Attend a drag show

“The first time I saw a drag show was in Portland, Oregon sometime around 2009. I can’t remember the club or specific performer’s names, but I do remember two of the performances. One was a comedic routine to the Tom Jones song “What’s New Pussycat?” that featured a peek-a-boo cat cutout as part of the costume. (Use your imagination…) The other was an incredible dance routine to the song “Be Italian” from the musical Nine. Since this was my first drag show, I was shy about interacting with the cast members. But after watching that mesmerizing dance performance, I couldn’t help myself. [...] I fished a dollar out of my purse and crept up to the stage. When Saraghina saw me approaching, she crouched down and smiled at me. Now, I’ve met (and interviewed) numerous Broadway stars and celebrities, but I’ve never been tongue-tied before. As I held out the dollar, I stupidly babbled, “You’re beautiful.” I don’t know if she heard me, because the smile on her face didn’t waver as Saraghina gracefully took the dollar bill and glided offstage. I scampered back to my seat, slightly embarrassed but also in awe of this new world I’d found.”

“And so, as the night wound down, the beautiful and talented lip-syncing drag queen gave us one final surprise… First, the wig came off illuminating a shiny, bald head; then, the full bust became a flat chest; next, the knee-high, stiletto boots were flung off. Nonetheless, a seemingly less fabulous, much shorter but still beautiful diva remained before us. But, now, he was clothed only in dramatic makeup and a small pair of boxer briefs. In this moment, I recognized the truth of my professor’s suggestion. As I found myself facing this man who had so gracefully spent the evening sashaying around the room in evening gowns and heels, I felt the energy of the room shift. It was as though his act of stripping granted everyone in the room permission to shed the many masks we all use in futile self-protection. By stripping down to only his underwear, he invited us to bare our true selves. With the last song blaring from the speakers, everyone stood together to share in a final, joy-filled dance.”