By Miss Bouvèé
Drag is not a crime. Words that will ring loud and clear for the foreseeable future. But, as a drag artist relatively new to the scene, I am finding myself really inspired and motivated by the community I now call home.
When I first joined the drag world professionally in 2020, I had no intention of making it my full-time job. It really was “right time, right place” and I got very lucky. I also received a quick education in the vast landscape of drag and all that it is made up of. I was ignorant to say the least. I discovered the incredible worlds of trans-drag, bio drag, drag kings, bearded drag, comedy drag, stand-up comedians who were drag queens, burlesque/boylesque drag, and the list goes on if you can believe it!
I was keenly aware of the drag pioneers that had graced the stage before me, some still paving the way for people like Miss Bouvèé. Names like Divine, Coco Peru, Lady Bunny, Miss Richfield 1981, Varla Jean Merman, and Marsha P. Johnson should ring a bell for many of you readers. When one looks at that list, it is no wonder that these artists were anointed as the warriors of our movements. Think about it, in almost every gay movement you research, there are the drag queens usually in front braving the brunt of the hateful rhetoric thrown towards the LGBTQIA+ community, sometimes from within our own community.
Many of those queens, me included, use comedy as a tool to provoke thought. I also find the value in using music to unite and help others process the emotions they may feel from a bad day, a good day, or the societal views and normatives they may be struggling with. Drag is often shocking, big, loud, and usually a bit sparkly. So, to me, it makes sense why they make an easy target; but also, why they are so used to fighting back, and defending, with ease. I find this to be an essential part of my job as I continue my work forward. This community, the LGBTQIA+ community, is so rich in color and vibrance. It is my honor to fly our flag and help others understand why our contribution to society is essential.
Who cares if any drag queen knows her words and lyrics? Think about that question. Let me pose something back to the objective reader. When was the last time you routinely, equally, and proudly displayed your queerness in public, regardless of ridicule? I am just happy to be in the house with these amazing humans. Drag queens fight just by showing up. Drag is not a crime, it is an art. In fact, drag is action against oppression and it gives our audiences permission to be their fullest selves.
In closing, will this column always be about hot topics, political movements, or controversial topics of conversation; no. In fact, if you have something you would like me to write on, I would love to hear from you! Every month, I will also post on my social media platforms looking for topics as well as my 20 quick fire questions. The goal with these is to just answer, very briefly, your questions about me, my perspective, or fun facts with little to no explanation.
If you can’t choose love, choose respect.
Love, Miss Bouvèé
Follow Miss Bouvèé on instagram @missbouvee
Lipstick lightening questions!
Q: Who is your favorite Drag queen?
A: Dame Edna.
Q: Choose one Broadway diva to dine with.
A: Carol Burnett.
Q: What is your real housewife tagline?
A: I am low maintenance. I just require a wing of the house for my drag.
Q: You routinely take your shoes off in your shows. Is there a “shoe off” o’clock, like tequila o’clock?
A: 90 minutes at least.
Q: When does Big Easy Queens, your film, come out?
A: Fall of 2023!
Q: How long does it take you to get ready?
A: Good days, 60 minutes. Rough days, 90+ minutes.
Q: Advice on clothing?
A: Custom is great if you can do it, but off the rack is equally as great. Read ALL the reviews for online vendors. Triple check sizes. Get a size chart made for yourself every year.
Q: Where do you buy your shoes?
A: Shoecup.com
Q: Best places for gowns for bigger ladies?
A: Hebeos.com. Sizes up to 26, tons of color and cut options. Customization options too!
Q: Last book you read?
A: Serial Showgirl by Daniel Crago.
Q: How do you decide your look?
A: A lot of times, the wig choice guides the rest.
Q: Coke or Pepsi?
A: Regular Pepsi, and Diet Coke. Don’t hate me.
Q. What does a day off look like for you?
A: Streaming all the things and doordashing.
Q. Favorite spot in the whole world?
A: Bethesda Fountain, NYC (Central Park).
Q. How did you meet your husband?
A: OkCupid!
Q. Favorite movie of all time?
A: Fried Green Tomatoes.
Q. Favorite color?
A: Any gem tone. Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire Blue, etc.
Q. Least favorite color?
A: I dislike pastels. Period.
Q. Favorite song to sing?
A: I Am What I Am, La Cage Aux Folles.
Q. What is Miss Bouvèé’s full name?
A: Minnie Faye Bouvèé.
