Boston Uncommon vol. 1 / no. 13
HIV coverage, Coolidge Theater, and Abbi
Boston Uncommon is a weekly newsletter covering Boston-based drag, burlesque, cabaret, sex work, and various forms of queer nightlife. Featuring original writing and reporting, Boston Uncommon engages authentically with those who work and play within Boston’s queer spaces and reports on the issues that directly impact local and greater LGBTQ+ communities.
In this week’s edition of Boston Uncommon I:
Cover a BIG STORY: HIV outbreak connected to spread of COVID-19, unstable housing, lack of access to public health
Make sure to STAY ON TOP OF THIS: Coolidge Corner Theater announces phased May 13 reopening
Check in with a STREAM SERVICE: Matisse DuPont offers individual and small group virtual gender consultations
And stop to think— WHAT IS BOSTON DRAG?: Drag artist and small business owner Abbi talks launching Abbject Objects and her intro to Boston nightlife
BIG STORY: HIV outbreak connected to spread of COVID-19, unstable housing, lack of access to public health
The Boston Globe, The Hill, and WCVB have reported on an HIV outbreak among drug users experiencing unstable housing in Boston, with the number of infections having increased to 113 cases.
The outbreak can be attributed to slowed rates of HIV testing due to early COVID-19 stay-at-home orders. In Jan. 2020, the state public health laboratory performed over 3,000 HIV tests, but only performed about 200 in April of the same year, according to the Globe.
Though the outbreak is primarily concentrated to those who inject drugs, experience unstable housing, or lack access to public health, The Hill notes how social stigma has been an obstacle to mitigating the crisis.
“It’s a marker of how well we’re treating our marginalized communities,” Infectious Disease Specialist Joshua Barocas told the Globe. “This is another fully preventable epidemic. And it is associated with us not providing for our most vulnerable.”
STAY ON TOP OF THIS: Coolidge Corner Theater announces phased May 13 reopening
The historic Coolidge Corner Theatre, known for showing classic and niche foreign, indie, and cult films, has announced its May 13 phased reopening after a year of COVID-related shutdowns, according to Wicked Local.
The announcement came as a relief to many throughout New England as the area has lost a number of theaters over the last year, according to Boston.com. Historically, the theater has screened cutting-edge queer films and performance and through lockdown, Boston Drag artist Akira Oni, who was not available for interview, hosted drag preshows before the virtual screenings.
Moviehouse 1 will screen films Thursdays – Sundays at 15% capacity, 68 seats, according to their reopening announcement. All tickets will be sold online with reserved seating, guests will be required to wear face masks at all times, and concessions will be closed for public screenings. Moviehouse 2 is also open for private party rentals and the theater’s Virtual Screening Room will remain open.
STREAM SERVICE: Matisse DuPont offers individual and small group virtual gender consultations
Educator, artist, and Tik Tok creator Matise Dupont, graduate of UMass Amherst and Simmons University, is offering online individual and small group gender consultations for those looking to discuss their sense of self, modes of expression, and understanding of sexuality, sex, and other intersecting identities.
“A gender consult, much like gender in general, is a choose your own adventure,” Dupont explains on their website. “You can come in with specific questions and…goals, or you can come in…and have an informal chat.”
Individual appointments range from $30–$120 and groups range from $125-$250. Dupont also offers a donation option for those looking to sponsor a $75-$125 consultation to those who cannot afford one.
There are currently slots available for group consultations and new individual appointments will be available on May 7.
WHAT IS BOSTON DRAG?: Drag artist and small business owner Abbi talks launching Abbject Objects and her intro to Boston nightlife
Through my 13-week coverage of Boston queer nightlife and the greater LGBTQ+ community, I have noticed a general lack of reporting on local drag industries and the performers and culture that define the New England scene. “What is Boston Drag?” is a space for local performers and community members to explore and understand their own regional culture.
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While working to finish her Master’s degree at Tufts University, Abbi from Abbject Objects was attending drag shows in New Hampshire. Eventually experimenting with her own drag and being brought into the Boston scene by drag artist Violenca!, Abbi slowly became known as the resident horror pixie buzzing around every event. In order to support and create for her local community of artists and friends, including Violenca!, Just JP, Static, Travis Ti, and Zayn-X, to name a few, Abbi launched her Etsy accessory shop, crafting handmade “jewelry for queers, creeps, and crypto’s…inspired by body horror and fairy-tales” as their Instagram bio reads.
