Boston Uncommon vol. 2 / no. 1
We're back!: LGBT+ Business Inclusivity, BAGLY, and Plane Jane
Boston Uncommon has returned for its second volume to continue covering Boston-based drag, queer nightlife, and LGBTQ+ current events. Featuring original writing and reporting by Emerson College student and drag artist Joni 66, Boston Uncommon engages authentically with those who work and play within the city’s queer spaces and reports on issues that directly impact local and greater New England LGBTQ+ communities.
In this week’s edition of Boston Uncommon I:
Cover a BIG STORY: Former Acting Mayor Janey signs historic executive order to recognize LGBTQ-owned business
Make sure to STAY ON TOP OF THIS: Every Day’s a Drag weekly queer nightlife calendar
Check in with a STREAM SERVICE: BAGLY’s virtual community center offers free programming for queer youth
And stop to think— WHAT IS BOSTON DRAG?: Plane Jane on the rewards and challenges of working in the Boston scene
BIG STORY: Former Acting Mayor Janey signs historic executive order to recognize LGBTQ-owned business
Former Acting Mayor Kim Janey recently signed a historic executive including LGBTQ-owned businesses in the city’s supplier diversity program. The program currently offers a variety of minority-owned status certifications, ensuring the protection of underrepresented business owners by offering technical assistance, guidance through current and future contracting opportunities, and support monitoring city contracts.
“The diversity and creativity of our city’s entrepreneurs help shape the unique character of our neighborhoods,” Janey said. “I’m proud to see LGBTQ-owned businesses receive a fair chance to bid on city contracts and continue to grow our economy in an equitable way.”
By adding LGBTQ-owned business to the list of existing certifications (including recognition of women, minority, local, and veteran-owned businesses) Janey and the city, the first in Massachusetts to do so, have removed various obstacles for queer business owners submitting bids or proposals, initiating contracting, procuring goods and services, or soliciting quotes.
“This marks an important step forward in the inclusion of all our city’s small business owners in our local economy,” Janey said.
EVERY DAY’S A DRAG: This week’s queer nightlife calendar
Queer nightlife is not just reserved for the weekend. Every night, Boston offers a diverse line-up of drag, dance parties, DJ sets, and BIPOC-centered events. Here are just a few of those staple shows, catch them all this week!
STREAM SERVICE: BAGLY’s virtual community center offers free programming for queer youth
The Boston Alliance of LGBTQ+ Youth (BAGLY) hosts free, weekly, online programs for queer youth in the greater Boston area seeking safe, communal spaces. With meetings centering on identity, sexuality, coming of age, art, poetry, gaming, and more, BAGLY offers programs for LGBTQ+ people under age 25 and operates entirely via Zoom.
Though several support groups are on hiatus (including a BIPOC meeting and disabilities group), new participants can still register for a variety of digital offerings through BAGLY’s Virtual Community Center.
Women’s Meeting - Mondays @5pm - Open to all LGBTQ+ women and women-aligned people under age 22.
Nerd Hour - Mondays @6pm - Social space for LGBTQ+ people under age 22 looking to nerd out on pop culture, comic books, anime, and more.
Transgender and Nonbinary Meeting - 2nd/4th Fridays @5pm - Open to all transgender and nonbinary youth under age 22.
Girls’ Room - 3rd Fridays @6pm - Social support space for transgender women and trans femme people 25 and under.
Nintendo Night - Fridays @4pm - A weekly hour of gaming on Discord and Switch open to LGBTQ+ people 25 and under.
You can stay up to date on BAGLY’s programs via Twitter and Instagram.
WHAT IS BOSTON DRAG?: Plane Jane on the rewards and challenges of working in the Boston scene
Through my reporting on Boston queer nightlife, I have noticed a general lack of coverage on local drag scenes and the performers that define queer New England. “What is Boston Drag?” is a space for local performers and community members to explore their regional culture and local talent.
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Don’t let the name fool you.
Plane Jane, Boston-born and raised, began exploring the city’s queer nightlife in 2018, the first time she went out in drag. Only three years later, Plane Jane has taken Boston by storm, working at venues like Jacque’s Cabaret, Carrie Nation, and Time Out Market. Performing alongside a wide variety of drag entertainers, Jane has watched the scene grow and change, survive a pandemic, and come out the other side. As venues slowly begin to re-open, Jane hopes their community continues to create safe queer spaces.
