Boston Uncommon vol. 2 / no. 12
Anti-Valentine's Day, Hot Haus, Arts Corner, and something Vile
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:
Tease an (UPCOMING) BIG STORY: On the designer, business owner, and creative powerhouse behind Vo Sterwartbaxter
Shine a SHOW SPOTLIGHT: GayBash’d returns for anti-Valentine’s Day party
Make sure to STAY ON TOP OF THIS: New reality competition show “Hot Haus” seeking next queer sex icon features Boston native Saint Anique
Check in with a STREAM SERVICE: BAGLY hosts weekly Arts Corner for queer youth
And stop to think— WHAT IS BOSTON DRAG?: Villinda Vile, anything but that
(UPCOMING) BIG STORY: On the designer, business owner, and creative powerhouse behind Vo Sterwartbaxter
Since she learned to sew at age 15— mesmerized by Dior’s haute couture Fall/Winter 2005 show— Boston-based designer and stylist Vo has dedicated herself to unapologetic creativity. As Vo’s brand Vo Stewartbaxter continues to grow, specifically within Boston’s drag scene, I had the opportunity to pick her brain about working, creating, and running a business in the Boston area.
Be sure to subscribe to Boston Uncommon for the upcoming release of the full interview with Vo.
SHOW SPOTLIGHT: GayBash’d returns for anti-Valentine’s Day party
After the cancellation of their New Year’s Eve event due to a spike in COVID cases, GayBash’d Boston has finally returned for an 18+ anti-Valentine’s Day party with DJ Dorian Electra.
Headlining the event alongside Dorian and their all-night hyperpop set is Dragula’s Maxi Glamour as well as Saint, Violencia, and a variety of other drag artists.
The party is Saturday, Feb. 12 at the Sinclair in Cambridge, with doors opening at 10:30 p.m. Proof of vaccination and masks are required.
Tickets can be purchased here and those interested in entering a ticket giveaway can find more information on the Gaybash’d Instagram.
STAY ON TOP OF THIS: New reality competition show “Hot Haus” seeking next queer sex icon features Boston native Saint Anique
“Y'all better bring y’alls sex game ‘cause there can only be one winner.'“ And with that, host and original HBIC Tiffany Pollard kicks off the brand new reality competition show “Hot Haus.”
Created by the team behind “Slag Wars: The Next Destroyer,” this new series challenges seven sex workers and sex-positive creators— ‘Hotties’— to compete in weekly challenges for a $10,000 grand prize and the title of the next queer sex icon. With a majority POC and trans/non-binary cast, all of which are current or former sex workers, “Hot Haus” centers around family, community, and queer expression. Among the cast of hotties is Boston native and Las Vegas performer Saint Anique.
“It was absolutely incredible to be a part of a show that represents so much for the queer/Sex Work communities,” Saint said. “We’re all at a point where we want to see queer content made by and for queer people and their real stories. ‘Hot Haus’ truly understood the assignment.”
When Saint entered the competition, they were six months sober, unsure of how they would handle the pressure of filming the show.
”I learned that not only could I handle the pressure, but that all of the blood, sweat, and tears have made me resilient and able to take on anything the universe gives me.” Saint said. “Viewers should expect to cackle with delight, cry with, and fall in love with every one of the fabulous Hotties on the show.”
Alongside Pollard is the star-studded judge’s pannel— rapper CupcakKe, performer, porn star, and model Matthew Camp, and “Slag Wars” Runner-Up and activist Nicky Monet. And, just to switch things up, each week the eliminated Hottie will join the panel to help decide who will take home the cash prize.
“I hope anyone watching ‘Hot Haus’ walks away having learned something and understanding things they might not have before. I hope the representation we have on this show makes people feel seen and celebrated in a way they maybe haven't been seen in media before. I hope it helps to demystify and destigmatize Sex Work and the stories of Sex Workers,” Saint said.
You can catch Saint and the rest of the Hotties in the first two episodes of “Hot Haus,” now on OutTV.com.
STREAM SERVICE: BAGLY hosts weekly Arts Corner for queer youth
The Boston Alliance of LGBTQ+ Youth (BAGLY) has returned to hosting their weekly Arts Corner, a creative space for queer youth to develop their skills, learn new techniques, and receive feedback, regardless of artistic experience.
The program is open to LGBTQ+ youth ages 22 and under with all mediums (not just visual) welcome.
Those interested can register with BAGLY here and join Arts Corner every Monday at 4 p.m. via Zoom.
WHAT IS BOSTON DRAG?: Villinda Vile, anything but that
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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Through only a few short interviews questions, it was crystal clear the passion, drive, and love drag performer Villinda Vile has for her art form. A Midwesterner turned (outer) Bostonian, Villinda has come to the city to chase her ultimate dream of breaking into nightlife to support a full-time drag career. With her hip-hop/rap album “Villinda” (streaming everywhere), appearance in Boston Drag Gauntlet Cycle 4 and upcoming return to Cycle 5, and dedication to developing her unique drag style, Villinda is just getting started.
