So apparently you learn something new every day, and today I learned that January is drag history month. This January marks the second year that this celebration has been done. The month of January is meant  to celebrate and honor the rich and diverse culture of drag as well as highlight significant historical landmarks and relate stories of both kings and queens that have broadened minds and perspectives and fought for justice and civil rights.

I keep going back and forth about my feelings on this. In Madison & Amsterdam, I spent a significant portion of time studying drag queen culture and examining drag queens' - and drag kings - contributions in educating communities about homophobia, racism, HIV/AIDS, voting, etc. Or the contributions that drag queens made to homeless LGBT youth centers.  There is no argument that whether in San Francisco or in New York there is a rich and vibrant history of drag queens outreaching to their communities and trying to improve the environment. Drag queens and drag kings can be rather successful in this regard. Part of who we are as performers rest on the notion of drawing attention and offering yourself up to the public. Once we have our audiences' attention, we can utilize the stage to important messages about health, safety, government through the medium of comedy. However, I would like to see more integration of our communities and not just reserve one month out of the year for it. One really positive thing that I have see happening is some long overdue attention thrown in the drag king direction. Drag kings are often overlooked as entertainers and performers and very little is known about such a community - especially the historical significance of the drag king community.

That being said, I saw that on LOGO's website that they are having a new special with drag queen stand-up comedians. The show, which is set to air on January 25th and 26th, will feature such personalities as Jackie Beat, Miss Coco Peru, Varla Jean Merman, and Ongina. Check out LOGO's website for more info. I was really happy to see this special and see the attempt to expand the idea and perception of who drag queens are and what they are able to do. Although, I am a little sad and jealous to not be part of such a project but it is exciting to know that those spaces and opportunities are starting to be created and I look forward to more specials in the future which will hopefully feature me.