Gathering of queens

Halloween Drag Brunch benefits local LGBTQI+ center

By Alberto Gilman
Posted 11/2/21

Glitz, glamour, mimosas, dollar bills and brunch food were the scenes of Mama Roux’s Halloween Day Drag Bunch. Mama Roux hosted drag queens Kay Gorgeous, Belle Pepper and Fantasia Fae for the …

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Gathering of queens

Halloween Drag Brunch benefits local LGBTQI+ center

Posted

Glitz, glamour, mimosas, dollar bills and brunch food were the scenes of Mama Roux’s Halloween Day Drag Bunch. Mama Roux hosted drag queens Kay Gorgeous, Belle Pepper and Fantasia Fae for the day of laughs and drinks.

The morning started with a slight breeze in the air as the queens and staff began to prepare themselves for the festivities. During the course of the day, there would be another show at 1 p.m. following the first show. This event would also be collecting proceeds that would be later given to the Newburgh LGBTQI+ center.

“I’m honestly really excited. This is the first time that the three of us (Gorgeous, Pepper and Fae) are performing in this amazing space,” Belle Pepper said. “Everyone’s been really lovely.”

Belle Pepper’s husband, John Henry Watson, also expressed feelings of excitement and support for today’s event. “It’s all about love,” Watson said. Just a little after 11 a.m., guests started to trickle into the venue at various assigned seating. A guest list of just over 50 people made their way into the venue. Mimosas made their way to the hightops and tables, with meals in the back being prepared. Then the show began.

The queens made their way to the front of the venue and with microphone in hand, introduced themselves, cracked some jokes and greeted everyone, letting the audience know that today was going to be fun and full of love. During the course of the show, the queens performed several lip syncing numbers, cracked more jokes and just enjoyed themselves as patrons handed them bills, took pictures, laughed and clapped along.

“Drag, it’s so many different things,” Gorgeous said. “It’s like an art form. Everyone has their different mediums. Some drag artists are dancers, some are into fashion. Some are comedy queens. We’re entertainers first.” With the current pandemic, Gorgeous took the chance to step into the drag scene because she understood that tomorrow is never granted and taking a chance on oneself can change for the better. Being a drag queen, Gorgeous is able to connect and meet new members of the LGBTQ community and other supporters. Performing in this brunch will help create inclusion and support for the Newburgh LGBTQI+ Center in their efforts. “Be nice to people,” Gorgeous said. “Everyone is welcome.”

Fantasia Fae is a bubbly queen who creates a fantasy through her makeup and her apparel going into the shows. Fae said she is excited to come out for the crowds and entertain as much as possible. For those who may be new to drag or maybe just need support, Fae discussed being a queen as a role model for the younger generation and drag is accepting to all. “Drag is a family in itself,” Fae said. Being a supporter of those out there who are experiencing tough times and need guidance within the LGBTQ community, Fae says she is always there to support, answer questions and be there for those individuals.

“It’s about the people for me,” Fae said. “It’s great to be able to be that person that somebody turns to when they’re having a hard time with something.”