Performing has taken a backseat as I try to figure out what my future is with it. I've been doing other sorts of writing too so the blog remains on the back burner. In any case, I really wanted to help out the folks affected by Hurricane Helene, as a couple of people I follow (in burlesque and elsewhere) were in the areas and have shared how bad it is. If you're free today, please come to this benefit show. It's the last in-person Dallas gig that Tony or I are doing for the year too.
Surprise! I'm supposed to be on a vacation, but I couldn't resist checking out the performance scene while in Portland. So Tony Fo-Hawk was able to be persuaded to step away from watching the Rockstar Energy Open and do his second drag brunch ever.
This Sunday, August 25, he will be joining the cast of Clarklewis. Show starts at 12 PM PDT, doors at 11 AM. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased here: https://portland.boldtypetickets.com/events/156435746/endless-summer-drag-brunch
After much persuasion, Tony Fo-Hawk is returning to the stage! He's joining Otterly Fierce Productions to debut a brand-new act for their AnimeFest show. It takes place Friday, July 26 at 9 PM. You will need a con badge and your ID, as it is 18+. The show will be in Panel Room 5/Sage.
Members of the cast will be talking about our experiences with drag on Saturday night, July 27 at 10:30 PM in Panel Room 1/Monument Ballroom F. I will also be doing my nerdlesque panel on Thursday night at 10:30 PM in Panel Room 2/Monument Ballroom H). It's the very last AnimeFest as a full-on convention so I hope to see you there!
I swear I will get back to blogging one day. I actually had plans, but I wound up getting Multiple Eye White Dot Syndrome, which is an uncommon autoimmune condition in the eye that can cause vision issue. On top of that, I was hit by a car while walking to a doctor's appointment in trying to get a diagnosis. I was incredibly lucky and didn't get too severe of injuries so I was able to perform at FemmeFest. My eye is also healing to where I'm not getting headaches when I use the computer. There are a couple of other writing projects I want to work on, but I will be back writing about burlesque.
In the meantime, you can catch me this Friday at Plumb Askew Revue's Nerdlesque! It's taking place at Sons of Hermann Hall. Show starts at 9 PM, but doors are at 8 PM so come early to shop the vendor booths and swap your big bills for dollars to tip. VIP and front row are already sold out, and GA is going fast so get your tickets now! http://www.tinyurl.com/PAR-
Happy Pride month! Even though Texas has passed some awful queerphobic laws (we see the language in SB12 even if it doesn't mention drag), Tony Fo-Hawk going to do his part to rebel with two upcoming appearances.
The first is drag storytime at Carrollton Pride this Saturday. Tony will be reading My First Skateboard by Karl Watson and another book. Security will be present for the whole day so fingers crossed that the kids don't have to be subjected to hateful people. My Mundie self will be participating in the open mic so stick around for the whole day; there will be lots to do without the giant crowds.
The other event is Tony Fo-Hawk's next performance on June 19. It is a fundraiser for the DFW chapter of the Party for Socialism and Liberation, and it takes place at Alexandre's in Dallas so it is 18+.
I’ve talked about my journey into drag before, but we’re overdue for an update on Tony Fo-Hawk. Also I believe if we keep talking about drag, we’ll eventually drive home the idea that it’s not going away. Sorry not sorry, transphobes.
Being predominantly a burlesque performer, I know my audience consists of adults. That ends up being most of Tony’s audience too. However, under both identities, I’ve appeared at all-ages fan conventions to present panels on topics, like the history of skateboarding or feminism in cosplay. There’s no stripping, provocative dancing, or even cursing in those panels (although there was a photo of a skater flipping the bird that I forgot about). Professionalism as a performer is knowing your audience. The accusations of drag performers doing sexually-charged numbers in the presence of children are false and rooted in the homophobia and transphobia. Expressions of people’s gender and orientation are not lewd just because they’re different from the status quo.
A lot of us millennials were exposed to drag since we were kids. We grew up with Mrs. Doubtfire and Mulan. Bugs Bunny and Team Rocket dressed in drag for their schemes. As adolescents, we watched (sometimes in English class) Romeo+Juliet, which featured Mercutio wearing a dress AND lip syncing, and the Twelfth Night-inspired films, She’s The Man and Motocrossed. Would Shakespeare, an author whose works have become literal tropes, have to be removed from the high school curriculum? Slippery slopes accompany the mountains that people make out of mole hills.
I was first exposed to drag queens specifically (and not
just crossdressing characters) through an ad featuring Spice Girl impersonators
during a family trip to Las Vegas. I
thought they were women. While that
might just be my obliviousness, some kids are innocent enough to accept what
they see and move on. Others may bluntly
ask questions, but they’ll also accept the answers you give them.
It's not exactly drag, but when I lived
in Japan, I put together a closet cosplay
of Trunks from Dragonball Z to
teach the kids about Halloween.
On the subject of my obliviousness, I recently realized I was doing drag since I was 13. In fact, I did it in class. As a weird, unsocial (and undiagnosed autistic) kid, I opted to go solo on projects when given the option. Sometimes I needed another voice, and when I got to do a presentation on action sports for my freshman Social Studies class, I created a fellow commentator modeled after the skater-BMXer bro I never had in real life. Although the extent of my costuming was tucking my hair under a cap, I was playing with gender and looking back, I can tell that he’s the predecessor of Tony Fo-Hawk.
The idea of Tony having family friendly acts was something I considered, as I can’t always say that I do burlesque but want to share the fact that I am a performer. Plus friends who have kids or just aren’t night owls could see me at daytime events. I became more encouraged when I had a kid show up for my panel on skateboarding, titled “Tony Fo-Hawk’s Pro Skater Panel”, at All-con 2020 and enjoyed it. Then I learned about Karl Watson’s children’s book, My First Skateboard, and decided to read that if I ever got invited to do drag storytime.
Kimber Fox gave me that opportunity last year for Carrollton Pride’s drag storytime. I was super stoked
because I want to share my love of action sports with everyone. The kids were a great audience, and the
parents were equally entertained. The
experience had me thinking about coming up with more family-friendly routines
for Tony. It would challenge me to not
rely on stripping for an act. Of course,
Tony’s punk aesthetic makes picking songs a bit tricky, but as I’m still
keeping my performances to one every couple of months, I have time to
brainstorm.
According to some people,
Danny Fox-Trot and I should
be arrested for reading to kids.
Drag is for everyone. I’ve seen a couple of acts from kids who just enjoy dressing up and putting on a show, like my friends and I did when we pretended to be Spice Girls (and I later decided that I preferred learning boyband dances). No one is being forced to attend a drag show, and kids have phones and tablets to engage with if they had to be present with their parents. Back when I had to accompany my parents to their social events, I brought a book. Children are great at ignoring what’s around them.
These attacks on drag are part of a larger political game that basically supports the genocide of transgender folks. As these hateful lawmakers try to turn back the clock on civil rights, drag has become revolutionary and a way for more privileged members of the queer community, as well as allies, to share their support. We’re seeing musicians do that in Tennessee, which has already passed a drag ban (although guys in dresses could hardly be considered drag). Let’s not forget that two key figure of the Stonewall uprising were drag performers, Marsha P. Johnson and Stormé DeLarverie. We’ve been fighting since the beginning, and we’re not backing down.
Where did the time go? All-con is upon us again, and I've got a full schedule. The most exciting part is that Black Mariah and I have an awesome burlesque show in store, and we've officially dubbed ourselves the Wonder Femmes!
Yes, I'll be performing this year, and I'm bringing two nerdy acts that have only seen the stage once. In addition to this show, I've got my usual panels (and Tony Fo-Hawk might make an appearance):
All panels except Thursdays are in Onyx. Thursday's panel will be in Topaz. To attend both the panels and the burlesque show, you need a con badge. There's also an option to skip the line and get reserved seats for burlesque. Click here for both.
I've got a fun new Owl House cosplay planned so I hope to see some of y'all there!
Tony Fo-Hawk and I are both ringing in 2023 with some live performances, my first in Dallas in about 18 months. We're still taking things slowly (the pandemic isn't over yet), but it's an honor to be among two great productions.
On January 15, Tony will be doing his first drag brunch with Victor Entropy Presents: Drag Paradise. This is a great option if the late nights of typical burlesque and drag shows aren't so feasible for you. Plus food! Show is at Halcyon Coffee Bar in Dallas, and it begins at 4:30 PM. Tickets start at $15 and are available here.
Later this month on January 28, I will be performing in Mazmorra Productions' Den of Decadence with this stellar cast. The show is at a room in the Silver City strip club, and your ticket does get you into the main club to if you want more sexiness afterward. Show starts 9 PM, and tickets are on sale here.
Already the Club Q shooting seems to be forgotten, but the community is still healing. If you have the means to give this holiday season, consider helping out one of the drag performers or employees who call Club Q home.
I learned that Beyonca DeLeon, a drag queen I had shared the stage with back in Glitterbomb's early days at Mable Peabody's, worked at Club Q and helped many people get to safety that night. Her friend has put together a GoFundMe to help her out:
Tony Fo-Hawk is returning to the stage. You can catch him in Beyond Vanilla Burlesque, doing a kinkier version of one of his punk rock numbers. Tickets are almost sold out so scan that QR code or visit beyondvanilla.org to get a pass for the weekend that gets you in the show. It takes place on September 23, 8 PM CDT, at the MCM Elegante Hotel. (I believe it's 18+ but please contact the organizers to confirm.)
As for me, I'm making a virtual appearance in the first ever in-person K-Pop That Pastie show. It's in Philadelphia on October 8, 7 PM EDT. Click here to get your tickets. Please note that this show is 21+
Tony Fo-Hawk doesn't have a show per say, but he's appearing in public. Next Saturday (June 4), he is doing drag story time at Carrollton Pride. The event takes place at Horizon Unitarian Universalist Church and starts at 11:30 AM. Tony will be reading My First Skateboard by Karl Watson. It's free and for all ages so bring the family!
My next burlesque show will be virtual. It's Cosplay Burlesque's "Down the Shore" Spectacular on Friday, June 10. The stream starts 7 PM CDT, and tickets are $10 ($5 for a recording if you can't make the premiere). Click here to purchase.
It's been a while since Tony Fo-Hawk has hit the stage (live or virtual), but he's coming back in a big way. Tomorrow night, he'll be at the 4th annual Texas Women's University Drag Show: Kings, Queens, and Non-binary Beings. The show takes place in the Student Union at Hubbard Hall and will start at 7 PM. However, you'll want to come early to visit the queer vendors set up. There's also a livestream option for people wanting to avoid crowds. Tickets are $5 for non-students and can be purchased at the Student Union.
Then later this month, on April 29, Tony will be premiering a virtual rendition of his Alolan Raichu act as part of Irish Lashes Productions' Gotta Strip Them All! It's a hybrid event so if you're in Seattle, you can attend and enjoy the live performances at The Give Inn. Show starts at 7 PM PST. Tickets begin at $10. Click here to purchase.
I've got a busy weekend up ahead. First is my return to performing live with an out-of-town show! I'm joining Danger Dames Productions in Jacksonville, Florida for their special Pasties for Pérez show. We're celebrating the work of George Pérez, and proceeds go to the Wounded Warrior Project in honor of his father-in-law. Show is March 26 at 7 PM EST at the Karpeles Manuscript Museum. Today is the last day for $10 advance tickets (click here) . They're $15 at the door and $20 for VIP.
Unfortunately George will not be there in person, but the show will be recorded so if you want to show off your cosplay, this is your chance! I'm incredibly honored to be a part of this cast and so excited to debut my new act.
If you're not Florida, fret not. I have a second brand-new act that is debuting virtually in Wilde May Productions' K-Pop That Tastie Pastie. We're doing a food theme, and I invited Venessa Vesper to join in on the fun with me. The live stream is March 27 at 8 PM EST/7 PM CST, but if you have an early Monday, there's an option to purchase the recording. Click here for tickets ($10 for the stream, $5 for the recording).
I've tested positive for COVID-19. It was right after I developed cold symptoms (no fever) after attending the Winter Dew Tour. The trip was booked long before the Omicron variant started to rapidly affect the country, and I thought being vaccinated and twice-boosted made me safe. Also, save for one party in a large space where I was mostly a wallflower, I was mostly outside. All of this is making me reconsider my return to the live stage next year. Right now I'm extending my live show hiatus through March 2022.
As we near the end of the year, I wonder how many of y'all have a calendar. If you've put it off or would just some gorgeous photography on your wall while also supporting me, I would like to direct you to La Photographie's 2022 charity calendar. I have been voted to be Mx. December so this is your chance to own a high-res, physical copy of one of my photos from a shoot I did in Tennessee. The charity chosen is The Trevor Project so you're supporting a very important cause while getting something pretty.
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| Willy loves making appearances on camera. |
Were you busy on my show dates but still want to see some of my new acts? Well you're in luck. You can get my latest appearance, Cosplay Burlesque's CPB-eyond the Screen End of the Year, Best of Spectacular delivered to your inbox (with bonus content!). Click here to get tickets . You have until December 26.
You can also purchase re-watch tickets for WildeMay Productions' K-Pop That Pastie: Frost Fest, also available until December 26. Let me entice you with a peek of what you might see:
Lastly, Taste the Tease is ending sales for all their show recording on December 31 so if you've missed my all-Texas based AAPI performer showcase, Forbidden City of the South, or the other shows I've done with them (Crotchless Shanties and Out and About), this will be your FINAL CHANCE. Click here to purchase access to the shows before it's too late!
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| A rare Tony Fo-Hawk appearance in Taste the Tease's Forbidden City of the South |
"Thinking of the day,
When you went away
What a life to take,
What a bond to break
I'll be missing you." - "I'll Be Missing You" by P. Diddy feat. 112 and Faith Evans
I’ve resisted writing this post for several months. It never seemed like the right time, and honestly, I’ve struggled to process all the loss that happened over the summer. Three beloved members of the Dallas burlesque and drag scene left us, and I had the unexpected death of my grandfather on top of that. Only one was related to COVID-19 so I couldn’t direct my emotions at the pandemic (even though it was upsetting to not be able to go to any services). I do want to pay homage to them, and as we approach the anniversary of two wonderful performers, I hope whatever is beyond this mortal realm that there’s a stage and lots of glitter.
Rudy Garland had always been a supporter to Tuesday Tease, as well as other queerlesque productions, and he made his stage debut in the beginning of 2020, one of the last shows I did before quarantine. As he had mentioned being on the aromantic spectrum, I asked him if he wanted to be a part of a Tease dedicated to aromanticism and basically all other forms of non-romantic love. His act was beautiful and heartfelt. Even though his new performance career had to go on pause, Rudy was upbeat about other aspects of his life. Some unexpected circumstances led to his departure, and I’m sad we didn’t have more time together. However, I will cherish the memories we did make and the representation and heart he brought to Tuesday Tease.
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| Tease with Benefits: an Aromantic Affair cast and crew. Photo by Jessie C. |
Joe Rekhart wasn’t a performer, but he was a dedicated fan of burlesque and even a producer at one point. He drove Fuego Danza Company to the San Antonio Burlesque Festival, and our last conversation actually shed some insight behind the troupe dissolving and an uncomfortable trip back from the festival. I’m glad I got that peace, and I’m only sorry I didn’t realize his support was genuine much sooner (experience has taught me to be wary of possible ulterior motives some fans may have). He offered companionship and assistance to many performers, and Joe’s loss is felt every day.
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| Viva Dallas Burlesque: Festivus Follies 2019 Photo by Nico |
I only knew Fantasha Suggs from helping out with a Tease she performed in. I’m not even sure we really spoke, but she was stunning on-stage. She brought so much energy, embodying Tina Turner and Whitney Houston. It was obvious why she was a star in the Dallas drag scene. Dallas Voice wrote a great tribute to her.
It’s been a rough year for many of us, and I know other communities
have experienced loss too. Plus our time
with burlesque legends is always precious.
My place as a burlesque and drag performer remains uncertain; it’s
making me keep my distance. However, I
want to cherish the time I do share with my fellow performers because
regardless of how our relationships are defined off-stage, we do have a connection
in sharing the spotlight and the realm behind the curtain. That's what sticks when someone is gone.
This show is a big one for me. I've been wanting to do a production featuring all AAPI Texans, and Taste the Tease's CommuniTEASE Matters program has given me the opportunity in the virtual space. This Friday at 9 PM CDT, enter the Forbidden City of the South!
As you can see, it's also Tony Fo-Hawk's first time hosting. Click here for tickets. The pre-sale price of $10 ends on Friday! Video is available for anyone who purchases a ticket.
There's also a raffle featuring items from AAPI businesses and artists: Aerobicide by Terry Parr, hibiscus sei from Lindah's Creations, gift card to Bobaddiction, and embroidered tote by Cher Musico. Entries are unlimited so buy as many as you want!
I promise I'll get back to actual blog posts, but I've been busy with some new duties in lab and my first LIVE show in over a year! Yes, you heard it right. I'm returning to the stage TONIGHT with Viva Dallas Burlesque's Dirty Sexy Funny show. Tickets are still available at the door, and they're keeping things safe by maitaining social distancing and masking requirements. So if you're free tonight and in town, get on over to see a revamped version of my Crazy Rich Asians act!
If you're not free or in Dallas, I still have plans to submit to virtual shows as long as the opportunities come up. Tony Fo-Hawk is making his return to performing (he's been having a chill 2021 so far) with the Fierce! Queer Performance Arts Festival. He's specifically appearing in the July 18 POC showcase, but the virtual festival takes place all month, every Saturday so go to their website for both tickets and additional show info. All the line-ups are amazing, and I'm so excited that Tony is a part of this. I might make a cameo too. ^_~
If you missed out on my New Media act, you have a chance to catch it (or a PG-13) version of it in Boiz of Austin's J-Pop vs. K-Pop vs. Death Metal showdown! Tune in tomorrow (Tuesday) night at 8 PM CDT at Twitch.tv/PapiJinxy .
Later this month, on May 21, I will be in the ACEstravanga Burlesque Festival, a showcase of performers on asexual-spectrum. I'm super stoked for this and really appreciate the work Monet Ha'Sidi has put in to make this happen. Tickets are on sale for $15 at paypal.me/blackartsmatter or Venmo @Monet-Ha-Sidi . You can also get merch featuring the super cute pin-up cake mascot on Redbubble .
I know I resolved to not do multiple shows a week, but the virtual format has given me flexibility to where I can even be in two places at once! The best part is that you don't have to necessarily choose, as some shows offer an on-demand option. Anyway, here's where you can get me doing my thing.
Tomorrow night on CUNextTV, I return to the Encore drag show. This time I'm debuting a new (censored) burlesque number in celebration of certain tropes and the movie Burlesque (which isn't really burlesque but that's another story). Encore! presents Burlesque starts 9:30 PM CST and the cover is $10.
Now if you prefer geek to glam, catch Ruby's Burlesque Cartoons Show on November 21 at 8 PM CST. Purchase a $10 ticket at www.rubytix.com and get a link to the Google Meet. Use my special code "ROSE" to get 10% off!
The show will also be available on demand for the following week, which is good to know because the Identities and Expressions virtual trans and non-binary festival is also November 20 and 21! The shows start 9 PM CST, and I will be performing the second night. However, your ticket, which is a donation between $5 and $30 to the crowdcast link, will get you in for both nights.
