#afabqueen

[jimmysherfy]

Queen of vocals and the princess of power. 🎙🗡 💖💖💖 💝💝💝 💘💘💘 #mariahcarey #shera #cosplay #drag #mariahcareyimpersonator #sheraandtheprincessesofpower #cosplayer #dragqueen #hamburgermarys #mariah #spop #sheracosplay #dragqueens #afabqueen #hamburgermarysontario #lambily #celebrityimpersonator #motu #dreamworks #halloween #dragartist #dragperformer #lgbt #lgbtq #lgbtqia (at Hamburger Mary's Ontario) https://www.instagram.com/p/CkJF6BvJur8/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[modern-woman-gaysplained]

BioQueens!!!

Okay the time has come to discuss one of my favorite things!! As a gay man, RuPaul’s Drag Race is like my favorite sport. I miss getting together with my gaggle of gays every Friday night with cocktails and snacks and cheering on ur favorite queens!

The show has become very popular among all different types of demographics and as an LGBTQ centered show, that is huge for representation. As a lover of drag and camp and all things queer I follow a number of different drag artists on social media that are lacking the representation they deserve. 

Drag has been around for so long and I am so happy drag artists are getting to be seen on such a huge scale. That being said though, there is a huge section of the community that is not being seen. The term BioQueen refers to a woman who is cisgender, or identifies with the female sex they were assigned at birth, who also does female illusion artistry. Yes I know this may sound confusing but they are women doing female drag!! 

There are a few BioQueens I want to spotlight because they are so talented and I believe they deserve more recognition for their artistry. The first queen is known as Creme Fatale, she is known for her brightly colored makeup that changes every time she gets in drag. She is an advocate for BioQueens and criticizes anyone who says women cant to drag. The Second Queen is Venus Envy, who is known for her unique graphic makeup and ever changing style and outfits that make her so well rounded. 

I think its time we see BioQueens on bigger platforms as well as Drag Kings which I think deserve their own post. 

https://www.instagram.com/cremefatale/?hl=en

 https://www.instagram.com/venusenvydrag/?hl=en

[spiritoftheorchidflower]

"AFABs For A Better Bloodbath"

Reblog if you're an AFAB who'd rather have Lycanthropy instead of Menstruation

[thebahablast]

Murry Crisis ! . This was the mug I did for a very merry Queereoke with @mx.mdmkk.vnsmnd and all the squirrel friends. . Bless @poprikka for takin pics of me 💜 . . . . . . . . #drag #dragqueen #redandgreen #dragking #Christmas #christmascolors #altdrag #alternativedrag #red #shiny #necklace #bahablastdrag #afabqueen #qwerrrkout #gay #lgbt #instagay #instadrag #ypsidrag #ypsipride (at Ziggy's) https://www.instagram.com/p/B53Zw9zJO2l/?igshid=l8qibt13gpa8

[oddlyaquaria]

Colors are brighter when the mind is open.

[humanpeoples]

HI LGBT BAYYYBIEEZ!

I have made a discovery for specifically afab peeps who want to bind!

I bought a strapless bra at the thrift store (yikes bra at thrift store ik but HEAR ME OUT) and I took the pads out of it (for obvious reasons) and it fits rather snug, plus it hides what I'm packing pretty darn well, considering it's a bra and not an actual binder. Here's a pic, highly suggest doing this or a sports bra if for whatever reason you can't get a binder, plus it's better than taping, bandages, etc. Bonus: Homophobic family members can't say anything, it's a bra! and mine was priced at $2!!!!

Ofc, it doesn't Completely make them disappear but I honestly find it to be better/more comfortable than a sports bra. Hope this helps!!

[shannonparis29]

Into the Unknown...

So, now that we’ve caught up to everything about my pageant journey-I can talk about my current status.

At the beginning of February, I was let go of my previous job (they went bankrupt) and I qualified for unemployment.  In a way, it was good I didn’t qualify for I may or may not would have been able to afford it. However, I did have plans to support my family for Diva, or even help if they need me to do so. I’ve always been told that even if you can’t compete, it’s good to “support.” Because usually, everyone starts off that way. At least, that’s what I’ve been told.

Anyhow, I truly thought I was done competing for a while, and I had no plans on competing unless I felt like I could do it again.

They always said,

“You’ll find it again.”

“You’re just saying that.”

“You’re not retired from competing again.”

“You just were outperformed on that day.”

“You can do better.”

It’s hard to think that way, because as I’ve said I wasn’t in the mindset of competing again. The mindset I had when I won interview or even my first year was far more optimistic and happier than the one I had now.

I also wasn’t going to pursue anything in the court, either. I had aspirations, once, before I competed for Diva, but it didn’t work out. That aspiration went away, but I found another. Diva. And that became my true passion.

Or……so I thought.

So, then COVID-19 happened and as you know, EVERYTHING STOPPED. Everything pretty much desisted. A lot of events were cancelled or rescheduled. Some events were moved to Facebook live….some queens did Facebook live shows. (I’ve done a FB live show three times). Once for the court, twice at home-and it was failure for me. I perform better in front of an audience. It is just not my thing. And I didn’t get tipped for any of the shows I did outside of the court. Restaurants were only open for carryout, drive-thru or curbside. Our cases did go down-briefly till the governor decided to reopen to country. The United States Government gave us a Stimulus check. I ended up paying my phone for two months, getting new glasses and some new clothes-things I needed, as well as stuff I could live off of.  During that time, I added Disney Plus and Hulu. I had Netflix for two months but I preferred Hulu and Disney Plus because they had better selections. UsofA Diva Nationals was postponed-giving all qualified contestants more time to prepare for Nationals. Glam, Freddie and Dustin would reign just a bit longer through all this. Things are reopened now, but cases have gone up, and they are talking about masks being a requirement, though some places do that already. Even my favorite arcade as of June 19, 2020, require masks to go in. I recently bought a frozen mask because if I am forced to wear one, at least it’s something I like AND 2) The N95 I have trouble breathing in.  

But enough of the “COVID” talk, during COVID, I realized a lot of things.

After watching Frozen and Frozen 2 (I didn’t get to see it in theatres when it came out), I realized that I was a lot like Elsa. I could relate to her on so many levels.  This is going to sound weird, but I felt like her story paralleled mine. Yes, she is character in a movie, but I actually liked Frozen 2 better than the first one. The music was better, Elsa sang a LOT more, had a larger role and both sisters (Anna and Elsa) discovered things about themselves. (If you haven’t seen the movie, please do).  I realized that I wanted to cosplay and maybe even perform as Elsa sometime. As a plus size gal, and someone who does not limit herself by her size, I was going to do it. And Frozen 2 inspired me, a lot more than I thought it would.

Then, something happened. I felt something telling me to try competing again, once all of this madness was over. To prepare for a chance again.

Like Elsa in Frozen 2, I wanted to ignore it.  Into the Unknown sums it up well.

“I’ve had my adventure/I don’t need something new/I’m afraid of what I am risking if I follow you/Into the Unknown!”

Basically, I interpret that as, in regard to me, I’ve travelled everywhere for Diva and the court. I’ve done a lot and I’ve done enough. I don’t know if I want to go through it again and possibly embarrass or make a fool of myself.  Not that I did before, but that kind of was my mindset.

But then, there was a part of me that decided that I was going to compete again. Yes, you heard it. I am competing again, but it won’t be till the new season most likely. I wish once things “clear up” and “have Nationals” there’d be that “last call prelim” but I was told there won’t be any new prelims since it’d be unfair to the contestants who qualified earlier. I did compete earlier that season, I just couldn’t do other prelims at that time, and I didn’t qualify at the prelim I did.

As of now, there is no updates-which is expected because of COVID, but I have a lot done already. I am gonna give you a list of what I got package done/paid for already. As of June21st

Presentation- I recently bought two sets of jewelry at auction (silver and black earrings) and they could be used for presentation if they follow theme. As most pageants, presentation isn’t going to be determined until much later. And it usually is my last category.

Interview-Already have the dress and shoes (and it’s brand new)

Evening Wear

Hair is paid for and on the way

Gown is a little over halfway paid for.

Talent

My hair and costume are paid in full and I hope to receive them within the next month or so.

My mix has gone through three major changes and it is done. I am not changing it anymore.

Costume for my person in my talent has been ordered and should be here within a week or so.

Other items:

I’ve ordered tights, lashes, and I am always getting hairspray, nails, etc. I am not doing drag “as often” so whatever I don’t use ends up being saved for another time, pageant or not.

Travel, etc: Working on that. Nothing has been arranged or set YET. Again, can’t do much without a date.

So, here’s my current list of “things” that are Not fully done yet.

Presentation: outfit, shoes, stones, hair-tbd

Evening Wear-Owe just below half on the gown and the shoes (and stoning the shoes currently).

Talent: Need to get the prop and small things.

Interview: Jewelry?

Travel: Nothing done yet, but focusing on my package FIRST. Then, saving for travel after.

Meals: Ditto what I said for travel. I know how to cut costs by bringing own food but saving for at least one “going out to eat” event.

Entry Fee: Usually it’s about $100 sometimes a little less if you “register” early.  Again, TBD.

Paying My Makeup Artist: Ditto what I said for Travel and Meals.

The most important thing is having the package ready FIRST. If I have no package, there’s no pageant. I’ve also made many mistakes in regard to competing, especially when I “start” to run out of time. I start to “cut corners.” I start cutting things out to adjust to be ready in time. That is not going to happen this time. I’ve gotten a lot done so far. And I plan to be ready as soon prelim season starts, if not sooner. I plan to be ready to do this and I don’t plan to make the same mistakes I made in previous seasons. My desire came back, and here I go, into the unknown and I am ready to show myself.

[shannonparis29]

Miss Texas USofA Diva-getting there, the pageant and the aftermath

Here we are. The last stop that I had on my USofA Journey as far as pageants go. Obviously, I am not done telling my story, but each post represents and shows something.  And as a wise man once said, it is doesn’t matter how you start, it’s how you finish.

In June of 2019, I paid my fine. At that point, I wanted to compete again, but first I had to pay that dastardly fine. I had already paid my promoter back everything last year, so it was now time to focus on that fine. I paid the fine and told Devin and Gage. They seemed happy that I was coming back and even If I didn’t compete, I’d still be able to support-if I wanted to.

After the fine was paid, I started by looking for a gown. I no longer had any of my old gowns and besides, I wanted to start fresh, a new package, a new look. I already knew what I was doing for talent-my Depression talent. At that point, only one panel had seen that talent and that was at Texas Riveria. Other than that, it was an unseen talent and it had never been competed with in USofA. My gown was first-I decided on a fire gown I saw online for sale made by a Canadian drag queen. It was my size and it was gorgeous. She took payments and I started paying on it. Once gown was halfway paid, I started working on jewelry for gown. I found a maker and they would have it made. That was paid in full fairly quickly.

For talent, I decided on a blue/black color scheme for my costume. I bought a blue and black leotard and a blue mesh skirt with pearls on it. It was meant to me more expressive and artistic. More dancer-like and it would be perfect for what I was doing. I added black ab stones (which looked blue) and black stones on the leotard.  I thought it looked good and I ordered blue and black earrings to match. They were smaller than normal jewelry I would wear for evening wear, but it would be perfect for talent-so I’d be moving around a lot-even with super glue.

Interview I found a pink flowery dress and pink flats with jewelry.

Presentation was the last category I prepared for. My drag sister predicted a country or denim thing since it was Texas. However, when it was announced, she was right, sort of. Theme was denim and diamonds. I stoned a denim jumpsuit with silver stones and had my black boots. Even though I hated the presentation theme, I had to do it and still look the part on stage.

For the pageant, just before I left, I had a sausage wrap and cookie sale. It worked out where I made enough for final expenses because everything else had been paid for. My drag sister made the wraps and my mom and Mark (her husband) made them for me. I sold them at home, at work, and surprisingly, I sold a lot more at work than I did at home. It took complete strangers-except for a few select people who knew me-to support my journey. It’s a shame that most people down here don’t support each other…period. But I was on my way.

The morning we left to Fort Worth, it was 9 am, and we were scheduled to arrive in town about 7:30 pm. Several stops. Two transfers. (One in San Antonio and one in Dallas). That’s how Greyhound works, folks. Anyone who has taken the bus to travel will know that this is not fun to do, but I’ve done. I’ve traveled to Nebraska on Greyhound (30 hours each way).

In San Antonio, I almost wasn’t able to get on the bus. First it was my app on greyhound giving me a difficult time and I had to go inside to get a physical ticket. I only had twenty minutes to transfer, get a ticket and possibly use the bathroom. I yelled at the person in front of me to hurry up-as I was NOT going to miss this bus because a freakin’ app wasn’t working. They printed the ticket and I rushed to the stop. Then, another problem. There were NO seats. I buy my tickets in advance, but still…there wasn’t a seat. I told the bus driver. Jackie was sitting towards the back and I mouthed to her, “No seats.”

The drivers asked me where I was going, and I said, “Fort Worth.” And then, just like that, they threw someone off-I am assuming they’ll be putting him on another bus. But I got on and the trip to Dallas was long. Then, I had to transfer (again) to Fort Worth. That was only one stop after Dallas. And finally, we were in town. We checked in to the hotel, unloaded, and then we headed to Cici’s for dinner. We were starving-even though we had eaten snacks and sandwiches the whole trip. (Sandwich bar but a smaller version, as we on a bus, with those insulated bags).

After Cici’s, Jackie and I relaxed, unpacked, and showered. I was in bed by 1030 pm. I was going to get a good night’s sleep this time. The next morning I woke up around 9:30 am-10 am, and I ate a quick meal that we had in the hotel room and I had to start getting ready for interview. Jackie did my face, and she wondered if the eyeliner I wore was too much for daytime. I didn’t think so, but I typically don’t wear makeup except for drag-oh and some occasions when I “feel’ like it.

After getting ready, we arrived there on time and we were ready to go. Turns out, four divas showed for competition. Mahogany Campbell from Louisiana, The Lady Brooks from Tyler, Texas (which I believe is near Houston), Bella Forte from Houston, and of course, me, from Corpus Christi. Our first category was Interview, of course, but before that, we had to draw our numbers and make sure our music was turned in. I turned in my music and such and reminded them I had already paid my entry fee. Once that was done, it was number time. I drew contestant number one, for the first time in competition. I call it the “death” slot because you are the first one to be out there, the first one the judge’s see, and the first one for everything.  I like either being towards the end or middle in competition. I don’t ever want to be first and next thing would be I’d be the first to do everything in this pageant because Divas were first. I’d be the first interview, first evening wear, presentation and talent.

Ruby remarked,

“You’re setting the stage.”

She winked at me.

I had just enough time to use the bathroom real quick to touch up my face. Then, it was my turn.

I don’t remember much of the interview, truthfully. I was nervous as hell, and more nervous than I thought I’d be. I didn’t know how to react. I tried to greet everyone with a “Hello, everyone,” but it just came out too forced. It had been three years since I’ve competed for Diva. Missouri 2017 was my last time. I greeted the judges and then they began the questions. I tried to give my backstory of my return, coming “home” and so on. They asked me how to sell a prelim and I mention reaching out to other Divas in the area as well as other places. They asked me one of the hardest questions you could ask anyone.

“Why do you perform (or do drag)?”

That question did throw me off. I tried to use my “It’s an escape. I become a stronger version of myself. When people meet me, they wouldn’t know I’m a performer.”

But they wanted WHY. I finally said something personal.

“Because it helps me with my anxiety and depression.”

I truthfully don’t like talking about it. But that answer caused a reaction that almost garnered a smile from one of the judges. Before I knew it, I was done.

Glam (Miss Usofa Diva 2019) told me,

“They spent more time with you because they like you. You need to relax, especially if you make it to Nationals. Just breathe.”

I knew I didn’t win interview. I’ve done it before. But today, wasn’t my day in interview. And sometimes, that’s how it goes. Sometimes you have good days, and bad days.

Jackie asked me how it went and I told  her,

“As well as it could’ve done, I suppose. It wasn’t my best interview I’d ever done, either.”

“And you know you can do it. What happened?”

“I don’t know.  Just nervous. First time back? No idea.”

After interview, we headed back to the hotel, where we had to rest and get ready for the night’s madness. Jackie painted me-and I mean painted me darker than she ever does. I thought I looked good. Jackie made a joke when we were walking out of the hotel.

“You look like the drag queen and I look like a real woman.”

“You are a real woman, Jackie,” I respond, “And I agree. Especially with the drag queens that walk in tank-tops and sweats before putting on their stuff to perform, etc.”

“Aww, thank you,” she responded to me.

Our Lyft arrives and we arrive to the bar, right on time. I’ve never been to anything when I compete and I don’t plan on it. If anything, we’d finish up stuff that we could do at the bar.

Arriving at Urban Cowboy, we unloaded our stuff and began setting up. Presentation, Evening Wear, Talent. Then crowning. I had an outfit for each category. Even crowning. I planned on not wearing my evening gown for crowning, because it was a pain to get in and out of.

Presentation was first. I started stretching and Jackie kept trying to add more face and add my lashes, among other things.

I tried to slip on the denim jumpsuit I stoned, and we had a problem. It ripped. Jackie tried to borrow a needle and thread, but that failed. Then, Jackie wanted me to wear my jacket around the waist and have my chest popping out. Uh, nope. That made me really uncomfortable. My boobs are huge, and I truthfully didn’t want to have a nip-slip. Jackie remembered my skirt for talent and added as a tail to my jumpsuit-where the tear would not be seen. I walked out there, did my walk for presentation and then went off-stage. It was gown time.

Jackie did my makeup more dramatic with the fire theme, and as time went on, we were running out of time. I had to get in my gown-as she took too long on my eye makeup and only had enough time to do a drag ponytail for gown. Jackie hoped that the ponytail would not be penalized for not having “gown” hair or an “updo.” This show was going by a LOT faster than previous pageants. While I was getting in line to line up for gown, she glued my earrings on, and I slipped on my shoes that I wore for gown. They were the same shoes I wore back in 2017 and still in amazing condition-as I’d only worn them three times now.

Glam told me that I looked fine, even after Jackie asked for her opinion. Glam told me that,

“That gown is creative. You just have to sell it.”

I planned to.

I went out there, modeled the gown, remember all the steps I’d learn from before. I stood with my shoulders back, my back straight, and my head high. (which I’d learn discover a couple of the judges liked). I did the walk and then once they released me from my individual walk, I waited my turn, before I had to compete for comparative.

Then, it was time for compared. A couple of times, I nearly slid on the floor, but I would not want to fall. I stayed up and I was able to walk and model. I did my best to “sell” my gown, then once it was all done, it was time to dress for talent.

I was so glad to have the gown off. Jackie was more concerned with my makeup than my wardrobe, but this time I wanted to be dressed, first. Because if anything, I’d be dressed with “different” makeup. My leotard and skirt combo was fairly easy to get into and I slid on my boots.  She removed the drag pony tail and left my hair in high bun so it could look more natural. I wasn’t the only one using my real hair, and I had long thick hair. (It’s now to my chin for now-I cut my hair during the warmer months, but it grows back).

             Then, it was time for talent. I had to deliver in this talent-this talent wasn’t what I normally compete with. It was a story about my depression and even my anxiety that I hope the judges would get it. I don’t remember much of the performance, but I felt like I had given my all, in that moment. I finished the performance, the audience seemed to like it. I was praised for my improvements and was told that talent was “In my element.” After my talent, I went to the bar to grab a quick drink of water, then I changed into my crowning gown. Then, I was able to watch the remaining talents. I watched Mahogony’s talent then the MI talents. It was time to wait for crowning and to see what will happen.

After Glam did her stepdown number as Miss Texas USofA Diva 2018, it was finally time to find out who won.

In the end, Mahogany ended up winning the pageant, along with interview and tying with Lady Brooks for evening wear. Bella Forte won talent and 1st alternate. I was a little disappointed in myself that I was 4th out of 4. It wasn’t that I did terrible-as I was told, it was best I’d ever competed. All four of us were great representatives of what a Diva is and we were all good, which made the judges nit-pick everything. Mahogany, Bella and Lady Brooks were the ones going to Nationals. And that would end my season. Texas was the second to last prelim and I would not be able to make Florida for lots of reasons. This season, I could only do one prelim and I had done everything I could to be there. However, I knew my time would come. There had been talk of a last chance prelim, but that never happened.

Final Reflections

I suppose the hardest thing from competing again, was going out there, in spite of everything I’d been through in the past two years. I had to overcome a lot of my personal demons to be there and I didn’t give up, however, there was something that I will admit.

Did I do the best I could with what I had? Yes.

Was it the best I’d ever done (in my opinion) or my best work? No.

Truthfully, after this season, I had debated that this pageant, if I did not qualify for Nationals, I would no longer compete.  Now, of course, that sounds a little depressing and a bit of a downer. But at the time, it’s how I felt. I did end up doing a local bar title a month later, called Snowflake and did not win, or place. I competed well-but again, it was last minute and things went majorly wrong before the pageant. (One of it was the dog chewing on my boots I wear).  I decided I was going to take a break and be done with competing-at least for now. I didn’t have the wants (at the time) anymore. I didn’t feel I was in the right mental state-I wasn’t in the one I was when I took first alternate to Missouri or won interview, or went to Nationals. It just seemed lost. And I felt I needed to find my light again. I certainly hoped so.