Boston Uncommon vol. 2 / no. 13
Vo Stewartbaxter, call for performers, and Binx
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: On the designer, business owner, and creative powerhouse behind Vo Sterwartbaxter
Make sure to STAY ON TOP OF THIS: Trans Resistance MA calls for TQBIPOC performers for third annual march and festival
And stop to think— WHAT IS BOSTON DRAG?: Binx talks hairy legs, shit pay, and ‘Mario Party’
BIG STORY: On the designer, business owner, and creative powerhouse behind Vo Sterwartbaxter
If you consider yourself a fan of New England drag, you have certainly seen your favorite artists, whether you know it or not, sporting the work of Vo— the designer, seamstress, small-business owner, and creative mind behind Vo Stewartbaxter, the chosen brand of some of Boston’s brightest in drag.
Originally from Sonora, Mexico, Vo first learned to sew at age 15, mesmerized by Dior’s Fall/Winter 2005 couture collection.
“I’ve been painting since I can remember and growing up (before I discovered the internet) I used to watch the Fashion Channel early in the mornings. [Dior’s show] changed my point of view of how art can be wearable and fashion can be art,” Vo said.
Though Vo attended art school in Sonora, she was not originally accepted for fashion design.
“I was ‘too over the top.’ But I’m happy it happened, I never stopped being me.”
After moving from Sonora to Boston about seven years ago, Vo officially launched her brand in 2017. As a Latina business owner and sewing team of one, Vo expresses a certain ownership over both the creative and business-oriented aspects of her work.
“Though some people still think Latina-owned means I am only the seamstress, I’m also the creative behind most of the looks…I’ve been supported so much by the community in the Boston area and I am very thankful for that…but I feel some people have a very square idea of what it is being a Latina woman,” Vo explained.
Creating for a range of clients from Ballroom dancers to queer performers, her journey with Boston’s drag community started two years ago when friend and Boston-based drag artist Kirbie Fully-Loaded first wore her looks. Since, she has created for performers like Static, Civilization, and Dragula’s Saint.
“It has been a very fun journey to create for talented performers and creatives. I’ve learned a lot [and helping] New England’s performers bring their ideas to life has been very interesting and overall inspiring,” Vo said.
Originally struck by the drama of high fashion, Vo’s inspirations range from designers like Halston, Galliano, and Schiaparelli to photos of her grandmothers and mom from the 1970s, all contributing to her deep admiration of drag performers.
As she works on a new collection, Vo is grateful, hopeful, for what is to come.
“I have a few goals out there like dressing Doja Cat, Gigi Goode, Susan Bartsch, and Neon. I am…just excited to keep dressing fabulous humans,” Vo said.
Make sure to keep up with Vo and all her upcoming work as she continues to leave her mark on New England drag and fashion.
STAY ON TOP OF THIS: Trans Resistance MA calls for TQBIPOC performers for third annual march and festival
In preparation for the upcoming third annual March and Festival for Black Trans Lives, Trans Resistance MA has put out a call for trans, queer, Black, indigenous performers of color.
Taking place in Roxbury at Nubian Square and Franklin Park on June 11, the march and festival will feature queer vendors, food trucks, and community spaces dedicated to connecting, sharing resources, celebrating pride, and honoring Black, trans lives. Part of this celebration includes performances by local queer and trans artists.
Those interested in performing at the event can sign up via Trans Resistance’s interset form. The submission deadline is March 1.
WHAT IS BOSTON DRAG?: Binx talks hairy legs, shit pay, and ‘Mario Party’
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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She has deemed herself the Runway Witch and if you have seen her collections, you know exactly why. Originally from a small town 13 miles south of Boston, Binx started drag in 2018, sick of the boredom and dissatisfaction she felt with masculine fashion. Since graduating from her high school class of 64, Binx has bounced between Boston and home, crafting her drag persona, deeply inspired by drag superstar Aquaria. After the pandemic forced a decrease in live performances, Binx quickly got to work on her fashion show, The Runway Witch FW 21/22 which premiered digitally Oct. 2018 and featured 11 minutes of original looks. Since then, Binx has conceptualized 30 new looks for the upcoming release of her Spring Summer 2022 show.
Make sure to subscribe to Binx’s YouTube channel so you don’t miss the collection and you can catch her live on Feb. 12 at both Night Shift Brewing’s drag brunch and GayBashd’s Anti-Valentine’s Day party.
