By Trey Cobb
Drag superstar Luxx Noir London, currently featured on season 15 of RuPaul‘s Drag Race performed for Huntingtonians last Saturday as part of a Hard Candy event, taking place at LGBTQ+ friendly night club Stonewall.
“Stonewall is a place queer people come to, to feel at home with their queerness and meet other people with shared experiences. With shows every Friday & Saturday, Stonewall is a place that highlights people of every background and orientation.”
— Nyshyne Li
Huntington Queen
Having never been to a drag show before (and with all the controversy surrounding the supposed danger of drag themed events to minors), I sought to gain unbiased perspective on both the issue at hand and the art form itself.
Many times I have driven past the sign that hangs on 7th Avenue, knowing that it represented Stonewall, but never actually knew where the entrance was. Turns out that the front door is in the alley directly in front of 7th Avenue, almost hidden away to give the club more exclusivity.
Thankfully, there is a non-invasive search process upon entrance to ensure that no weapons or harmful contraband may enter — a major plus when it comes to bars and nightclubs.
The atmosphere inside Stonewall is lively and colorful; there’s a big open dance floor in the main room and a stage in the conjoining room built similar to a runway, perfect for drag performances. Both rooms have a bar, and were offering St. Patrick’s Day themed drink specials.
Quick review from the Hungry Appalachian:
I had the best tasting tequila sunrise I’ve ever had at Stonewall. It was maybe too citrusy, but that’s a small nitpick. When I critique an alcoholic beverage, I consider both taste and “effectiveness” shall we say. Having used that criteria, Stonewall’s tequila sunrise gets a 9/10.
Prior to the show, I was told to get some singles ($1 bills) to tip the queens, and now I understand the reason. Drag is an art form no different than pro wrestling in terms of basic concept; these performers spend hours of their lives dedicating themselves to a unique craft in which very few get to participate. Drag performers mold their characters out of sheer inspiration, an effort which requires immense creativity and patience.
To earn a solid reputation as a drag performer is like earning a solid reputation as any genre of entertainer; those who put in the most time and effort into bettering themselves generally earn the most praise and attention. When fans of drag tip their favorite queens it is merely one way of supporting a community cherished by thousands.
It is also worth noting that not all drag events are held at bars/night clubs, and do not always feature the tradition of tipping. Again, I look at it the same way as professional wrestling; some shows are clearly meant for adults, while others are family friendly. For example, night clubs and death matches are meant for adults, but drag brunches and WWE shows are family friendly ways of enjoying the art forms of drag and pro wrestling respectively.
I must say however, that the performances which took place at the Luxx Noir London show did not feature any lewd or sexual content. These were merely larger than life characters who felt confident and powerful onstage, a sentiment I related to wholeheartedly. There were one or two f-bombs and most attendees were under the influence, but in terms of the actual performances, I am still somewhat confused as to how drag itself is a danger to children.
Though Luxx Noir London main evented the show, opening queens Nyshyne Li, Courtnee D La Ryann, Garcia Jaa, and Apara Lashes hyped the crowd for an evening of drag filled merriment taking place until two am.
Luxx Noir London performed two ten minute sets, taking the microphone between songs to remind us all of our worth and encouraged us to be unapologetically true to ourselves.
At the meet and greet Luxx was gracious enough to provide HNN with a statement, flawlessly encapsulating her personality:
Trey Cobb: I work for (HNN)! What’s your spirit animal would you say?
Luxx Noir London: Um, a flamingo.
TC: A flamingo! Why a flamingo?
LNL: Because— (Laughs) Because they’re pink and flamboyant, and really really slim. Like me!
Stonewall is set to host three more drag events this March with Adella Van Damn on the 11th, Malaysia Babydoll Foxx on the 17th, and Evah Destruction on the 24th.
More information can be found on www.stonewallclub.com
