With Black Girl Magic, Melanin Monroe has created a series of drag shows exclusively featuring queens of color. The next edition, featuring The Vixen from RuPaul’s Drag Race, comes to Fallout on Sunday.
Richmond drag queen Melanin Monroe is preparing for the second show in her Black Girl Magic series, Black Girl Magic: Female Rappers, at Fallout RVA on Sunday, February 16. The show’s cast features only queens of color, including a special guest, The Vixen from season 10 of RuPaul’s Drag Race. Along with The Vixen and host Melanin Monroe, Richmond-based drag queens Niche Brand, Jasleane Jade, and Harlot Schmarlot, along with cast members Amber St. Lexington and Javon Love Lopez, are set to perform to a lively playlist celebrating the iconic women of rap and hip hop.
“I wanted to see a show that exclusively was hosted by, and only booked black queens. While there’s a lot of diversity in the Richmond drag scene right now, I feel like there’s something very special about an all-black show,” Monroe said. “I want the takeaway from the show to be that there are so many different kinds of black entertainers that are out here killing it.”
Monroe’s Black Girl Magic series began in December 2019 with a show dedicated to Beyoncé, also at Fallout RVA. Featured performers included Monroe, cast members Amber St. Lexington and Javon Love Lopez, and Alexis Breeden Kelly performing to and dressing as the iconic performer. The show took place on World AIDS Day and a portion of the proceeds was donated to Nationz Foundation, a charity Monroe works with often. The event was an immediate success, and Monroe got right to work planning and promoting her next show. Black Girl Magic: Female Rappers was announced only a few weeks later.
“The planning process was fairly simple in my head, but putting those ideas into action was a little more difficult,” Monroe said. “My mind was darting between so many different things, especially with this being the second edition of the show. I really wanted to take it over the top.”
And Monroe is doing just that. This show promises to be even bigger and beater with more performers, more female illusions, and of course, with a very special guest. The Vixen placed 7th on season 10 of RuPaul’s Drag Race in 2018 and immediately became a standout due to her unapologetic activism. During her time in the competition, she worked towards creating a conversation about racism within the structure of the show and its many fans. In 2016, The Vixen began her successful Black Girl Magic series in her hometown of Chicago. Eager to encourage other Black Girl Magic drag shows, The Vixen is currently hard at work traveling across the country to support local black drag queens starting their own Black Girl Magic series.
“The booking process was very exciting! The Vixen has been nothing but kind and professional. The Vixen runs her own Black Girl Magic shows across the country as well,” said Monroe. “Fun fact: Chicki Parm actually told me several times to reach out to The Vixen. Chicki mentioned how she saw an interview about how The Vixen stated she’s always open to showing support to local Black Girl Magic shows. I had some friends tag me in a tweet of hers about where she could bring Black Girl Magic to next. I responded to it and the next thing I know, she was booked for my show.”
Monroe’s Black Girl Magic series aims to create space and opportunities for black drag queens, and in doing so fosters an environment of inclusivity, support, and joy. Black Girl Magic: Female Rappers not only celebrates local black drag queens, but the trailblazing divas who inspire them. The outpouring of positivity from the performers, the audience, and the venue make Black Girl Magic: Female Rappers a show you don’t want to miss.
The pre-show meet and greet will begin at 8 pm with the show starting at 9. A membership to Fallout RVA is not required, though the venue is 18+. Admission starts at $15, with a meet-and-greet available for an additional cost. Tickets are available at Eventbrite. For more info, click here.
Top Photo courtesy Melanin Monroe
