A Community Passing

If you did not hear all ready, a pillar of Cincinnati's LGBTQ community has passed from us. June Delph, long time supporter of organizations like PFLAG and the Greater Cincinnati LGBT News, passed last night around 8:00pm, surrounded by family, much as she would have liked.

I did not know June Delph, but I know her mark on the community. Months ago, I thought it was funny when I realized the mural, on the picture attached here, was on the side of the building where I reside and I realized, "I was meant to live here." The Delphs have been fierce donors to great causes in the city, giving time, money, energy, and enthusiasm with a passion and single-mindedness towards equality, love, and hope. From everything I knew of her, she was an inspiration. I know PFLAG, for one, will be sorely lacking for her passing. She and her husband were regulars at the meetings, giving comfort and support.

Bless her, and bless all parents who mark their own child's lives through love and dedication to others.

From the ISQCCBE mailer today:

We are writing to let you all know that our Dear June passed away at 8:00 last night. She was at home and surrounded by her adoring family. A memorial service will be held for her at 2:00 on Tuesday, July 7 at the Norman Chapel, Spring Grove Cemetery. June would love as many Court members as possible to attend and remember her "in face." She loved each and every one of you. Of course, you are all welcome no matter what you decide to wear.

Truly a touching story, truly an amazing woman. I did not know her, but it is hard to be in the know in the city, or even to be gay in the city, and not feel the amazing and wonderful effects this woman had on my life.

I wish I had known her, at all.

Drag Shows and Other Sillinesses

I do not make a pretty woman. (But, really, who does?)

That said, I have a shit ton of fun. My motto, stolen from Succio Sanchez, is: If you aren't walking off stage sweating and out of breath, you haven't done your job. 

Unlike our darling co-contributer, Penny Tration, I do not make my name off my drag alter-ego. I am not famous for my persona as Kristy Kay Karolina; I have only ever been paid $25 to perform and that was years ago. Most days, I curse the day I decided to ever step into a dress. It's alternatively exhausting and exhilerating, and the ups and downs of performing are more stress than I need to add to my life.

But I do it on occasion, and it's always on my time, when I want to. I have to balance the "do I have time to shave" question with the "what am I doing the next morning" question with the "do I really want to stumble around in heels all night" question. All of them are equally important considerations. The last thing you need is to be out in 5 inch stilettos, half shaven and drunk, when you have to be up at 6am the next morning to do that annoying thing we refer to ask "work."

Additionally, there is the question of with whom you will be performing. Trust me, it's a big deal. Back room politics are neither fun nor conducive to a good show. If you can't perform with friends, then you're just performing for a handful of friends in the audience and it's hardly enough to make you feel like you're part of something. And I'm not pretty or gifted enough to stir a crowd to love me in a town saturated with drag and "booger queens." 

When the opportunity, then, came up to perform with three of my best drag friends, I had to jump at the chance.

See, there are drag queens I respect. Penny Tration is one of my favorite, and I consider myself lucky to consider her a friend. She has shown me how to be energetic and creative without losing your spice. Truly Scrumptious, my drag mother, and her constant companion, Roberta Bigg, have given me both my drag career and a sense of showmanship that I could have found no where else. The Black Mondays have spurred my imagination and made me see why I love to perform. These are the people I look up to; these are the people that I view as the replicable fashion leaders in the city. Sure, there are so many more, but, in my heart, these are the ones that, if given the opportunity, I would like to be on par with.

But I don't spend that much time on my look or on my act, nor do I have the natural talent to pull it off.

On Friday, May 29th, at Shooter's, at approximately 11pm, I will be performing with three queens that I love and hold dearer to my person than almost anyone in the world. Though none of us are truly huge names in the city, we have our own following and we have our own sense. Dixie Crystals, Vivica LaCroix, and Whitney Sierra-Devine have taught me how to not only be a better queen, but a better person, and I am honored to share the stage with them.

That Friday, I will be getting out of class and cursing each of their name as I rub Nair and a straight razor over my body in a vain attempt to pretend that there is some resemblance to a woman in my appearance. As I lace up the knee high boots, or get buckled into the corset (both stolen from Vivica), I will be hating on them with curse words not appropriate even for this blog. When Viv start the hour long or more process of painting my face, I will cuss and squeal and want to slap a bitch. 

When I walk into the backroom at Shooter's, and Dixie inevitably offers me a shot of whatever (her poison is -- gulp -- tequila, whilst I go for the girlier shots), I will throw my bag down in frustration, cuss some more at the sheer hatred of the art and sport of drag, take my drink, and say: "Okay, bitches, Mama's ready to go." And for the rest of the night, I will smile and make light of the situation and flirt and dance and drag stomp all over the bar in a fierce imitation of those I respect, in a fierce sisterhood of those that I love. 

I'm going to tell you that I hate every minute of it; but I'll say it with a smile and I'll probably do it again.

Join us -- Friday May 29th at 11:00pm-ish at Shooter's on the corner of Court and Race -- and I'll show you just how much I'm hating life that night. :-) 

All money, btw, goes to the charities of the Court. Bring your dollars!

Pride Comedy Show!

Yea! One of my dearest and favorite events of the entire Pride season has been announced -- the Court's Pride Comedy Show!!!

Thanks to Miss Chanak for the update...

Folks - Just chatted with Gene Sell of The Court (I.S.Q.C.C.B.E) - and the Court is doing a fundraising event - for the Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Greater Cincinnati. Enjoy a night of comedy, live singing and drag...

Pride Alive Show
Location: The Syndicate
18 East 5th Street
Newport, KY

Date: Wed May 27th
Time: Door open 5:30 pm - show begins at 7 pm

Contribution:
Reserved Seating - Tables of 8 - $100
Open seating - in non-reserved section - $10 per person

Money raised at this event will be given to the Gay and Lesbian Community Center to support the Gay Pride Celebrations in June. Some of the money raised may be set aside by the Community Center for the building fund for future growth.

The restaurant at the Syndicate will be open if you wish to arrive a little early for dinner.

For tickets/information, contact Gene Sell at 859-781-3299. All Checks must be made out to the I.S.Q.C.C.B.E.

Now, I'll admit, the last two years I went were kind of so-so, but I don't think Gene was involved. In fact, last years' was so bad, I even performed and I'm hardly worth squat in a performance. But, it's moved locations and Gene seems to be back on board, so it should be an amazing event!

HIV/AIDS: Two big cases begin this week

It's strange, as there has been little talk about the criminalization of HIV infection. For years, it was always put under a "felony assault with a deadly weapon" (lol -- the penis as a deadly weapon... who doesn't feel that way about their own manhood? if looks could kill...), but there are two big cases starting this week that should spark the debate up again.

One from the Netherlands that has become, infamously, known as the HIV case:

A trial concerning a bizarre crime - now known in the Netherlands as ‘the HIV case' - started in the northern Dutch city of Groningen today. Three homosexual men are alleged to have drugged and then deliberately infected at least 14 other men with HIV, the virus that can lead to AIDS.

Watch out, girls. Sex parties are fun, but not worth your life over.

And, closer to home, there's one in Hamilton, Ontario (which hosts a sister court of the local ISQCCBE):

A man facing first-degree murder charges for allegedly spreading the virus that causes AIDS will see his case go before a jury Monday in what's believed to be the first prosecution of its kind in Canada.

Johnson Aziga, 52, has spent five years in pre-trial custody while cycling through several legal teams.

Two women died after allegedly having unprotected sex with him.

"It's going to be a landmark case," Aziga's lawyer, Davies agambiire, said in an interview.

"This is the first time that a Canadian is prosecuted for alleged murder through the alleged dissemination or transmission of the HIV virus."

Locally, knowingly having sex -- protected or otherwise -- with someone without disclosing your HIV status is a felony and is famously known as "House Bill 100" (though it passed into law in 2000). It is not used much, and, like importuning, is generally tacked onto other indictments like prostitution. Personally, I think this kind of bill (in the Ohio incarnation) is silly and defers responsibility. There are two people in a room that choose to have sex together, usually equally aware of the risk either is taking. You choose to take that risk when you have sex. Period.

Two interesting things to keep an eye on this week.

CINCY GAY SCENCE: Congratulations!!!

Congratulations to Miss Priscilla Deville, elected Empress XVIII of the ISQCCBE!!!!!



May you live long and with lots of glitter in your hair!
(That's her on the right, btw.)

For those who were unaware, there were no male candidates who qualified to run for Emperor this go-round, so we have appointed Regent Emperor Jay Rickles, formerly Emperor XII. God, I became involved with the court when he was Emperor. I'm now "old hat."

Oh, and I got Distinguished Order of the Buckeye Empire of the Year... blah blah blah. :-) Thanks, guys, I love you all. I came looking to help people and found more friends than I know what to do with. I love you all. I love you, Brooklyn, Poison, Bobbie, Dixie, Priscilla, Poison, Maxie, Bobby, Sylvia, Truly, Penny, Krystal, Demanda... oh! And so so so many more. I love you all.

CINCY GAY SCENE: Court Elections...

The Court Elections were today.

*sh* Don't tell anyone.

I voted for Maxie Mallone.

I was convinced last night at BronZ. But my reasons are my own.

CINCY GAY SCENE: Miss Porkopolis, 6-27-08

Miss Porkopolis at Old Street was SO MUCH FUN. I came in third... of third. LOL! But it was great and Petty Cash, the newest Miss Porkopolis was AMAZING! Congrat's, girl!!!! Here are pictures from the event.

LOL -- you shouldn't win if you forget your hair and EVERY dress you own. I brought a lot of pieces of outfits, but not a single one. It was kinda funny.

CINCY GAY SCENE: Kristy Kay Karolina Returns

That's right, folks, Kristy's coming out for a night to perform at Old Street in Monroe in the Miss Porkopolis pageant.... and she's bringing George Michael out!!! (well, sort of, but I think the idea of a drag queen doing male drag is fun)

Mama wants a crown!

But it should be fabulous. And, if you don't come, mama will beat you with her Scepter of Love.


This is an ISQCCBE event, so all moneys go to local charities. And that's a good thing.

WHO: Kristy Kay Karolina with the ISQCCBE
WHAT: Competing for the Miss Porkopolis 2008 pageant, to follow dear friend Dixie Crystals
WHERE: Old Street Saloon, 13 Old Street, Monroe, OH
WHEN: Friday night, 10-ish p.m.
WHY: Because you love me and I want a crown

Oh, and, as always, if you mention my blog when you see me, you can buy me a drink.

CINCY GAY SCENE: Jeff and Jenn in Drag

It was a great show last night at Shooter's -- had a FABULOUS time, and, let me say, Jenn is my new fav lady in the world. :-) Come out more often lady.

The show raised almost $600 for the ISQCCBE's charities. Jeff and Jenn's number was HUGE, and they alone raised a lot of cash, so many thanks to them for being there. I had a cute boy on my arm most of the night, so I missed a good portion of the show, as I was otherwise occupied. But I thought I'd share what I saw!

A video of Jeff & Jenn's performance, and pictures from the rest. The video is weird. Don't know why I thought it was wise to start vertically and I kept bumping the camera, but here it is! (There was a comment about Mike Burke's "Rhoda Doorknob" -- that it was UNGODLY. I don't know, first, I think he's prettier than a lot of the Court's queens (no comment), and Jeff's hairy legs under his hose were really ungodly.)




























PS Added two new blogs to the blogroll -- Jeff and Jenn Blog (maintained by Fritsch) and Jenn's Autism Events and Info Blog. They are, after all, the Courts OFFICIAL morning show. DUH.

CINCY GAY SCENE: Jeff & Jen in the morning... in DRAG!

This just came across the email...

ATTENTION ALL COURTIERS AND FRIENDS!!!!

We have just been given a great honor and chance to make our Turnabout show Friday 6/20 11:30 at Shooter's something of a legend. Thanks to a suggestion from Miss Maxie Malone I entered the "Whatever it Takes" contest at Q102. Now I have just confirmed that Jeff and Jen from the Q102 morning show will not only be at the Turnabout show, but will be performing as well.

We need to pull some stuff together for them. Jeff mainly will need clothes Xl to
XXL and size 11 or 12 shoes. We will all need help painting and getting both ready. Please be there around 8 or 9, Jeff and Jen will be getting there at 10. Also this will be on the radio at some point so please come out and support the show. More details to follow

For those who don't know, this is an ISQCCBE show, which is a charity drag troupe that has raised over $700,000 for local organizations in the last 17 years. It is also a troupe I am a member of. (Link to Q102's website, and link to the contest front page)

That's right, kids, Jeff & Jen... in DRAG!!!!

A little bit of a personal note. I get off work at 6am, and, when I had a car, I would listen to Jeff & Jenn. I think they are funny and charming and wonderful, and Jenn's obsession with Nick Lachey... well, I'm going to say that I would want to nuzzle a little on him too (and I was dying to host a pants party with Mike Delfino's pants that she got... YUM!). The only problem -- and maybe, maybe, they will read this and hear how annoyed I am by the ongoing commentary: Jeff would constantly refer to the The Advocate "one of these magazines that outs people." I love you Jeff, I believe you are okay with the gay, but pick one up... yea, it does out people occasionally (it also allows a space for some people to out themselves). But, for the most part, it just reports on gay politics and news throughout the country.

CINCY GAY SCENE: Pride Benefit

Went out to Adonis last night to perform at the ISQCCBE's annual pride comedy fundraiser. Unlike previous years with 300+ people and easily between $7000-$9000 raised, we barely made $2000 and I'll be surprised if anyone tells me more than 100 people were there.

All in all, I had a good time and there were some excellent, excellent performers. But it is, as always, dead.

CINCY GAY SCENE: Oxford, Season 5, Ends

April 11th, 2008 saw the end of the fifth season of the Oxford show. I started this crazy shit five years ago, above and beyond the better judgment of my organization (Spectrum), and it's grown into this crazy exciting and wonderful thing that now involves so many talented and wonderful people, some of whom I fight with and some of whom do my bidding. :-) But somehow, we manage to pull off an amazing show that makes everyone happy and ends up being one of the best things going in town -- and one of the few things I know for sure I've done right in my life.

We raised $2500 for Equality Ohio's educational PAC, via the ISQCCBE!!!!! Guess what? That means we raised over $10,000 for charity in this season!!!! That's huge!!!!

Thank you to everyone for all the support! And thanks to everyone who came to see it, and especially thanks to everyone who performed. All -- all -- of you are amazing!

And now for some pictures!

First of all, welcome to our newest members of the House of O (our own local sisterhood)?:










Brooklyn Steele Tate, Roman Hands, Coco Bliss (Hernandez?), Vivica LaCroix, and Misty Riviera
And to our beautiful and wonderful performers:









That's Buster Hymen, Ben Dover, Clitty McPhearson, Vivica LaCroix (that bitch is so fierce...), Roxy Monroe (in her first performance!!!), Mistress Toinette (in her first performance!!!!), Coco Bliss, Princess P. Cock (in her first performance!!), Spreads McLoven (in his first performance!!!), Jazmine Delicious, Davey Cockett, Anita Sativa, Dick Zenya, and Tyese Reinz (in her first time on the Oxford stage)! (Not pictured: first time perfomer "Hot Rod" Remington)
And, of course...















Kristy Kay Karolina (that's me! :-))

Thanks to all who came out and support and showed their love! *MUAH* MAMA LOVES YOU ALL!!!!!

(And join us at Balcony Bar next year for season six)