Boston Uncommon vol. 2 / no. 2
Doriann Blonch, Casual Drag Stroll, and the Bisexual Resource Center
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: Just JP’s Casual Drag Stroll offers paid performance opportunity to new drag artists
Make sure to STAY ON TOP OF THIS: Every Day’s a Drag weekly queer nightlife calendar
Check in with a STREAM SERVICE: Bisexual Resource Center offers social services for bi, pan, fluid, and questioning queer people
And stop to think— WHAT IS BOSTON DRAG?: Doriann Blonch is “blessed” to work in the Boston drag scene
BIG STORY: Just JP’s Casual Drag Stroll offers paid performance opportunity to new drag artists
It’s the show where Jhonny Cockring, Audrey Hartburn, and Complete Destruction performed a live singing medley of The Nightmare Before Christmas unplanned. I should have expected that Just JP’s most memorable moment from their weekly Casual Drag Stroll would be so campy and ridiculous, just the kind of exciting risk-taking the show’s host and creator loves to see.
“My motivation [for creating the show] was to give artists…a space…to practice their craft without pressure…try new things, and make some money in the process,” JP said. “A place with a proper stage and lights,” they added.
JP announced the show in late August as an opportunity for any drag artist to perform in a non-competitive environment.
“I didn’t want to pit people against each other, especially…new performers finding themselves,” JP said. “There’s plenty of competitions they can apply to…but the Casual Drag Stroll is a place to celebrate and elevate each other, not compete!”
The show launched on Sept. 13 at Jacque’s Cabaret, offering up nine paid performer spots each week.
“The most rewarding part of doing this show is seeing artists soar and shine on stage…seeing people do new things, try on something new, take risks, and be fearless,” JP said. The talent has blown me away…My stroll babies are a really strong group of individuals that are going to take our drag scene by storm!”
You can see the stroll every Monday at Jacque’s Cabaret at 8:30pm and those interested in performing can apply here. And as JP said, they’ve got drag, they’ve got singing, they’ve got it all, and they’ve got it all live.
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Update - 11/13: This Monday’s Casual Drag Stroll (Nov. 15) is Burlesque-themed featuring Jolie Lavie.
EVERY DAY’S A DRAG: This week’s queer nightlife calendar
Queer nightlife is not just reserved for the weekend. Every night, Boston offers a diverse line-up of drag, dance parties, DJ sets, and BIPOC-centered events. Here are just a few of those staple shows, catch them all this week!
STREAM SERVICE: Bisexual Resource Center offers social services for bi, pan, fluid, and questioning queer people
The Bisexual Resource Center and Biversity Boston host free online and in-person groups, events, and programs for bi+ people in the greater Boston area. Inclusive of trans and non-binary people, BRC’s Boston groups are catered toward bi, pan, fluid, and questioning folks seeking social spaces, support groups, and casual events such as open mics and Pride activities.
BCR offers groups on a wide variety of topics throughout the month. Here are the events coming up this week:
Tonight! - Bi/Pan+ Guyz Social Night - Second Wednesdays @6:30pm - A social group hosted at Cathedral Station, open to anyone who identifies as a “bi+ guy.”
Tomorrow! - Young BLiSS - Second Thursdays @7pm - A social and support group open to those in their 20s-30s who identify as bi, pan, fluid, and/or questioning. The adult BLiSS group meets on the first Wednesday of each month @6:45pm.
Support Group for Bisexual Women (trans inclusive) Partnered with Men - Third Sunday of every other month @2pm.
You can sign up for all BRC events on Meetup and keep up with new offerings here.
WHAT IS BOSTON DRAG?: Doriann Blonch is ‘blessed’ to work in the Boston drag scene
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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Doriann Blonch’s drag journey started in 2009 in Puerto Rico. Flash forward 12 years and “the Beauty Enchantment” is “blessed” to perform for some of Boston’s most notable shows and venues including Drag Me To Brunch at Carrie Nation, Jacque’s Cabaret, Strut at Venetian Moon, Legacy Night Club, and more. With high praise and high hopes for her community, Doriann has watched the scene grow and change surrounded by Boston’s best.
