I’ve realized being a drag queen has completely ruined my ability to live a normal life.
The average person leaves the house with their phone, wallet and keys. I leave with enough supplies to survive a natural disaster. Wigs. Makeup. Backup makeup. Bobby pins. Safety pins. Hairspray. Hot glue. A portable fan. A sewing kit. Rhinestones. Snacks. An extension cord that I haven’t actually needed in three years but refuse to leave behind because the one time I don’t, it’ll somehow become essential.
Then people have the nerve to ask, “Is drag expensive?”
Sweetheart … I’m financially sponsored by googly eyes.
July somehow makes everything even more dramatic. The humidity takes one look at a freshly styled wig and says, “Not today.” My makeup starts negotiating with gravity before lunch, and every weather app becomes that one friend who changes plans every five minutes. Sunny. Thunderstorms. Sunny again. Pick a personality.
But somehow, this is still my favorite time of year.
The beaches are buzzing, the Bandstand is full, and Rehoboth Beach Pride is right around the corner. On July 18, I’ll be reading during Drag Queen Story Hour before performing later that day, which is still one of the weirdest and most wonderful sentences I’ve ever written. One minute I’m reading about caterpillars. The next, I’m covered in glitter pretending I can still feel my feet.
That’s drag.
What I love most about Pride isn’t just the performances. It’s watching someone experience their very first drag show, seeing families cheering together and realizing our little beach town can fit an awful lot of love into one weekend. Add in local organizations, live entertainment, vendors and a community that knows how to celebrate, and it’s easily one of the highlights of my year.
So if you’re looking for me this July, I’ll be somewhere in Rehoboth carrying a tote bag that weighs more than I do, hoping my eyelashes stay attached and trying to convince myself that wearing three layers in 90-degree weather was a brilliant idea. If you see me, say hello. Just don’t ask me to hold your drink. I’ve got enough going on already.
Until next time, stay weird.
