Boston Uncommon vol. 1 / no. 19
March and Vigil, Lesbigay Urban Foundation, Sham Payne
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: Trans Resistance MA releases note for white attendees of upcoming March and Vigil along with additional event information
Make sure to STAY ON TOP OF THIS: Photographer Eric Magnussen offers open studio time
Check in with a STREAM SERVICE: B.L.U.E Foundation offers a variety of services for LGBTQ, gender non-conforming youth of color
And stop to think— WHAT IS BOSTON DRAG?: Sham Payne calls for further inclusivity within the alternative scene
BIG STORY: Trans Resistance MA releases note for white attendees of upcoming March and Vigil along with additional event information
In preparation for tomorrow’s Trans Resistance March and Vigil at Franklin Park, Trans Resistance MA released a statement addressing white attendees of the event.
Via Instagram, the organization reminds its allies the event centers TQBIPOC people of color and to “accept the guidance and leadership from others.” Additionally, white attendees should be respectful and thoughtful about what they put on signs and never lead chants or engage with the police. Trans Resistance MA encourages attendees to donate if possible.
The organization also released a field map, march route, and event schedule.
With appearances by Travis Ti, Candace Persuasian, Doriann Blonch, Teasha Boo, Neon Calypso, Brandie Blaze, and many more, the event will feature various speakers and performances as well as a youth pride-specific section.
Additional information regarding COVID precautions, safety, accessibility, and vendors can be found on Trans Resistance MA’s Instagram and Link Tree.
STAY ON TOP OF THIS: Photographer Eric Magnussen offers open studio time
With one of the largest cyc walls in the city, Boston-based photographer Eric Magnussen is opening up his studio space and collaborating with local artists this Sunday, June 13.
Magnussen has shot a wide variety of entertainers, performers, and artists from Drag Race’s Monét X Change and Utica Queen to Dragula’s Vander Von Odd and Louisianna Purchase to Boston-based artists Briar Blush and Binx.
Space is limited, as his Instagram announcement reads, and reservations can be made via direct message.
STREAM SERVICE: B.L.U.E Foundation offers a variety of services for LGBTQ, gender non-conforming youth of color
In order to support Boston’s LGBTQ+ minorities and aid the city’s social scene and nightlife, Executive Directors Eilakeisha Spencer and Curtis Santos created Boston Lesbigay Urban Foundation, a queer organization, as their website reads, that brings together those who identify as LGBTQ+, Black, Brown, or Latino in a caring, safe and inclusive environment.
B.L.U.E offers a variety of services including:
Throughout pride month, B.L.U.E is hosting Urban Pride 2021 events, kicking off Urban Pride Weekend, July 2–4, with a Welcome to Boston Day Party. All tickets and additional information is available via B.L.U.E’s official website.
WHAT IS BOSTON DRAG?: Sham Payne calls for further inclusivity within the alternative scene
Through my 19-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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Drag performer, entertainer, visual artist, and club kid Sham Payne has been working in nightlife for going on 10 years, from hosting shows at Boston’s Legacy and Candibar to putting on monthly genderqueer house parties at Middlesex in Cambridge (returning soon) to creating digital drag content on the Serve Network. However, despite their vast experience, Sham feels a general lack of inclusivity of alternative performers within the scene, bringing a unique sense of creativity to New England drag.
