Salutations™!!
I said that I was “working” the Pride Winston-Salem event last weekend as an MC or emcee. It turns out that I MCed Friday night’s Kick-Off Party for the event, was downtown at 8:30am on Saturday and MCed all day long, until about 6pm, went to Willows Bistro that night and then went to the Pride After-Party at the Hawthorne Inn and ended up MCing that. Let’s just say that by the time Sunday came around, I could barely speak. It took a lot to push out any noise.
But, I have to say, that while I have always enjoyed attending the Pride events, I got a whole new perspective actually “working” with the organizers, whom I have become pretty good friends with. I got to work with some really cool and sweet drag queens. They’re hilarious and all-around good gals. They made this straight guy comfortable to be there. The whole community did. I’ve never felt uncomfortable but I felt part of the family.
I spent a good bit of time with Bella Jade on Friday and some of Saturday. I spent time with Paisley Parque on Saturday, as well. We bantered back and forth on the Main Stage and I was happy to find out that I was indeed “a bear.” More specifically, a “polar bear” (because of the white beard). That was confirmed by several other performers.
The highlight, though, was The Kinsey Sicks which was the headliner. They are “America’s Favorite Dragapella Beauty Shop Quartet!” They were funny, talented and sang songs that fit the times. They did a song called “Everybody Wants To Be a Drag Queen” and they brought someone up on the stage and dressed them in drag. I think he had a great time. Just look at the pic and tell me.
Anyway, I will say that I felt part of the community but I am proud to say that I’m officially an “Ally” and will do all I can to support it. I recommend you do the same. Even if you don’t agree with the community, at least support its choice to be itself and we should all be able to do what we want in life. Besides, chances are it doesn’t affect you anyway.
Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!
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“Here’s a little song I wrote, I’m probably gonna get a frog in my throat. Don’t be happy… Worry.” – “Don’t Be Happy, Worry” (McFerrin/Kinsey Sicks)