Boston Uncommon vol. 1 / no. 7
The Eagle, summer kickball, and Boston drag culture
Boston Uncommon is a weekly newsletter covering Boston-based drag, burlesque, cabaret, sex work, and various forms of queer nightlife. By engaging authentically and openly with the community of people who work and play within Boston’s in-person and digital queer spaces, we hope to report on the issues and events that affect them and their lives.
In this week’s edition of Boston Uncommon we:
Cover a BIG STORY: Boston Eagle closes, historic gay space now for rent
Make sure to STAY ON TOP OF THIS: Summer kickball registration opens for queer athletes and allies
Check in with our COMPETING STREAM QUEENS: New digital drag competition Now Serving reveals first three contestants
And stop to think— WHAT IS BOSTON DRAG?: Drag performer Shean King discusses New England drag culture
BIG STORY: Boston Eagle closes, historic gay space now for rent
The Boston Eagle (a.k.a. “The Dirty Bird”) has operated as a gay leather/kink bar for about 40 years. However, as COVID restrictions continue to impact bars, queer venues, and drag spaces, the notorious South End bar has closed temporarily, as their Facebook page states.
“The Boston Eagle was first and foremost a neighborhood bar, catering to all who could weather the withering stare from Jack the bartender,” Boston queer nightlife blogger Robert Wilson writes. “Whatever happens next, I hope…the LGBTQ crowd will move in to make it their own all over again.”
The staple bar has not released any further information regarding potential reopening. The space is now for rent.
STAY ON TOP OF THIS: Summer kickball registration opens for queer athletes and allies
Stonewall Sports and Pride Sports, both non-profit sports organizations, have opening registration for their 2021 kickball season.
Based in Boston, Stonewall Sports is an LGBTQ & ally league offering eight weeks of kickball starting May 9. Players can register for $50 as an individual or as a part of a team. Pride Sports, a national organization, will be kicking off their Boston season on April 18 with a registration fee of $65-75.
Both Stonewall Sports and Pride Sports are casual leagues for community members looking to get outside, exercise, and make friends within the queer community. Both organizations will adhere to CDC COVID-19 guidelines for small gatherings at outdoor venues.
COMPETING STREAM QUEENS: New digital drag competition Now Serving reveals first three contestants
Weekly, I spotlight queer creators who are streaming on Twitch amid shifting COVID-related restrictions on nightlife. This week, I have chosen to spotlight The Serve Network’s new show Now Serving and the first three cast members to be revealed. The competition starts April 6 and will stream on Twitch every other Tuesday at 9 p.m. EST.
Zad Gravebone - Boston, MA - he/they
The undead king Zad Gravebone is a drag artist most known for drawing his drag persona. “I’m doing this competition because…I wanna bring [my] 2-D concepts to the 3-dimensional world…I [also] think I’m ready to make my first friend,” Gravebone said on the Now Serving Instagram.
Gothess Jasmine - Austin, TX - she/they
Just having started drag in Oct. 2020, Gothess Jasmine is a self-described goth art goddess whose drag is both otherworldly and adorable. “I really look forward to being motivated and inspired…to see if my creativity and my passion for drag art can really take me to that next level,” Jasmine said.
Abbey Cadabra - Atlanta, GA - she/her
Atlanta’s rock ‘n’ roll gore whore Abbey Cadabra is a versatile performer who explores different forms of drag. “I really wanted to challenge myself through this digital pageant format,” Cadabra said. “Also that $500 prize money means I could go to the Chinese buffet 33 times, so hopefully I win.”
WHAT IS BOSTON DRAG?: Drag performer Shean King discusses New England drag culture
Through my coverage of Boston queer nightlife, I have noticed a general lack of reporting on local drag industries and the performers and culture that define nightlife, particularly in New England. “What is Boston Drag?” is a new “Boston Uncommon” section that will allow local performers and community members a space to explore and understand their own community.
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Boston-based drag performer Shean King has only been working in the New England scene since the start of the pandemic. However, despite having only performed in and experienced the scene virtually, King notes the inclusivity and welcoming nature of Boston drag.
