Boston Uncommon vol. 2 / no. 18
Interview with @wha_gauntlet, MT's Drag Stroll, and Nadia Nice
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: BU interviews anonymous Gauntlet recap account @wha_gauntlet
Shine an EVENT SPOTLIGHT: The Stroll returns to Jacque’s tonight with host MT Hart
And stop to think— WHAT IS BOSTON DRAG?: Nadia Nice on the 'strength' of New England Drag
BIG STORY: BU interviews anonymous Gauntlet recap account @wha_gauntlet
Shaking up Boston’s tight-knit queer Twitter community, Gauntlet recap account @wha_gauntlet has everyone speculating who the anonymous reporter could be. In anticipation of tonight’s Gauntlet Challenge 3: Dungeons and Drag Show, I had an exclusive (anonymous) interview with @wha_gauntlet themself.
BU: Why did you decide to start the account?
“I wanted the Twitter besties to get past the basics faster to get to the hot takes and drama,” @wha_gauntlet said.
How long have you been following Boston drag?
Long enough for most of this to be from memory, short enough that I still kinda have memory.
What would you say your connection to the scene is?
Without giving too much away, several of the gauntleteers know me well enough that I'm shook they haven't figured it out.
Why remain anonymous?
Originally I didn't know if I wanted to use this to post opinions, and Boston hates opinions. Then I realized *I* could be the drama of the season!
Do you report live from the show every week?
I tweeted last week's while standing behind two people speculating about who I was.
Any hints about who’s behind the account?
I'm gay and a troll and the rest y'all gotta figure out from context clues ;)
EVENT SPOTLIGHT: The Stroll returns to Jacque’s tonight with host MT Hart
After shutting down in early January due to a spike in COVID cases, the Stroll is returning to Jacque’s tonight, this time hosted by MT Hart.
Every 2nd and 4th Monday, Boston drag artist MT Hart is hosting an open stage for performers of all experience levels. Since it was launched by Boston drag artist Just JP in September 2021, the Stroll has been an open space for artists to experiment and perform for pay.
Tonight’s show has an open theme (future themes TBA) so check it out tonight. Tickets are $10, doors at 7 p.m., show at 8!
WHAT IS BOSTON DRAG?: Nadia Nice on the 'strength' of New England Drag
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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It was Nadia Nice’s mother who first recommended she get into drag. With a BFA and a passion for makeup, Nadia has always been comfortable in front of a crowd; naturally, her mom thought drag would be the perfect way for Nadia to showcase her talent. Currently competing in Boston Drag Gauntlet Cycle 5, Nadia works in both Boston and Providence, carving her way through an expansive scene. Finding the community inclusive and supportive, for Nadia, it’s just a matter of making the time to be everywhere at once.
