Boston Uncommon vol. 2 / no. 3
Trans Remembrance, MTCP Trans Legal Assistance, and Zayn X
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: Rita Hester honored with historic, commemorative mural; Trans Resistance MA hosts vigil to observe Day of Remembrance
Make sure to STAY ON TOP OF THIS: Every Day’s a Drag weekly queer nightlife calendar
Check out this STREAM SERVICE: MTCP provides assistance with name and gender marker changes for gender-expansive residents of New England
And stop to think— WHAT IS BOSTON DRAG?: Zayn X on the unique, welcoming Boston drag scene
BIG STORY: Rita Hester honored with historic, commemorative mural; Trans Resistance MA hosts vigil to observe Day of Remembrance
CW: Mentions of anti-trans and anti-black violence
Boston Arts and Culture has released an open call, seeking artist applications to create a mural honoring the life and legacy of Rita Hester, a Black Trans Woman and leader within the Allston trans community.
‘Congenial, bold, and a lover of entertaining,’ Hester lost her life in 1998 as a result of transphobia and anti-trans violence, according to Trans Resistance MA.
Proposed in 2020 by Boston artist and poet Golden, the mural project is a part of Boston’s Transformative Public Arts Program and will serve as the city’s first public work honoring Hester and her life.
Additionally, in order to observe Transgender Day of Remembrance, Trans Resistance, MA is hosting a vigil and gathering at Simmons University this Saturday at 2pm.
Created by trans activist Gwendolyn Ann Smith in 1999 to honor Hester and other victims of trans-violence, Transgender Day of Remembrance is observed internationally on Nov. 20, a time for community members to honor trans people like Hester and their stories, told and untold.
The event will be live-streamed and include performances, speeches, and a slideshow in remembrance of loved ones, specifically honoring and acknowledging Jahaira DeAlto, a trans woman of color whose life was taken in Boston in early May.
You can attend the vigil at Simmons’ Academic Quad and artists looking to apply for Hester’s mural can submit their applications via submittable.
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: MTCP provides assistance with name and gender marker changes for gender-expansive residents of New England
The Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition (MTPC) has partnered with GLAD and two Boston-based, international law firms to provide free, legal assistance with name and gender marker changes for trans, non-binary, and gender-expansive residents of New England.
A collaboration between the non-profits, Ropes & Gray LLP, and Goodwin Proctor LLP, the Trans ID Project assists community members looking to update federal and state documents, currently prioritizing those with urgent concerns that may require a lawyer’s assistance.
Services include:
Assistance with a legal name change
Social Security card
U.S. passport
Driver’s license/Non-driver state-issued identification card
Birth certificate
Because state and federal identity document fees can exceed $300, according to MTPC’s website, the non-profit also provides financial assistance for name and gender marker changes. Those in need of financial assistance can email Executive Director Tre’Andre Valentine @ TreAndreValentine@masstpc.org.
A large percentage of this assistance comes from community member donations which can be made here.
WHAT IS BOSTON DRAG?: Zayn X on the unique, welcoming 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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Zayn X, the self-proclaimed Spooky Dooky of New England, seems to have lived many drag lives in their 5 years of performing. Starting in Providence as a drag king and club kid, Zayn was originally inspired by Drag Race which she first saw in high school. He attended a local show and the ‘rest is a mess!’ Having lived in Florida, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New York, Zayn has finally settled in Boston within a drag community she feels is uniquely welcoming and essential to their drag.
