industry. DM will continue to be completely dedicated to the drag world and by teaming up with Jamie Seabolt, the OnQ Network and it’s other GLBTIQ publications like Stereotypd, we’ll be able to reach readers up and down the east coast and eventually nationwide.

A Word From Dee

by Dee Gonet, Managing Editor & Founder dee.gonet@ruOnQ.com

Hi everyone, this is Dee and I want to introduce you to Drag Magazine (DM). Drag Magazine was founded in March of 2009 to give a voice to and help connect members of the drag community in and around Charleston, SC and Savannah, GA. With this issue, what we now call DM has undergone a remarkable facelift among other changes all to promote the entertainers and the art of male and female impersonation here in our hometowns and many other cities in the Southeast and beyond. Part of the mission of DM is to show the world that drag is much more than boys in dresses or girls in suits – it is a sophisticated and ancient art of entertainment and illusion – and to bring the world of drag into the forefront of the entertainment business. Every queen and king is in this business for different reasons but the bottom line is they are here to entertain you, the fan. Drag is an amazing industry that has been around for a long time and there are many styles of drag including glamour, camp, comedy, and regular just to name a few. The art of male and female impersonation is unbelievably hard, costly and time consuming. Performers often take up to weeks to prepare for a show and spend 2 to 4 hours putting on makeup and costumes for a 20 to 30 minute show. We at DM want to show them the respect and give them the recognition they deserve.

04 • DRAG MAGAZINE • IMONTHEDM.COM

DM wants to gain your respect for performers and encourage you to support them in every aspect of their art, from the song they perform to how long it took them to make their costume. To that end, Drag Magazine will also include a detailed directory of the clubs and bars that feature drag as part of their regular entertainment. We will also introduce you to some of the best artists in the industry from the Carolinas, other cities and even nationally known icons. DM will also cover drag from every possible angle. To do all we want to do, Drag Magazine has become part of the OnQ Network. In the few

OnQ will be working closely with the DM team to bring you a professional, colorful and exciting Drag Magazine. DM will bring you amazing drag events with the help of your favorite top national queens and kings from all over the country as well as members of the Gay. com circuit; parties, events and much more. DM would like to take this opportunity to thank Jamie Seabolt for giving us this amazing opportunity to grow with him into this fast growing industry of drag. We are still going to bring you the exclusive look into the drag world from your favorite entertainers to the behind the scenes look at the everyday life to what goes on back stage, down to the last sequin and dab of spirit gum. So join us in keeping this amazing art alive and exciting now and for up-and-coming generations of performers and fans alike. Dee Gonet is a native of Hawai’i and has travelled the country. Now settled with her partner Jenn, Dee currently resides in North Charleston, SC with their cat and dog.

Editor’s Rave & Review by Jamie Seabolt, Executive Editor Mr.Gay.com Community Leader 2008-2009

jamie.seabolt@ruOnQ.com • ruOnQ.com/seaboltjamie

Well, quite honestly I don’t even know how to follow all the kind words Dee had to say. I guess most importantly I want to say welcome to the new DM. This is certainly not the Drag Magazine our readers in Charleston, SC and Savannah, GA have been following since conception. Like any fine lady, DM’s had some work done & is ready for her new debut. The first thing I want to stress is that we are increasing our September distribution ten-fold over August. We are increasing our circulation to grow us out side of a local presence into an east coast presence through distribution at all drag venues from Florida as fasr north as West Virginia. Another big change

is our street date. No longer will this lady be prompt at the first of the month. She will from now on make her presence fashionaly late, hitting the streets everywhere on the 15th of each month. With a fun new look we know that the DM will be popping up in purses everywhere. With national celebrity interviews, the OnQ quality and layout you expect, plus the passion that started from teh very first day with Dee Gonet, we know that this will be a fantastic ride for all involved. I want to thank you for being part of the new DM and for helping us spotlight the hardworking showgirl. Are you OnQ? Cheers! Jamie Seabolt was named a Top Five Gay Entreprenuer by Gay.com in 2004. Most recently, Jamie was awarded Mr.Gay.com Community Leader 2008-2009.


Keepin’ it Real with Kandi and Carla

The Do’s and Dont’s of DRAG

by Mother & Daughter Kandi Kane & Carla Cox

DO: Drag for the first time on Halloween, It’s not so serious then! Every gay man wants to do drag at least one time but generally their nerves get the best of them. A quick remedy for this is finding the woman within on the biggest dress-up night of the year! Just be prepared to share the night with 200 other budding baby draggets!

Friday, September 11th

• PRE PRIDE PARTY See why Columbia is inFAMOUSLY HOT!

Pride party with your favorite cocktails as the men rock out with their jock out ! Enjoy a Boots to Balls cash raffle and complimentary copies of MEN & FRESHMEN Magazines!

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Saturday, September 12th • POST PRIDE PARTY It’s a NEW night & a NEW party!

Do your pride partyin’ VEGAS STYLE! DANCE, DANCE, DANCE where everyone is welcome & anything can happen!

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DON’T: Ever take makeup advice from real fish! It’s a known fact that the majority of women only know what their mothers taught them about makeup. Makeup at first can be scary & under the scope may seem a little much, but you are painting for stage so once you get under spotlight, it’s a different story. DO: Keep your character! Put a little deep thought into what kind of drag you want to do. There are many types of drag (Glamour, Camp, Gothic, etc.). So, do some faux soul searching and research and find out what you want to deliver to audiences. DON’T: Ever undermine a Queen! In do-

ing drag properly and professional there is a lot do so be prepared to learn from those already in the game. No matter how tragic you may think one queen is there is ALWAYS something you can learn from them and it just might be something that makes you a better “dragon.” DO: Promote the business! Remember that drag is a business and for a business to be successful you have to promote! Every fan, drag queen, bar owner, or whatever could possibly be a booking opportunity. Networking is key in making it in drag so always be friendly, modest, and approachable. Keep in mind that the same queen you are reading in the dressing room one night could possibly be the show director at a bar you want to get into later down the road. DON’T: Be over the top bitchy! Let us be the first to tell you that Beyonce’s song “Diva” was not written about an amateur drag queen! Yes it’s fun to finally release that bitch inside but let’s be honest nobody wants to be around someone feeling herself way too much. So unless you are on the microphone hosting a show, turn the bitch volume down a tish!

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This Town’s a Drag: Asheville, North Carolina

by Stephanie Sinclair • stephanie.sinclair@ruOnQ.com

Welcome to the first of many episodes of This Town’s a Drag. To begin with, I am Stephanie Sinclair and I’ve been practicing the art of female impersonation for over 30 years. In the months to come, I’m going to be traveling throughout the Southeast and bringing you, town-by-town, the scoop on your local drag scene; the bars, the queens, the gossip, and the news. Call it drag, call it female impersonation, call yourselves performers or entertainers, or whatever you like, if the clothes cross gender lines, it will be here. For my premier column, I’m going to start with my hometown, Asheville, North Carolina. Often called the Land of Sky, I like to refer

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to Asheville as the Land of Drag. Up here in the Blue Ridge Mountains, we love our drag. Three out of the four gay bars feature regular shows and some of the not so gay bars also embrace the art form. Let’s look at them one by one. Considered to have the longest running drag shows, and undisputedly the oldest continuously operating gay bar in the state of North

Carolina is O. Henry’s. Located just outside the center of the downtown area, O. Henry’s features three distinctly different areas. The main bar is a large room adorned with reproductions of some of the world’s greatest pieces of art. The bar itself dates back to the early 1900’s as it was acquired from the historic Biltmore Dairy. Every Saturday night at midnight, Natalie Smalls presents The Asheville Angels, a rotating cast of house queens, kings, and very special guests. Natalie herself joins the cast regularly but can almost always be found at the front door with a kind welcome or a snappy answer. Down a hallway in the back from this great room is Straps, Asheville’s only Levi-Leather themed venue (and let’s face it, isn’t leather really another form of drag?). Bringing up the rear at the back of the building is LaRue’s Backdoor, a 1960’s trailer/basement retro kitsch cocktail lounge hosted by the one and only Cookie LaRue (when she’s not touring the circuit in Branson, but that’s another column). LaRue’s Backdoor features regularly scheduled cabaret shows ranging from live music and singers, to the old girl herself, pulling out the eyelashes and hopping on the stage, live. There’s a small cover at the door on Saturday nights after 10pm but you certainly get your money’s worth.


Another favorite of the drag set is Club Hairspray. Show director Ashley Michaels and her cadre of house performers turn a small, intimate space into a show lounge not to be beat every Saturday Night. Drag kings are often featured on select Fridays. Club Hairspray also features a live DJ and a very large female (the real thing) clientele, as well as an engaging atmosphere. You might have to wait a few minutes at the bar during peak hours, but it’s worth it. There’s a small cover at the door on show nights. Now, on to Eleven on Grove, the home of Scandals Night Club. Under the direction and management of T.J. Haynes, Scandals’ Crystal Room features a revolving house cast of some of the prettiest and most talented performers in the area. Sequins and feathers abound as the performers present Las Vegas style female impersonation every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The room is large, and a bit austere, but the show makes it worthwhile. State of the art sound and lighting add to the experience. A door charge and a line at peak hours might be daunting to some, and not all the close parking is free, but if you brave it, you won’t be disappointed. Another venue in Asheville, known more for their live Jazz, Blues, and Swing is Tressa’s Downtown Jazz and Blues. Smack in the heart of downtown Asheville, owner Tressa Thornton and her partner Terry Abernethy are both devotees of the art of drag and are known to spark a Thursday night up with an intimate show. The room is long and narrow and every seat is a good one and the Martini’s can’t be beat. Skull at the door makes paying a cover charge downright pleasant and the staff offers up expert, if not perfect, service. A small lite faire menu is available at Tressa’s if you get the late night munchies. Well, that’s about covers the drag scene up here in the Blue Ridge Mountains. If you’re a local, I’m sure you’ll agree with my reporting, and if you’re going to venture up here based on my recommendations, there are many gay-friendly and gay-operated hotels and inns. Eating is no problem, whatever your budget, and most of the attractions are within walking distance of each other. For more information on any of these venues or Asheville itself, feel free to drop me a line. Until next month, when I will pop up in another town, please remember… Drive Carefully, Drink Responsibly, and Play Safely… I want you back here next month. Kisses!


son who has found that selling Tupperware doesn’t have to be a drag but it so much more fun that way. It was definitely Dixie I spoke to. This is her story and these are her answers to my questions.

Feature Column: Whistling Dixie

“My parole officer gave me the idea and said that in order to get my kids, Wynona, Dwayne and Absorbine, Jr, back, I’d need a job,” Dixie told me when we spoke. “But I said I don’t want ‘em, you can keep em...” she joked with me, I think, and added, “I love kids, really I do, but they’re not good food storage containers.” Dixie told me that at first she shrugged off the suggestion because it was something “your momma” does. As a single mother from Mobile, Alabama with trailer payments to make, Dixie decided, “What the hell, I’m gonna give it try.”

Dixie Longate:

The Ultimate Party, Tupperware, That Is

In 1946, Earl Silas Tupper developed a line of airtight plastic containers for household food storage, complete with a “burping seal” and Tupperware was born. Then Brownie Wise, a former sales rep for Stanley Home Products, developed and pioneered the direct marketing strategy that was once unique to Tupperware and is now used for a wide variety of products from candles to makeup to sex toys: the party. Tupperware Parties were popular, fun and incredibly successful. Selling Tupperware at a party empowered many women who were displaced from the workplace at the end of World War II by giving them a business of their own. Sales of Tupperware exploded during the 1950s. Brownie Wise celebrated the success of the Tupperware Ladies with “jubilees,” outlandish and lavish themed parties. More than 60 years later, Tupperware is still sold at parties run by a consultant for a host and his or her guests. The hosts are rewarded with free products, the consultant makes a commission, the guest get to by

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Dixie has been selling what she lovingly refers to as “fantastic plastic crap” ever since. She told me it is the perfect job for her.

by Lin Orndorf • lin.orndorf@ruOnQ.com

nifty new gadgets and plastic boxes and bowls and everyone has a fun afternoon or evening. Over the years, Tupperware parties have grown beyond women’s Bridge and garden clubs. And Tupperware’s top sales person, Dixie Longate, has taken the Tupperware party to a whole new level and dimension. Dixie Longate is not your average suburban housewife in need of a hobby that might earn her a little “mad money.” And the parties she throws to demonstrate the virtues and amazing versatility of the multicolored, nearly indestructible Tupperware products are nothing like the tea parties and coffee clatches of the 50s. Of course, Ms. Longate is nothing like those original Tupperware Ladies that Brownie Wise envisioned. Dixie Longate started selling Tupperware in 2001. She is six-feet tall with voluminous red hair. She is very animated when she does her demonstrations. She is fast-talking and talks a blue streak and much of what she says could be considered off-color. And to be clear, Dixie is the alter ego of Kris Andres-

“When you go to a party in someone’s house they make you drinks for free… that’s the job for me. Sometimes one little thing your parole officer says can change your whole life.” Dixie has gotten more than a few free drinks out of the job. Through her own creativity and one-of-kind personality, Dixie is the number one Tupperware lady in all of North America. I asked Dixie if she knew how many plastic bowls and cups and such she had sold since she started. “I’ve sold over a million dollars worth but I have no idea how many pieces that is. I could go through all the orders but I would rather spend the time drinking.” When Dixie first started out as a peddler of practical plastic paraphernalia, she didn’t know her product very well which goes against one of the basic rules of sales. She laughs about her ignorance now and often tells the story at her Tupperware Parties. Dixie giggled and admitted, “I didn’t realize it was for the kitchen. I kept it in the bedroom. I had tons of it under the bed for when the boys would come by from the truck stop. It has tons of great uses.” She has been known to tout the products’ alternative uses like talking about the num-


ber of Jell-O® shots that can fit in a Tupperware cake holder or the advantage of drinking beer out of a plastic tumbler with a tight sealing lid. Sometimes this has drawn her criticism, mostly from people who have never experienced one of her parties or are old-school Tupperware ladies with little patience for Dixie and her flamboyant sales pitch and banter or are a tiny bit jealous of her success.

much time for a personal life.

When faced with accusations of being crude or degrading the product and the company, Dixie usually explains that since everybody has seen Tupperware, knows what it is, that her tactic is to ensure that the party is fun and everyone has a good time because “the more fun you have, the more you’re going to buy their crap… it sells itself.”

“Well, the thing is I’m in front of people all the time and there’s always someone who comes up and says, ‘I will show you all the fun places in town.’ The liquor store is always one of the fun places and I always find one.”

And Tupperware backs her up saying that she is well-spoken and has an outstanding knowledge of the product. In testing Dixie product knowledge, I asked Dixie what her favorite Tupperware item is, in terms of its intended use. “My favorite of all time is the can opener,” Dixie answered much to my relief because I couldn’t imagine any “alternative” use for a can opener. “It sounds stupid to love a can opener but it leaves no sharp edges whatsoever so you can’t cut your finger and then yell something like ‘ass-muncher.’ The can opener is my very favorite thing.” So, there you go, Dixie knows her stuff. Dixie’s reputation as a good-time party girl has taken her from backyard and patio Tupperware parties to an off-Broadway show, Dixie’s Tupperware Party. Now Dixie is hosting Tupperware parties at theatres large and small across the country. Unlike some of those Wall Street types, Dixie does not have her own jet, generally she uses rental cars. I guess that’s good for Detroit. “Sometimes we get a convertible and take the top down but we do drive everywhere. Some day we might get a big ol’ bus,” she told me. Dixie Longate has given many demos at many Tupperware parties over the past eight years. She has done parties with small groups, big corporations, and even nursing homes. With all the traveling, the three kids, and working all the time, Dixie doesn’t have

“No, I haven’t had time lately. That’s fine, I’ve been married three times. They say the third time’s the charm, well you can’t prove that by me. But every once in a while I find someone to cuddle with behind the dumpster…” said Dixie. She did tell me that she enjoys what she does and has a lot of fun with it.

On a more serious note, Dixie told me about her experience with the Tupperware Company and moving up in the ranks and of course being “crowned” as the number one consultant. “I love the whole opportunity. They have a Jubilee, a convention, in Orlando. To be on the stage and have people cheering for you… everyone is jumping up and down. They hand you a mic and say ‘tell the people some of your tricks.’ But it’s about much more than all that glory. When you talk to the ladies, it’s not about the bowls, they’ve really achieved something. They found a way to do something that is really exciting and constructive. They have transformed their lives all ‘cause they started selling plastic bowls. It was a big honor and it makes me proud to be one of them.” From talking to her and seeing YouTube videos of Dixie in action, I am pretty sure she could sell just about anything to anybody. “It’s funny, people always ask me to sell something else. But I’m what you call a ‘Director’ in Tupperware lingo and I actually had to sign a non-compete clause. That’s fine ‘cause I’m having fun and I’m so attached to it. I love it so much that when I do decide to leave I just know I’m gonna cry.” There you have it folks, there are no candle parties or passion parties in the near future for Dixie Longate. PART OF THE OnQ NETWORK • DRAG MAGAZINE •

09


Rubberman: Playing safe is truly an art

by Michael Harney • michael.harney@ruOnQ.com

As The Rubberman pondered what to write this month, several items made it to my list. Let’s first be reminded that health care is about people, and needs to be understood in the context of human rights and impact. What is included in health insurance and why shouldn’t everyone have it? Can we justify line-item exclusions in our national reform, e.g. needle exchange, immigrants, transgendered people, or adequate funding of Ryan White programs when they come up for renewal? Ethically, I don’t see how. Part of the change we so desperately need is in our mindset, and our social actions. Below are references to HIV/AIDS learning modules from the 19th Annual Clinical Care Options HIV Symposium held in Miami last spring. It may seem tardy, but these are some of the latest data. Also, the highly scientific 5th International AIDS Society Conference on HIV Pathogenesis, Treatment and Prevention held in Cape Town, South Africa this summer may be reviewed at www.ias2009.org. In alternate years I have attended International AIDS Conferences, the last was in Mexico City, August 2008. Regrettably, I was unable to attend either clinical update I am citing now. I was set upon sharing what I learned from the HIV/AIDS Annual Update 2009 (www. clinicaloptions.com/ccohiv2009). Instead of a more extensive review, I’ll entice you with a couple of pieces. On page ii you’ll

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see that “[T]he purpose of this activity is to provide participants with an update on the past year’s advances in HIV research and care and to illuminate the implications of those advances for practical treatment strategies.” I took an entire day off and rolled around in bed reading chapter after chapter. I completed it by 1:00 a.m. and felt much enriched with new knowledge. Between chapters I would call Dr. P. to clarify things. I know many HIV+ people have gastrointestinal troubles, but in reading Dr. Daniel Douek’s chapter The Virus, the Tissues and Immune Activation: What Makes HIV Infection Pathogenic? I learned that only recently have scientists “begun to fully appreciate the relationship between detrimental effects of HIV-1 on the GI tract during the acute [early] phase of infection and disease progression through the chronic phase to AIDS.” Due to the depletion of CD4+ T cells in the GI tract and what is known as chronic activation of the immune system, people with HIV are even more susceptible to opportunistic infections. Normally there is a protective mucosal barrier in the lining of the small intestine and colon, but during the “short period of the acute phase of infection,” and because the majority of CD4+ T cells in the body are in the GI tract, the depletion of these cells “represents a considerable assault on the immune system” that continues throughout the lifetime progression of disease. This

effects “cell cycle regulation, lipid metabolism…and digestive functions in HIVinfected individuals.” Importantly, this can result in decreased absorption of nutrients, of antiretrovirals, and other medications. There is also an overall exhaustion of T-cell manufacture and “drainage of memory Tcell pools” which fight infectious organisms the body has previously encountered. The next chapter by Dr. Robert F. Siliciano, entitled New Insights Into Persistent Low-Level Viremia, was amazing to read! I should have taken more biology in school, but his discussion deals with the success of antiretroviral therapies used to fight HIV from many angles, and their inability to fully eradicate a group of “latently infected resting CD4+ T cells.” They may survive in the body for decades waiting to be activated by the antigen HIV. Occasionally some of them, as long-lived memory cells, are infected on their way to their resting state. He writes that “this is a perfect mechanism for viral persistence…unaffected by immune responses or antiretroviral drugs. If the cell becomes activated in the future, it can begin to produce virus again.” In other words, even when someone is said to have an “undetectable” viral load, HIV still lurks within the body. Siliciano states that the “eradication of HIV from the latent reservoir would require the use of ongoing suppressive therapy for more than 73 years,” due to the estimated rate of viral decay. I do hope you will try the link to the Clinical Care site. It provides further updates about Hepatitis and other data each week. I wish I could download it all into my brain in quicker fashion. Peace. Michael Harney, the Rubberman, is an HIV/AIDS educator with the Western North Carolina AIDS Project (WNCAP) and can be reached at 828-252-7489, or 274-8397 for the Needle Exchange Program of Asheville (NEPA). When the Rubberman isn’t passing out condoms and teaching about HIV/AIDS prevention, he teaches Spanish at a community college in Asheville, NC.


What Pride Means to Me: SC Pride 2009 When asked, I really had to sit down for a few days and think, think, think. To ME, Pride is about having gratification in the choices I have made as an individual. I am very proud that in my 26 years I have accomplished many of the goals I set for myself. I have forged very strong friendships, relationships and connections with several very influential people in my life. My pride is also not tied exclusively to my sexuality. The pride I have in myself encompasses everything that makes me who I am. Remember, Pride means having that satisfaction and gratification in what you do and who you are! Strive to have Pride in everything you do and in your everyday life! PRIDE, PRIDE, PRIDE! Luv Ava! by Ava Clear

To a lot of people pride is respect for oneself, a sense of one’s own dignity or worth. And let’s not forget self-respect. When you are talking about pride in a way we are showing

our background, whether it be straight, gay, trans, bisexual, or lesbian, it’s all of us coming together for equality and supporting each other’s style. Life is too short for jealousy and hate. We should treat other the way we want to be treated and not be so self-absorbed that we don’t realize we are all made of the same matter. That’s what Pride means to me.

by Justin of Atlanta, King of Playboys

Pride is being able to accept yourself for who you are no matter what. Growing up, I faced a lot of challenges with others as well as within myself. As a freshman in a Catholic high school, I dealt with namecalling, threats, and complete alienation from everyone outside of the two friends I had. With the Church, I was looked at differently by some of the other parish members, and everything they had ever known about me from the years before no longer defined

the good character I portrayed all because I “changed” in their eyes. My dad’s side of the family, including my grandmother, aunts, and uncles, no longer has anything to do with me; I am dead to them. All of these incidents combined had really put a burden on my life and my soul. Anytime I was alone, I would deal with self-conviction, and wonder if my life as a gay male or later as a transsexual woman was actually worth living and would living that life makes me a bad person. I later realized in life that I was, am, and will always be a good person, regardless of how I live my life. Who I am does not define the quality of my life, but what I do with that life is all that matters. Living an alternative lifestyle does not make me a poor quality individual. Regardless of the life I’ve experienced and the discrimination I’ve had to face, I am still who I am. Waking up and openly being an advocate for transsexuals is what makes me proud, and that is what pride means to me. By Bianca

PART OF THE OnQ NETWORK • DRAG MAGAZINE •

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FL • FT. LAUDERDALE ALIBI • b • 954.565.2526 • ruOnQ.com/alibi • 2266 Wilton Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33305.

BOARDWALK • b • 954.463.6969 • ruOnQ.com/ boardwalk • 1721 N. Andrew Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311.

FL • ORLANDO FACES • b • 407.291.7571 • ruOnQ.com/faces • 4910 Edgewater Drive, Orlando, FL, 32810.

PARLIAMENT HOUSE • b • 407.425.7571 • ruOnQ. com/parliamenthouse • 410 N. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL 32805. PULSE • b • 407.649.3888 • ruOnQ.com/pulse • 1912 Orange Avenue, Orlando, FL 32806.

are you OnQ? www.ruOnQ.com

THE LEGACY CLUB • b • 321.946.6968 • ruOnQ. com/thelegacyclub • 3095 Clarcona Ocoee Road, Orlando, FL, 32810.

LOUNGE 714 • b • 813.247.2711 • ruOnQ.com/ lounge714 • 1327 E. 7th Avenue, Tampa, FL, 33605.

FL • SANFORD FIRST STREET LOUNGE • b • 407.322.6966 • ruOnQ. com/firststreetlounge • 226 East First Street, Sanford, FL 32771.

FL • ST. PETERSBURG

SCANDALS • b • 954.567.2432 • ruOnQ.com/scandalsfl • 3073 N.E. 6th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33334.

GEORGIE’S ALIBI • b • 727.321.2112 • ruOnQ.com/ georgiesalibi • 3100 3rd Avenue North, St. Petersburg, FL,

FL • SOUTH BEACH PALACE • b • 305.531.7234 • ruOnQ.com/palace • 1200 Ocean Drive, South Beach, FL,

FL • MIAMI AZUCAR • b • 305.441.6974 • ruOnQ.com/azucar • 2301 SW 32nd Ave, Miami, FL, 33105. Closed Monday through Wednesday.

SCORE • b • 305.535.1111 • ruOnQ.com/score • 727 Lincoln Lane, South Beach, FL,

DISCOTEKKA • b • 305.371.3773 • ruOnQ.com/discotekka • 950 NW 2nd Avenue, Miami, FL 33136.

BAXTERS • b • 813.258.8830 • ruOnQ.com/baxters • 1519 S. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, FL, 33629

12 • DRAG MAGAZINE • IMONTHEDM.COM

Stereotypd DRAG MAGAZINE

KI KI KI III • b • 813.241.8183 • ruOnQ.com/kikikiIII • 1908 West Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, FL, 33606.

MONKEY BUSINESS • b • 954.565.9550 • ruOnQ. com/monkeybusiness • 2740 N. Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311.

SANDAL CLUB • b • 305.758.3556 • ruOnQ.com/ sandalclub • 1060 NE 79th Street, Miami, FL 33138.

OnQ Carolina Edition

REVOLUTION • b • 407.228.9900 • ruOnQ.com/revolution • 375 S. Bumby Avenue, Orlando, FL 32803.

CHIQ BAR • b • 727.546.7272 • ruOnQ.com/chiqbar • 4900 66th Street North, St. Petersburg, FL 33709.

TRIXIES • b • 954.923.9322 • ruOnQ.com/trixies • 600 S. Dixie Highway, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33020.

three distinct lifestyles... ... three distinct publications

FL • TAMPA / YBOR CITY FLIRT NIGHTCLUB & SHOW BAR • b • 813.242.8681 • ruOnQ.com/flirt • 1909 N. 15th Street, Tampa, FL 33605.

RAINBOW ROOM • b • 813.871.2265 • ruOnQ.com/ rainbowroom • 421 S. MacDill Avenue, Tampa, FL 33609. VALENTINES CLUB • b • 813.936.1999 • ruOnQ. com/valentinesclub • 7522 N. Armenia Avenue, Tampa, FL 33604. Open 7 days a week from 3p to 3a. Housecast includes Desiree Demornay.

FL • WEST PALM BEACH DOLCHE • b • 561.422.4505 • ruOnQ.com/dolche • 3097 Forest Hills Blvd., West Palm Beach, FL 33406.

GA • ATLANTA (METRO) AMSTERDAM/THE SPOT • b • 404.892.2227• ruOnQ. com/Amsterdam • Amterdam Walk, 553 Amsterdam Ave, Atlanta, GA 30306. BAZZARR • b • 404.885.7505 • ruOnQ.com/bazzarr • 654 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA 30308. BELLISSIMA • b • 404.917.0220 • ruOnQ.com/ bellissima • 560 Amsterdam Avenue NE, Atlanta, GA 30306. BLAKE’S ON THE PARK • b • 404.892.5786 • ruOnQ. com/blakesonthepark • 227 10th Street, Atlanta, GA 30309. BURKHART’S • b • 404.892.4403 • ruOnQ.com/ burkharts • 1492-F Piedmont Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30309.


BE SEEN BY YOUR PEERS & YOUR CLIENTELE FROM FLORIDA TO WEST VIRGINIA. BUSINESS CARD ADS FOR $40 AN ISSUE OR $400 A YEAR. Call today! 828.505.2870 CLUB 708 • b • 404.874.8125 • ruOnQ.com/club708 • 708 Spring Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30308.

CLUB EUROPE • b • 770.452.1240 • ruOnQ.com/ clubeurope • 4001 Presidential Parkway, Doraville, GA 30340. CLUB OPERA • b • 404.874.0428 • ruOnQ.com/ clubopera • 1150-B Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA 30309. DJANGO • b • 404.347.8648 • ruOnQ.com/django • 495 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA 30308. FRIENDS ON PONCE • b • 404.817.3820 • ruOnQ. com/friendsonponce • 736 Ponce De Leon Avenue NE, Atlanta, GA 30306. MARK ULTRALOUNGE • b • 678.904.0050 • ruOnQ. com/themark • 79 Poplar Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30303. MARY’S • b • 404.624.4411 • ruOnQ.com/marys • 1287 Glenwood Avenue SE, Atlanta, GA 30316.

MODEL-T • b • 404.872.2209 • ruOnQ.com/modelt • 699 Ponce De Leon Avenue NE, Ste 11, Atlanta, GA 30308. NEW ORDER • b • 404.874.8247 • ruOnQ.com/neworder • 1544 Piedmont Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30324. PARIS DECATUR • b • 404.687.1965 • ruOnQ.com/ parisdecatur • 308 W. Ponce De Leon Avenue, Decatur, GA 30030. PHASE ONE • b • 678.296.0678 • ruOnQ.com/ phaseone • 4933 Memorial Drive, Decatur, GA 30032.

STAGE DOOR • b • 770.414.9292 • ruOnQ.com/ stagedoor • 4431 Hugh Howell Road, Tucker, GA, 30084. SUTRA LOUNGE • b • 404.607.1160 • ruOnQ.com/ sutralounge • 1136 Crescent Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309. TRIPPS • b • 404.724.0067 • ruOnQ.com/tripps • 1931 Piedmont Circle, Atlanta, GA 30324.

GA • MARIETTA LA BUZZ • b • 770.424.1337 • ruOnQ.com/labuzz • 585 Franklin Road, Marietta, GA 30324.

GA • SAVANNAH CLUB ONE • b^ • 912.232.0200 • ruOnQ.com/ clubone • 1 Jefferson Street, Savannah, GA 31401. Home of Lady Chablis, located just off of the City market in beautiful Savannah.

NC • ASHEVILLE CLUB HAIRSPRAY • b^ • 828.258.2027 • ruOnQ. com/clubhairspray • 28 N. French Broad Ave., Asheville, NC 28801. Open 7 days a week, offering a lounge, drag, & more. LARUE’S BACKDOOR • b^ • 828.252.1014 • ruOnQ. com/laruesbackdoor • 237 Haywood St., Asheville, NC 28801. Larue’s is open Thurs- Sun and is located behind O’Henrys. O’HENRYS/STRAPS • b^ • 828.254.1891 • ruOnQ. com/ohenrys • 237 Haywood St., Asheville, NC 28801. O’Henry’s is open 7 days a week offering music, billiards, and more. SCANDALS • b • 828.252.2838 • ruOnQ.com/scandals • 11 Grove St., Asheville, NC 28801. Scandals is on the lower level of the Grove House, open FriSun, with drag & dance.

RANDOM RANTS

GOT SOMETHING TO SAY? SHARE IT! VISIT WWW.THERANDOMRANTS.COM AND SPILL IT! YOUR RANT MAY BE SEEN IN PRINT. NO RULES, JUST BITCH. JUST BE READY FOR IT IN RETURN.

To NCCOLLDUDE08 on ADAM4ADAM... your recent comment that “pride is a disservice to the gay community” obviously shows you are why the gay community is so far behind. If you don’t like it, change it... quit bitching! You’ve no right to say anything to anyone about their hygiene or body shape when you go somewhere to suck anonymous cock. It’s not like glory holes are given 4 stars if only 9+ inches of Lacoste smelling jock cock pop through. COLT. Isn’t that a horse? Personally, I think it should be a heffer. That’s a cow isn’t it? Atleast that’s what COLT looked like stripping at O’Henry’s last weekend. If you weigh 90 lbs or less, you should be at MCDONALDS, not at the gym. STEPHANIE SINCLAIR says ‘look at me gurls, I’m in print again... & you’re not!’ The problem with most of you bitch’s is that your not getting laid. Leave the girlfriends, the drugs and the fancy cloths at home. Put a pair of jeans and a tee shirt on and go out on your own and get some dick. You’re a grumpy bitch when you are sober and a happy bitch after a cocktail, and you think the problem is you haven’t been drinking enough? I give up! Have another round. You can get treatment for alcoholism, but being a bitch is all on you. When a pride pageant becomes just another bar pageant that’s when I start having real issues. Don’t use a non-profit to try to turn another quick buck to keep the doors open. I mean really, thats just tacky T.J. I am interested to see how the new crossing of the lines at Patrick’s and Pantheon works out. The boy from Miami is screwing the divide - literally.

PART OF THE OnQ NETWORK • DRAG MAGAZINE •

13


NC • CHARLOTTE PETRA’S PIANO BAR • b^ • 704.332.6608 • ruOnQ. com/petras • 1919 Commonwealth Ave., Charlotte, NC 28205. Piano Bar, Non-Smoking section, & a new sound lounge. SCORPIOS • b^ • 704.373.9124 • ruOnQ.com/ scorpios • 2301 Freedom Dr., Charlotte, NC 28208. Open Wed, Sat & Sun, offering drag and dance.

NC • GASTONIA NIGHT OWLS • b^ • 704.866.7333 • ruOnQ.com/ nightowls • 420 W. Main Ave, Gastonia, NC 28052. Open Thurs-Sun, Night Owls offers drag, dance, billiards, & drink specials.

NC • GREENSBORO WAREHOUSE 29 • b^ • 336.333.9333 • ruOnQ. com/warehouse29 • 1011 Arnold St., Greensboro, NC 27405. W29 is open Thurs-Sun offering different events nightly. 18+

NC • GREENVILLE GREAT AMERICAN MINING COMPANY • b^ • 252.353.2623• ruOnQ.com/gamc • 1008 Dickinson Ave., Greenville, NC 27834. Open Thurs-Sat offering dance, drag, & more.

NC • HICKORY CLUB CABARET • b • 828.322.8103 • ruOnQ.com/ clubcabaret • 101 N. Central St., Hickory, NC 28601. Club Cabaret is open Thurs-Sun and features the area’s best drag.

NC • RALEIGH CAPITAL CORRAL / CC’S • b • 919.755.9599 • ruOnQ.com/capitalcorral • 313 W. Hargett St., Raleigh, NC 27601. CC’s offers a dance floor, nonsmoking piano bar, & drag. FLEX • b^ • 919.832.8855 • ruOnQ.com/flex • 2 S. West St., Raleigh, NC 27603. Flex is open 7 days a week offering DJs, VJs, video games, trailer park drag, & other special events LEGENDS • b^ • 919.831.8888 • ruOnQ.com/legends • 330 W. Hargett St., Raleigh, NC 27601. Open 9pm to 2am everyday but Wednesday with dance, special events, & patio.

NC • WILMINGTON IBIZA • b^ • 910.251.1301 • ruOnQ.com/ibiza • 118 Market St., Wilmington, NC 28401. Ibiza is open Thurs-Sun offering a mixed crowd. Dance, drag, lounge, patio, & gogo boys.

14 • DRAG MAGAZINE • IMONTHEDM.COM

NC • WINSTON-SALEM CLUB ODYSSEY • b^ • 336.774.1077 • ruOnQ.com/ clubodysseey • 4019-A Country Club Rd., WinstonSalem, NC 27104. A mixed crowd with dance & drag. Closed Mon.

SC • CHARLESTON PANTHEON • b^ • 843.577.2582 • ruOnQ.com/ pantheon • 32 Ann Street, Charleston, SC 29403. Club Pantheon is Charleston’s place for dance and drag. PATRICK’S • b • 843.571.3435 • ruOnQ.com/patricks •1377 Ashley River Road, Charleston, SC 29407. Open seven days a week featuring the current reigning Mr. & Miss SC Pride 2009 winners.

SC • COLUMBIA (METRO) H20 • b^ • 803.794.8443 • ruOnQ.com/h20sc • 220 State St, West Columbia, SC 29169. H20 offers a popular dance scene just out of downtown Columbia. THE CABARET • b^ • 803.758.6090 • ruOnQ.com/ thecabaret • 1101 Harden St, Columbia, SC 29205. The Cabaret offers the best of Columbia’s Drag and Cabaret scene.

SC • GREENVILLE THE CASTLE • b^ • 864.235.9949 • ruOnQ.com/ thecastle • 8-B LeGrand Blvd, Greenville, SC 29607. The Castle offers dance, drag, and other special events.

SC • MYRTLE BEACH TIME OUT • b^ • 843.448.1180 • ruOnQ.com/timeout • 520 8th Ave N, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577. Time Out offers Dance, Drag, and Billiards in a Member’s Only environment.

SC • ROCK HILL THE HIDE-A-WAY • b • 910.251.1301 • ruOnQ. com/thehideaway • 405 Baskins Road, Rock Hill, SC 29730. Hidden from the hussle offering dance, drag, & billiards. Fri-Sun only.

WV • CHARLESTON BROADWAY • b^ • 304.343.2162 • ruOnQ.com/ broadway• 210 Leon Sullivan Way, Charleston, WV 25301. Featuring The Broadway Divas at 12a & 130a on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, & Sunday.

WV • HUNTINGTON POLO CLUB• b^ • 304.522.3146 • ruOnQ.com/poloclub • 1037 7th Avenue, Huntington, WV 25701. Showbar & Lounge open everyday. Open Stage on Tuesday, Show Nights on Friday & Saturday.

STONEWALL CLUB • b^ • 304.523.2242 • ruOnQ. com/stonewallclub • 820 7th Avenue, Huntington, WV 25701. Closed Mondays. Shows of Illusion at 1a & 2a on Sunday, Wednesday, Friday, & Saturday.

WV • MORGANTOWN VICE VERSA • b^ • 304.292.2010 • ruOnQ.com/ viceversa • 335 High Street, Morgantown, WV 26505. Show night every Friday and select Saturdays.

WV • PARKERSBURG WOODSTARR • b^ • 304.422.3711 • ruOnQ.com/ woodstarr • 322 5th Street, Parkersburg, WV 26101. Saturday Night Drag Shows.

VA • ARLINGTON FREDDIE’S BEACH BAR • b •703.685.0555 • ruOnQ. com/freddiesbeachbar • 555 23rd Street South, Arlington, VA 22202. Freddie’s Follies Drag Show Sundays at 9pm and Drag Bingo Wednesdays.

VA • CHARLOTTESVILLE CLUB 216 • b^ • 804.296.8783 • ruOnQ.com/ club216 • 218 West Water Street, Charlottesville, VA 22902. Open Friday and Saturday with a mix of entertainment and headliners.

VA • RICHMOND FIELDEN’S • b^ • 804.359.1963 • ruOnQ.com/fieldens • 2033 West Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23220. Open Saturdays, Sundays, & select holidays with a wide array of entertainment. Members/Guests. GODFREY’S • b^ • 804.648.3957 • ruOnQ.com/ godfreys • 308 East Grace Street, Richmond, VA 23219. Stop by for Wednesday Hump Night and Saturday Sirens both hosted by Tiffany Deverauex.

VA • ROANOKE THE PARK • b^ • 540.342.0946 • ruOnQ.com/ thepark • 615 Salem Avenue SW, Roanoke, VA 24013. Shows on Fridays and Sundays. Home of the Park Pagentry - The Gay US Pagentry System.

VA • VIRGINIA BEACH KLUB AMBUSH • b^ • 757.498.4301 • ruOnQ.com/ klubambush • 475 South Lynnhaven Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23452. Stop by for drag shows every Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, & Sunday. RAINBOW CACTUS COMPANY • b^ • 757.368.0441 • ruOnQ.com/rainbowcactus • 3472 Holland Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23452. Stop by for Drag race Friday’s and Drag on the Rocks Saturday’s.


Guys, Gals, and Kids. Extra Small to plus sizes. Adult rental costumes. Masks, Make-Up, & Accessories.

Featuring the full lines of

Leg Avenue Dream Girl Shirley of Hollywood Playboy Elle Shoes

1015 St. Andrews Blvd. Charleston, South Carolina 29407 (843) 556-6607 Mon-Sat 10A-9P & Sun 1P-6P


advance discount tickets available at onq.ticketleap.com


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