Boston Uncommon vol. 1 / no. 16
Pride boycott, Covid restrictions, and (Just) JP!
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: Mass. to lift COVID restrictions by May 29, venues permitted to open at full capacity
Make sure to STAY ON TOP OF THIS: GLAD supports Trans Resistance MA in calls for transformation of Boston Pride Board
Check in with our COMPETING STREAM QUEENS: Eliminated “Now Serving” contestants return, cast competes in “Throwback Comeback!" challenge
And stop to think— WHAT IS BOSTON DRAG?: Just JP on the need for queer performance spaces owned and operated entirely by drag talent
BIG STORY: Mass. to lift COVID restrictions by May 29, venues permitted to open at full capacity
All remaining COVID-19 capacity limits on both indoor and outdoor spaces will be lifted effective May 29, as announced by Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker according to WCVB, allowing for the full re-opening of Boston’s beloved live drag venues.
The Department of Public Health, in compliance with the CDC’s recently updated guidance, advises that fully vaccinated people are able to be mask-free indoors while non-vaccinated people will still be advised to wear face masks and social distance in most instances.
Additionally, face coverings will still be mandatory for all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, on public and private transportation systems, in rideshares, taxis, MBTA, Commuter Rail and transportation stations, and in healthcare facilities.
The state of emergency will also end June 15 as the state is on track to meet its goal of vaccinating 4.1 million residents by the first week of the month.
STAY ON TOP OF THIS: GLAD supports Trans Resistance MA in calls for transformation of Boston Pride Board
GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD), in a May 11 press release, expressed their solidarity and support of both Trans Resistance MA and Pride 4 the People, encouraging attendance at the Trans Resistance March and Vigil for Black Trans Lives taking place on June 12.
“Pride is about protest, celebration, and community and should be a welcoming, safe space for all,” the statement reads. “Boston deserves a Pride in which Black and POC LGBTQ+ community members have a strong voice in leadership which works to address the issues causing harm to our community”
These groups, boycotting 2021 Boston Pride events these groups, hope to address issues of systemic racism and police violence, according to The Rainbow Times that also provides a detailed timeline of the Pride boycott.
COMPETING STREAM QUEENS: Eliminated “Now Serving” contestants return, cast competes in “Throwback Comeback!" challenge
For week four of the Serve Network’s digital drag competition, “Now Serving,” two previously eliminated contestants— Chirs Griandher and Papi Churro— rejoined the remaining competitors to create a throwback performance inspired by a 1970s, ‘80s, or ‘90s music icon for a chance to re-enter the competition and win the $1000 grand prize.
Joined by guest judges and performers Tenderoni, Mystique Summers, and Maxi Glamour, the judges panel combined their scores and the fan vote to crown Zad Gravebone the winner of the night and a $75 Prophanity Cosmetics prize package while Severity Stone and Gothess Jasmine landed in the bottom two. Gothess Jasmine was the ultimately next to be eliminated and Chris Griandher was brought back to compete next week.
WHAT IS BOSTON DRAG?: Just JP on the need for queer performance spaces owned and operated entirely by drag talent
Through my 16-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.
_____
Establishing herself in a “creative, weird, funny, and irreverent” drag scene within Boston’s queer spaces, Just JP has been doing drag for almost five years, finding his place among fellow artists, colleagues, and friends who help them brainstorm, refine, and present their art. However, JP is also concerned about the lack of queer spaces within the Boston and greater drag community that afford performers and artists full autonomy over their craft and industry.
