Boston Uncommon vol. 2 / no. 14
Big Gay Market, Black excellence, and Bast
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:
Make sure to STAY ON TOP OF THIS: Sip and shop at the second annual Big Gay Valentine Market
Shine a SERVICE SPOTLIGHT: BAGLY celebrates Black History Month highlighting the work and achievements of Black creators and business owners
And stop to think— WHAT IS PROVIDENCE DRAG?: Bast on the importance of alternative drag and diverse representation
STAY ON TOP OF THIS: Sip and shop at the second annual Big Gay Valentine Market
Presented by the New England Open Market (NEOM), tomorrow’s second annual Big Gay Valentine' Market will feature over 40 LGBTQ+ local artists, designers, and vintage dealers.
Hosted by Legacy Nightclub, the market (and bar) will be open tomorrow, Feb. 12 from 1-7 p.m with special drag performances by Violencia! and Coleslaw.
“Get out and do something fun, buy something special for your sweetie, and support the local LGBTQ community,” NEOM’s Instagram reads.
Admission is $5 and proof of vaccination and masks are required for entry!
SERVICE SPOTLIGHT: BAGLY celebrates Black History Month highlighting the work and achievements of Black creators and business owners
In honor of Black History Month, the Boston Alliance of LGBTQ+ Youth (BAGYLY) is celebrating Black excellence within the queer community, featuring Black-owned businesses, organizations, creators, and artists via Instagram.
This week*, BAGLY highlighted:
Creator and influencer @jazzmynejay: Celebrated for her style, activism, and body-positive content, Jazzmyne Robbins uses her platform to talk lifestyle, lifestyle, and all things self-love.
Trust Therapeutics: With 17 available therapists, this black-owned behavioral health group offers mental health and psychiatric services to youth, college students, and professionals in the area.
Astronaut Dr. Jessia Watkins: Set to become the first Black woman to complete a long-term mission on the International Space Station, Dr. Jessica Watkins has worked with NASA since 2019 on projects like the Mars rover, currently preparing for her flight with SpaceX Crew-4 this April.
Tafari Wraps: Created by designer Imani McFarlane in 2006, Tafari Wraps is a Boston-based, black-owned accessory, home décor, and clothing business. Offering a variety of services including headwrap consultations, Tafari Wraps is dedicated to “uplifting the spirit and restoring the dignity of Black women, children, and men [in the] Boston community,” as their website reads.
*This list will be updated as BAGLY continues to post.
WHAT IS PROVIDENCE DRAG?: Bast on the importance of alternative drag and diverse representation
This week we’re heading back to Providence. 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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For many, the first COVID lockdown was defined by time stuck at home— baking bread, whipping coffee, finding any way to cope with a frightening, ever-changing world. For Providence drag artist Bast, quarantine served as the perfect opportunity to hone her new drag skills. Having started drag at the beginning of 2020, Bast utilized her time indoors to develop her makeup skills, craft a persona, and prepare for her eventual live debut. As venues slowly opened up, Bast applied for the Providence Drag Gauntlet, the perfect opportunity to get her name out there and gain performance experience. Though it was her first time performing, she went on to beat the competition, becoming the PVD Cycle 1 runner-up. Returning to the Gauntlet this Spring, this time in Boston, Bast will be appearing as a veteran in the upcoming Cycle 5: “Newcomers vs Veterans.” Deeply inspired by Providence drag, Bast shares her thoughts on the diversity of New England performers.
