Make it Rain Bitcoin: Digital Drag Shows in the Age of Quarantina

Nightlife

Apr 20

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The coronavirus outbreak has kept us in our homes and--at the very least--6 feet away from each other. This new normal of self-isolation, social distancing, and staying indoors has all but decimated queer nightlife culture. We are no longer able to enjoy overpriced tequila sours amidst crowds of sweaty strangers who just can’t seem to say, “excuse me.” We are no longer able to enjoy a shared cig with friends at the end of a great night. And perhaps the most devastating thing about all of this is that we are no longer able to enjoy local drag shows-- in person, at least.

Anybody else miss the club? Seriously, I want nothing more than to put on a dress that cuts off three inches below the roundest part of my butt and go shake it on a dance floor somewhere!

It seems that while the suit-and-tie wearers of corporate America have cozy-fied their at-home work attire, drag performers across the world are doing the same. With the advent of social media technology, it has been made easier for drag performers to bring sickening shows to their viewer’s laptop and phone screens. Digital drag is the newest fad to emerge out of this whole quarantine fiasco. Now more than ever, we are seeing how the club can be enjoyed from the comfort of a couch. No slippery, liquor-covered dancefloors included.

Performers are able to digitally stream their shows in order to connect with their audience, make tips, and continue doing what they love. Instagram Live and Twitch have been getting all of the action as of late, allowing performers and show-goers alike to chat with each other while enjoying the show. We love a digital kiki!

Some of our faves are making waves in the digital drag department by keeping their shows interesting, fresh, and consistent. Here’s a list of some must-see streams:

Big Ass Telethon to End Metronormativity by WUSSY Mag, Southern Fried Queer Pride and Queer Appalachia - Saturday, April 25th

Coming to a screen near you, the “Big Ass Telethon to End Metronormativity” is a virtual live-stream celebration of rural art, community, music, and culture. This event will be used to raise money for the newly formed Appalachian/Southern Queer Artist Fund, an emergency fund set up to support featured artists. Features special performances and appearances by Orville Peck, Whitney Cummings, Shamir, Bob the Drag Queen, Lance Bass, Seth Bogart, Christeene, Jacob Tobia, and more!

Be sure to tune in here on Saturday, April 25th at 9PM EST via Twitch.

ANTI: The Visual Experience by The Unfriendly Black Hotties

Drag performers doing Rihanna should be classified as some sort of religion...because she *is* God, y’know? This is the visual album experience you never knew you needed! Watch as this all-black cast brings the masterpiece that is Rihanna’s ANTI to life. Curated by the Unfriendly Black Hotties of Chicago, one entertainer will one a song off the album and put their own interpretive twist on it. Features Bambi Banks-Couleé, Lucy Stoole, Miss Toto, and more!

Don’t miss the Twitch stream on Thursday, April 30th at 9PM CST! More info here.

Digital Drag Show by Biqtch Puddin’ - Every Friday

Biqtch Puddin has upped the ante with her weekly drag marathons. Every Friday at 7PM PST/10PM EST, you can catch Biqtch, and a gaggle of talented artists from around the country, turning it out on Twitch. Get into it!

Black Girl Magic by The Vixen - Every third Wednesday of the month

RPDR Season 10 star, The Vixen, brings you a digified version of her notorious show: Black Girl Magic. Featuring local Chicago talent, as well as performers from different regions, this show is bound to lift your spirits and ease your mind. You might even be able to see performances from other Drag Race alum like Shea Couleé, Monique Heart, Aja, Vinegar Strokes, and more! Watch on Twitch!

Drag Mati-Net by T Rex (Chi) - Every Saturday

T Rex subbed her weekly show “Drag Matinee” with “Drag Mati-Net.” This hilarious hour-or-so of impressions, slapstick comedy and clever humor is sure to leave a smile on your face. With special guests from all over the world, this star-studded show gives new meaning to the term “digital drag.” Follow @trexinchicago for more updates or hit the Twitch link.

Notta Contact Sport by Mini Pearl Necklace - Every Saturday

The bearded beauty of Nashville, Tennessee streams her Twitch show every Saturday at 6PM CST/7PM EST. Featuring some of your favorite Atlanta, Nashville, and Chicago queens, this show will have you on the edge of your seat and on the brink of tears. Happy tears, of course. Tune in to catch all of the hilarious tomfoolery this queen has to offer!

Tossed Salad by Brigitte Bidet - Every Sunday

Atlanta’s sweetheart, Brigitte Bidet, brings it to you every ball with her hilarity and beauty. Do you miss seeing this blonde bombshell trot around town? Never fear, Tossed Salad: Live is here! Tune in every Sunday to @brigittebidet on Instagram at 8pm EST to see an amazing show featuring local Atlanta talent.

The tenacity of drag performers is unmatched. These shows, all featuring talent from various locales, help to fuel the fire of creativity and keep drag performance art alive. They provide a sense of community to those that miss going out and being with friends. They provide a reprieve from the craziness of the world right now. Now is the perfect time to cozy up and see some drag on any night of the weekend.

There’s something about watching a performer hit a split in their own well-lit apartment that just hits differently, you know?

True, it is tricky to embrace this new reality of tipping through the phone and not being able to “yaaasss” our faves in real time, but we are able to show love by supporting these artists just the same. Be sure to follow the aforementioned performers so that you don’t miss out on their next digital gig!

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Ivana Fischer is the Culture Editor of WUSSY and a film and media enthusiast who specializes in cultural studies. You can find her across all socials @iv.fischer

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