Boston Uncommon vol. 2 / no. 15
Coleslaw's Corner, Saint Anique, Black excellence, and Giri
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 an UPCOMING EVENT: Coleslaw’s Corner returns to Boston Museum of Science for March show
Make sure to STAY ON TOP OF THIS: Boston native Saint Anique competes for $10,000 in “Hot Haus” finale
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 BOSTON DRAG?: The King of Spades, Giri Spades
UPCOMING EVENT: Coleslaw’s Corner returns to Boston Museum of Science for March show
Returning for the first in-person show of the year, Coleslaw’s Corner is back at the Boston Museum of Science featuring HUBweek Art Award winner and Boston drag performer Coleslaw.
“Coleslaw is bringing along an extended lineup of her favorite drag friends to take over the entire Blue Wing of the Museum,” the museum’s website reads. “There’s nowhere to hide from the fabulousness in this immersive drag experience…inspired by some of the museum’s newest…most iconic exhibits.”
The show is Wednesday, March 9 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 when purchased in advance, $20 on show day (plus a cash bar) so get your tickets now!
”This is for all of those who always say to me, ‘Coleslaw...when is ur next museum show?’ Well…the Spring 2022 museum show is a go…This show doesn't happen very often. Don't miss it,” Coleslaw said on Instagram.
STAY ON TOP OF THIS: Boston native Saint Anique competes for $10,000 in “Hot Haus” finale
They said we’d cackle with delight, cry, and fall in love with a new group of Hotties. And that we did. From HBIC meltdowns to singeing hair, the new queer reality competition series “Hot Haus” showcased the talent of seven sex workers and sex-positive creators.
Through four tumultuous challenges, Boston native and Las Vegas performer Saint Anique outlasted five of their fellow hotties to make it to the final two of the competition.
Competing alongside finalist Fantasia, Saint performed live at Charlie’s in Pheonix, Arizona for their chance to win 10,000 and the title of the next queer sex icon. Sparks certainly flew as Saint took the stage for their metal-grinding strip tease, proving to judges Tiffany Pollard, CupcakKe, Matthew Camp, and Nicky Monet why they belong in the top two.
Though the judges crowned Fantasia (whom Saint noted they were totally okay taking the loss to) Saint used their platform to spread a message of acceptance and understanding.
“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 in an interview with Boston Uncommon.
You can catch the “Hot Haus” reunion this Thursday, Feb. 24 along with the rest of the series on OutTV.com.
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:
Simply Erinn’s: Hairstylist Erinn Danielle’s Simply Erinn’s is a unisex hair salon in Cambridge, MA. Specializing in a wide variety of hair types and textures, Danielle offers free virtual consultations for cuts, colors, and everything in between. To book an appointment, visit the salon’s website.
Author Chencia C. Higgins: An independent author from Houston, Texas, Chencia C. Higgins published her first erotic novella in 2016. Since then, she has released five book series and three stand-alone novels along with a variety of shorts and collaborations telling queer love stories centered around characters of color. For more information on her work, visit her website.
Last week, BAGLY highlighted:
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.
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.
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.
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.
*This list is updated as BAGLY continues to post.
WHAT IS PROVIDENCE DRAG?: The King of Spades, Giri Spades
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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Overcome doubt, trust in your ability, and let go of the chains that bound your creativity and confidence. Though a daunting challenge, this is what it took Providence performer Giri Spades, the King of Spades, to become the strongest version of himself, both human and artist. After starting drag in 2019, inspired by their local drag scene in Providence, Giri was put out of commission due to the pandemic until November 2021. However, creating their own props and costumes from the comfort of their bedroom, Giri has since quit their 9-5 to become a full-time king. Recently joining the cast of Boston Drag Gauntlet Cycle 5: “Newcomers vs Veterans” as a Newcomer, Giri hopes to snatch the crown and $2,500 grand prize.
