Laura Oakes' One Cool Thing: Drag Queen Bingo
This week, we are in downtown Minneapolis for Holidazzle. But, maybe not in the way you're thinking. Laura introduces you to Drag Queen Bingo!
Q: So we hear this week's One Cool Thing may take a few folks out of their comfort zone, Laura. What is it?
A: Well, maybe, but in a good way. It's Drag Queen Bingo. Yes, you heard me. It's happening tonight at Holidazzle in Minneapolis' Loring Park. I honestly can't think of a better way to kick off the weekend.
Q: Hmmmmm.
A: This is how it works. A couple of drag queens run the show inside the Fulton Beer tent. They use a real bingo set-up, calling the letters and numbers through microphones, all the while wandering the tables "helping" people with their bingo cards, making a big deal out of the winners, and presenting them with fabulous prizes. It's become an extremely popular event at Holidazzle, so if you're going to go, get there early!
Q: So you had a chance to interview the drag queen in charge of this?
A: Yes. "Maxi" and I had a nice chat not only about bingo, but about the drag culture in the Twin Cities and why it has become so popular. There are drag shows, drag brunches, you name it. Maxi told me it's their job to lift peoples' spirits, bring some humor and positivity, and allow audience members to let their hair down and have a little fun. She says Minneapolis is pretty progressive and accepting of the drag/transgender/queer movements for the most part, and experimenting with drag in the 90's as a 19-year old helped shape her identity today. By day, Maxi is a clothing designer for a major corporation. By night, it's all about the drag. She says it takes her two hours to transform herself with the makeup, eyelashes, wigs, costumes, and body padding in all the right places....as you can see in her dazzling photos :)
Q: Where can people find more info?
