Friday 410: Beyonce Black Parade, Cat Dads, and Overdue Drag Changes (Dean Sage | John Patrick)

GSC Friday

For at least the last year Dean and John have been talking about when we would get cats after we moved in together, and that day finally arrived almost a week ago. We adopted 2 little ones, Trixie, a flame-tail Siamese and Katya, an incredibly intelligent short-hair mix with black fur like a scar across her right eye. Of course we had to name them after our 2 fave Drag Queens. Like any proud new parents we bore you with the details of how pretty they are, where they sleep, and how John sacrifices sleep and sniffles to be a loving parent. Next we delve into Beyonce's Black Parade, which while speaking to experiences we can't fully understand, is a very important moment in music and culture right now. It's a great single, and it is full of imagery and references that speak to where Beyonce finds herself. Something that seems to also be inspiring a new Visual CD to be released on streaming soon. But it also speaks to the issues that Black Performers face in either being "Black" or being mainstream. Something Beyonce faced with Formation. That is made even more clear in the Queer community as Shea Coulee and others in Boy's Town held a forum and inspired some first steps in reforming how the Chicago Drag scene books and treats black queens and queens of color. A similar movement has started in the Philly community where John and Dean live. Black people make up the largest percent of Philadelphia, yet represent hardly any of the regular hosts in the clubs and bars. It's time for us to help change by listening and then by acting. Where you put your money has power. Do you know how your home club/bar treated non-white Queens. Do you see your community reflected in the bookings and hosts? It's time to make changes.