But amidst all the craziness of the last year, it has been an exciting whirlwind. Since the pageant last March, I’ve made some incredible new connections with some of the queens who competed, many of whom have become some of my favourite people to have in my shows. I traveled to Modesto, CA and rocked my sash, representing Phoenix, Arizona, and Phoenix Pride, alongside Gunner Gatlyn (who has since won the Master Male Illusionist title). We gave them a bigger taste of what Arizona has to offer in terms of entertainment, and we rocked the place! I got to represent Phoenix at Tucson Pride this year, too (which was a less than favorable experience, but that’s neither here nor there). Regardless of whether I was performing in Phoenix, Tucson, or somewhere else, I always made sure to conduct myself with the professionalism expected of Phoenix kings and especially one who holds a Pride title.
With the help of some of the most talented entertainers in Arizona, I was able to raise funds for GLSEN and the Pride Scholarship Fund. One of those fundraisers was last fall’s ‘About-Face’ turn-about show. I had someone actually tell me “This is the best fundraiser this year!” and despite a relatively small audience, we raised several hundred dollars, and I know everyone was thoroughly entertained. It was suggested I make it an annual thing, which means I’d be bringing Chesty Lovall back out again this fall, with new kings and queens willing to take one for the team and step out of their box. I think I may have to have Tabatha Lovall back, regardless, to do ‘My Neck, My Back’ because it was just that awesome!
I have done my best to help where I can, be at shows where I can, even if it’s just for one number. I’m not one to bail on a commitment, nor am I one to commit when I know I just can’t do it. And I know that this has caused some bitching behind the scenes. Here’s the deal, and I’ve said this more than once, my family comes first. There are always exceptions, but generally I do my best not to do shows on weeks we have the boys. Work is also a priority. If I know I’m not getting off until late, I will not commit to doing a show that night. I also tend to avoid weeknight shows, because being unproductive the next day at work is not an option for me. Again, there are exceptions, but there has got to be a really good reason. Not a lot of people in this business have kids, and so many don’t have jobs. I don’t have that luxury.
I have had some of the best compliments paid me this year, I’ve also been called a bitch (both in front of and behind my back). However, I know that those that continue to trash talk do so because they have nothing better to do. Why am I bitch? Because I, along with a few other veterans, have been trying to get the newer kings to up their game. So we’re bitchy and bossy and don’t know what we’re talking about. Which is fine. Your opinion is your opinion, it doesn’t make it right! Ha! There are, however, a select few of the newer kings (some VERY new) who are taking the advice of the veterans to heart and are growing in leaps and bounds. Their creativity is a true testament to those of us who have worked so hard to get where we are, who helped make a name for Arizona kings, and I’m excited to see what these individuals do in the future because I know they will go far, if they want to.
To everyone who has supported me throughout this year, whether king, queen, bar owner or audience member, thank you! You helped make my reign a great one. Karen at Rainbow Cactus and Mike at BS West especially. I’ll never forget that Karen made me the honorary Mister Rainbow Cactus because the bar for which I held the title did a whole lot of nothing for me. And Mike has always been as accommodating as possible in regards to shows, fundraisers, etc. So thank you both!
I’m looking forward to another productive year, though maybe one not as busy as 2011. There are things like I’d like to do, goals I’d like to accomplish this year in terms of drag and performance, so we’ll see what happens. I would love to travel more to perform, but we all know that takes money, which is tight. I would jump at the opportunity to reconnect with many of the kings I’ve met over the years around the country, and meet in person the kings I see online but haven’t had the chance to work with yet. Who knows what this year will bring?
So again, thank you Phoenix for the opportunity to represent you in 2011. I hope I’ve done you proud. I hope to remain a fairly active member of the Pride family, working with the new title holders and the organization to ensure yet another fantastic year.
And to all the haters out there, as Lady Sovereign says, “Love me, or hate me… It’s still an obsession.”