One of the great things about living in Milwaukee is that you can grab an overpriced cup of Starbucks Joe, hop in the car and arrive in Madison a few hours later. Loaded with beer, boys and booze, this party town also offers a sense of support and solidarity for its LGBTQ community. Check out my social calendar this week which includes several great Madison events so see what I’m talking about, honey.
In the meantime, let’s read an email I recently received from a Madison gal, looking to make it big in Milwaukee. Until then, see you out and about Milwaukee!
Dear Ruthie,
I’m an aspiring drag queen, looking to kickstart my career by moving to Milwaukee. I feel the drag scene there offers more opportunities for a young performer like me. By that I mean that I’m 22 years old and I have only performed in drag once before. Is that bad?
My friends say I’m crazy and moving too quickly. Am I? They tell me to wait awhile, but I’m not sure what it is that I am supposed to be waiting for. What do you think? I pick up your paper whenever I’m in Milwaukee, so I thought you’d be the perfect person to ask.
Drag Racer,
Stephanie
Dear Steph,
Milwaukee simply does not have enough drag queens, so it’s imperative you get your Madison keester here as quickly as possible! (Note the sarcasm, sugar.) But seriously, I see your friends’ point and I’d suggest considering hitting the stage a few more times to make sure performing is more than a novelty before you make a move to another city.
On the flip side, you’re not moving across the country and you’re young, so if you want to make the move do it now before you set roots in Madison. Just have a B plan for yourself (housing and a day job) if drag bookings don’t come rolling in, and you’ll be fine, honey pie.
RUTHIE’S SOCIAL CALENDAR:
July 19: Bi-bliography Bi+ Book Club at Outwords Books (2710 N. Murray Ave.): Join old and meet new Bi/Pan/Poly friends during this inaugural bi book club. The casual group will discuss Best Bi Short Stories by Sheela Lambert. If you haven’t been to this community bookstore lately, swing “bi” before the event to pick up your copy. (Get it? Swing “bi”? Get it?)
July 20-22: Anniversary Celebration at Harbor Room (117 E. Greenfield Ave.): Harbor Room bar is turning 18, and you’re invited to the three-day party! Enjoy drink specials and a leather marketplace during all three days; The Squeezettes polka band at 9 p.m. Saturday; and a cookout and beer bust at 3 p.m. on Sunday. Stop by any day (or all of them) and see why this Levi/Leather bar has been a staple in Cream City for nearly two decades.
July 20: Opening Night of ‘Trunk Songs’ at Off the Wall Theatre (127 E. Wells St.): Milwaukee director Dale Gutzman wrote, directed and stars in this original comedy, focusing on two aging Broadway composers. One gay and liberal, the other straight and conservative; the pair tackle creative hurdles and a changing (younger) world with humor and song during the 7-performance run. Visit offthewalltheatre.com or call the box office at 414-484-8874 for $30 tickets.
July 21: Name & Gender Change Clinic at Trans Law Help (2312 S. Park St., Madison): This insightful clinic offers the necessary info regarding the process of obtaining name and gender marker changes. Volunteer attorneys answer questions, provide identity documents and answer legal questions. The free clinic runs 1-3 p.m.
July 21: MATA Social/Support Group Meeting at OutReach LGBT Community Center (2701 International Lane, Suite 101, Madison): As Bette Midler sang, “Ya got to have friends!” That said, join this support group that hosts frank, candid and supportive conversations between those in the trans community. Non-binary, agender, genderqueer and genderfluid folks (and their spouses, friends and family) are also encouraged to attend the 3-5 p.m. meeting.
July 21: Red, White & Brew City at Art*Bar (722 E. Burleigh St.): Mix up your weekend with some sparkle, shine, bump and grind when you shimmy and shake the night away. Art*Bar joins forces with the Brew City Bombshell burlesque troupe to bring you this free 9 p.m. show.
July 21: Pride King and Queen Contest at FIVE Nightclub (5 Applegate Court, Madison): Shake your tailfeathers to Mad City for a pageant honoring the next pairing of OutReach Pride Parade royalty. The event includes a $5 cover, with the glitz and glamor hitting the stage at 9 p.m.
July 21: Glow Party at Hamburger Mary’s (730 S. Fifth St.): Eat, drink and be “Mary” during this new late-night drag show at Milwaukee’s burger palace. When the lights go down, the neon comes up for this fun and festive 11:15 p.m. treat, featuring local favorite Jaida Essence Hall as emcee. Call 414-488-2555 for reservations.
July 23: Queer & Trans Artists of Color Book Event at Milwaukee Public Library-Martin Luther King Branch (310 W. Locust St.): Looking for a change-of-pace evening? Check out this free all-ages event that features poetry and other LGBTQ writings as read by local artists. The readings begin at 6 p.m. and last for roughly two hours.
July 24: Cream City Foundation’s Summer Social at South Shore Terrace (2900 S. Shore Drive): Friendship, food, cocktails and a helluva silent auction make this 6-8 p.m. social a warm-weather bash you won’t soon forget. Mix, mingle and rub elbows with new and old friends as you help raise money for the city’s LGBTQ+ community.
Want to share an event with Ruthie? Need her advice? Email DearRuthie@Shepex.com and follow her on Instagram @ruthiekeester and Facebook at Dear Ruthie.
