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Social Distancing with Fierceness, Drag Queens Get Creative During Coronavirus

Brooke Nicholson | May 28, 2020

Topics: Babe's of Carytown, coronavirus, covid 19, drag queens, drag shows, Driveway Drag Show, Michelle Livigne, social distancing, Triple X Divas

Driveway drag shows are showcasing Richmond’s drag queens in a whole new light.

Every business has struggled to adapt to the new normal since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. It has been no small feat for the businesses, restaurants, and entertainment venues of Richmond; from breweries to retail shops and everything in between, everybody is having to do their part to be safe and get creative when it comes to keeping the doors open, and Richmond’s drag queens are no exception.

Triple X Divas, the drag group that brings their nightlife show to Babes of Carytown each week, have had to think on their toes in order to continue entertaining the public. Instead of dancing for their patrons at 10 PM on Thursday nights, they’ve been forced to cancel shows and stay at home. But that didn’t stop them from wanting to bring a little bit of fierceness to the Richmond city area. Unlike restaurants and stores, which can still do takeaway and ordering online, the drag community has to get a little extra creative to continue doing business.

For Michelle Livigne, stopping drag shows didn’t seem like an option. She and her friends had to either come up with an alternative to their usual nightclub drag shows, or sit at home for months. Livigne, who started her drag queen journey over 12 years ago and is currently the director of entertainment for Triple X Divas, played around with the idea of a drag show that’s brought to the customer, instead of the customer coming to them.

“I was like, what if drag queens get together and get in a van on weekends and we go around to people’s houses and just start getting traction?” she said. “Like, we should totally do that.” While Livigne thought the idea would be a good one, she didn’t know the impact it would have until she quickly created a flyer and posted it on her Facebook page.

The flyer. Image via Driveway Drag Show/Facebook

“It was like, 4:30 on a Wednesday when I posted this,” she said. “By nine o’clock that night, so many people had commented, and took it so seriously. It was a wild 24 hours — I had booked my first show and then from there, in 72 hours I had like 40 homes booked.” By a week later, she had booked over a hundred homes for one of the first Driveway Drag Shows.

The opportunity to bring shows to those sitting at home gives people a chance to get outside and take a break from their screens for some fresh air and live entertainment. Meanwhile, for Livigne and friends, bringing the show to the public is a lot of work — with no pre-built stage or lighting available, that means taking the equipment with them to set up in all sizes of driveways. But they don’t have a problem with doing a little extra work.

“In a nutshell, we pull up with a curtain, do two numbers, [and] take a picture,” said Livigne. “As soon as the curtain goes up, as we’re putting the final pieces together, we text them a message that says we’re ready. They’re coming outside within ten seconds, so we need the music ready for when they get out the door. The first thing they hear is the music and see the rainbow curtain.”

At that point, the show is on. “I have a speaker with a microphone now, so I go, ‘How are you today? Thank you so much for being in your own driveway, I know you traveled a long distance to be here,’” Livigne explained.

Photo via Driveway Drag Show/Facebook

Having their own traveling driveway drag show has proved to be much different from the bar scene and nightlife the queens are so used to. Livigne notices a lot of differences when working with the public out of her usual element. 

“That moment of meeting all of the people [at the bar] — you can go from not really feeling it and in a bad mood, but if you go out and you hit the stage, people are just hyping you up,” she said. But for driveway drag shows, “all that goes out the window. You don’t really have any ‘feeding-off’ moments. You have to really go off your gut. You have to keep telling yourself, ‘You’re doing great, they’re loving this performance.’ If you see them smiling, then everything’s fine.”

Livigne also notes the really great things she has seen since doing the driveway shows. “There’s been some really, really great moments that I would have never had if I didn’t go to people’s homes,” she said. “Now I have the opportunity to have a full conversation with them. I think it’s more rewarding to do driveway shows than bar shows. I have patrons I would have never had, I met people I never would have met.”

Changing from the typical drag show routine in bars and nightclubs has posed some challenges, and drag queens must adapt their routines to keep people safe. While a normal show in a bar might include taking tips from patrons’ hands, the queens must exclude that kind of interaction from their performances.

“We can’t take tips and goof around like we do sometimes,” Livigne said. “So you have to think on your feet a little bit more, be more theatrical.”

While Triple X Divas has changed their routine exponentially to cater to those wanting a show in their driveway, that’s far from the only thing the drag community is doing to change and adapt in uncertain times.

“[Drag queens] are really having to push themselves to just be cooler, more unique and interesting. They’re adding elements to their craft and just constantly adapting,” Livigne said. “We have some entertainers who are making music videos. Some girls started a Patreon and are putting out videos monthly. I did the ‘Drag Queen Story Corner’ on YouTube, so children had something to get into. People are having the opportunity to get to know us as people. We’re getting a lot more interactive with our social media.”

Photo via Driveway Drag Show/Facebook

Although the pandemic has truly been a nightmare for everyone, Livigne has seen some positive impacts from the driveway drag shows that might not have been possible otherwise.

“I think the best things have been from the parents of children,” she said. “I met this family out in Mechanicsville, they have a transgender daughter that transititioned in the third grade. When we pull up, she was so decked out and her eyes were so big. She had a fun lipstick on, and a wig on — she was so freaking ready for the show. That little girl made me realize how strong and powerful I am. Her parents sent me a text message that said ‘thank you’ afterwards. Those little text messages are the ones that have the most impact.”

So far, Livigne has booked 118 homes, and the action isn’t slowing down yet. For the drag queens involved, the community support they’ve received has had a very positive aspect. And if they keep getting bookings, Livigne will keep doing shows, regardless of how hot the weather gets.

“I don’t care if it’s 87 degrees and I’m sweating. I want to go give them a great show.”

Top Photo via Driveway Drag Show/Facebook

Keeping Richmond’s LGBTQ Gathering Places Alive

James Millner | April 20, 2020

Topics: Babe's of Carytown, Barcode, coronavirus, covid 19, Fallout, Godfrey's, LGBTQ bars, local restaurants, Thirsty's RVA, Triple X Divas

LGBTQ bars and restaurants are the lifeblood of our community culture here in Richmond, and the COVID-19 outbreak has placed a heavy strain on them all. Here’s how you can help make sure they stick around.

As we are all aware, the COVID-19 pandemic has upended the way restaurants and bars do business — if they’re even able to be open at all. Thousands of local establishments are closed completely for the foreseeable future. Others have reconfigured their business to provide take out, curbside pick-up, or delivery service. Doing so has required incredible creativity and tenacity, especially for our local LGBTQ establishments that don’t necessarily fit the mold of a traditional full-service restaurant.

While each establishment has taken a slightly different approach, their goals remain the same: stay open and provide as much support for their employees as possible.

We reached out to Barcode, Godfrey’s, Thirsty’s, Babes of Carytown, and Fallout RVA to find out what (and how) they’re doing, to let you know how you can still enjoy their food, drinks, and entertainment while providing them with much-needed support for their owners and staffs through these challenging times. 

Barcode:

As of Friday, April 17, Barcode has suspended its take-out and delivery service. Manager Matt Butler wrote in a Facebook post:

“As of today – we had to stop doing our to-go and curbside. For everyone that tried to order – through the site – or pick up a gift card – or jumped in to help us fix our window… from the bottom of my heart, I thank you. We’re gonna do our very best to weather this storm and hopefully will be able to resume service as soon as some of the restrictions placed on restaurants and bars are lifted/lessened. My heart is a little heavy today knowing that I won’t be able to do what I love and be there for you guys for a while. Looking forward to when this is all done and over with.”

You can still support Barcode’s employees by donating to its relief fund:

gofundme.com/f/barcode-emploee-relief-fund

Godfrey’s:

Godfrey’s has turned its world-famous Drag Brunch into a virtual experience, complete with brunch food and mimosas to go. They’ve recently expanded to include a late-night take-out menu on Wednesdays during the Godfrey’s Angels live online drag show. Owner Brian Thomas says that viewership is consistently good and that some aspects of the new virtual drag experiences may last beyond the COVID-19 quarantine. 

Godfrey’s pick-up menu: Godfreysrva.com

Hours: Late-night bar menu Wednesday 7:00 -10:00 pm; Sunday Brunch menu 11:00 am – 4:00 pm

Phone-in orders only: 804-648-3957

Godfrey’s Employee Relief Fund: gofundme.com/f/save-godfrey039s-richmond-virginia

Thirsty’s:

Thirsty’s offers its Cajun-inspired fare for take-out, including daily specials that pair food with adult beverages for one low price. Beer, wine and cocktails are also available for pick-up. Owner Keyan Herron says that delivery may become an option soon. Check out Thirsty’s Facebook and Instagram for details.

Take-out menu: Thirstysrva.com

Hours:  Daily 3:00 pm-10:00 pm

Phone-in orders:  804-918-3080

Fallout RVA:

Fallout owner Jackie Bishop Wells says the last month or so has been the most challenging ever for her, professionally and personally. Her primary goal has been to revamp her business model so that the business can survive and to support her team, which she considers family, as much as possible. She’s also using this time to do maintenance projects on the club. 

Fallout is offering carryout, curbside pick-up and delivery of food, beer, cider, seltzer, mead and wine. They’ll also fill growlers up to 64 ounces, if you supply the growler. Fallout merchandise, including rope and paddles, is also available for sale through an online store. They even have rolls of toilet paper for sale!

Jackie says that Fallout, known for its entertainment, will soon be streaming shows, including DJs, drag shows and concerts. All proceeds from online shows will go to support performers and artists.

Pick-up and delivery menu: falloutrva.com

Hours:  Monday-Saturday 5:00 pm-11:00 pm;  Sunday 11:00 am-11:00 pm

Online ordering: falloutrva.com

Phone orders 804-343-3688 (starting at 6:00 pm)

Online merchandise store: fallout-rva.myshopify.com

Fallout Support Fund: gofundme.com/f/keep-fallout-running

Fallout has also launched a subscription-based Patreon that gives subscribers access to exclusive content and entertainment. Prices range from $2-$10 a month. Revenue will go to supporting the business and its employees. patreon.com/falloutrva

Babes of Carytown:

Babes of Carytown isn’t offering take-out or delivery options, but the Triple X Divas host an online livestream drag show every Thursday night at 8:00. The shows last about an hour and include some of your favorite divas, hosted by Babe’s entertainment director, Michelle Livigne. There’s a question and answer session at the end of every show.

You can find the shows on the Babes of Carytown Facebook page. Information on how to tip the performers is posted in the live feed.

Babe’s of Carytown GoFundMe: gofundme.com/f/babes-tip-jar

The time will come again when we can all gather to eat, drink, dance, and drag. In the meantime, please consider supporting these establishments that are so important to our community. They’ve always been there for us; now it’s time for us to be there for them.

Top Image via Thirsty’s/Facebook & Barcode/Facebook

How Central VA’s LGBTQ Community Is Responding To Coronavirus

Marilyn Drew Necci | April 1, 2020

Topics: Babe's of Carytown, Barcode, Commonwealth Dinner, coronavirus, covid 19, Diversity Richmond, Diversity Thrift, Equality Virginia, Fallout, Godfrey's, health brigade, Iridian Gallery, LGBTQ youth, Nationz Foundation, planned parenthood, Richmond LGBTQ Chamber, Richmond Triangle Players, Side By Side, Triple X Divas, va pride, Virginia League For Planned Parenthood

Plans are changing. Alternate arrangements are being made. Around Richmond and central Virginia, LGBTQ organizations are adjusting to the restrictions required by coronavirus. Here’s what you need to know.

From the tediousness of sheltering in place to the terrifying implications of lost income to the frustrating experience that shopping for basic necessities has become, COVID-19, aka the novel coronavirus, is messing all of us up. Not only are members of the LGBTQ community at higher risk for infection by COVID-19, LGBTQ people are more likely to be on the lower end of the economic spectrum, and therefore to face unpleasant consequences of the current economic slowdown more quickly than most.

With all of this going on, we felt it was important to let everyone know what’s happening with the many LGBTQ advocacy and support organizations around Richmond, as well as all of our favorite LGBTQ-centered night spots and entertainment venues. Here’s what we know right now.

Richmond LGBTQ Chamber

In light of the need for social distancing, the Richmond LGBTQ Chamber (formerly known as Richmond Business Alliance) has cancelled all scheduled events for at least eight weeks. The upcoming volunteer meeting has been moved to a conference call. “In these difficult times it is imperative that we support one another,” said Richmond LGBTQ Chamber President Natasha Crosby in a statement. “We pride ourselves on the Richmond LGBTQ Chamber being YOUR chamber of commerce and want you to know that we are here to support you during this time.” The Chamber has created a relief fund for members of the Chamber experiencing financial hardship, and will be giving micro-grants starting mid-April. To apply for assistance, email [email protected] The relief fund is also currently accepting donations at Richmond LGBTQ Chamber’s website.

Diversity Richmond

All aspects of Diversity Richmond, including Diversity Thrift and Iridian Gallery, are closed for the next two weeks. Scheduled events are on hold, and Diversity will be monitoring the situation between now and the end of the month in order to decide on any further action. “Stay safe and help take care of your friends,” the organization said in a statement.

Richmond Triangle Players

As a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, Richmond Triangle Players have postponed the opening of their next production, Sugar In Our Wounds, until mid-May. However, gift certificates are available for purchase at RTP’s website, and are a great way to support the theater as it gets back on its feet. “As always, we are grateful for your ongoing support and hope to see you at the Theatre soon,” said RTP Executive Director Philip Crosby in a statement. “Stay safe. Stay home as much as possible. And wash those hands!

Equality Virginia

The first year of Democratic control in the General Assembly brought a slew of legislative victories for Virginia’s LGBTQ community, but unfortunately, coronavirus has prevented Equality Virginia’s celebration. The annual Equality Virginia Commonwealth Dinner, originally scheduled for Saturday, March 28, has been cancelled. If you bought a ticket, information on obtaining a refund is available at EV’s website. “We deeply empathize and share the disappointment our community will feel regarding this decision, especially our OUTstanding Virginians whose unique contributions to LGBTQ equality would have been celebrated at the Commonwealth Dinner,” the group said in a statement. “We honor their passion, dedication, and accomplishments which together help to build a stronger, more vibrant LGBTQ community in the Commonwealth.”

Side By Side

Virginia’s advocates for LGBTQ youth have made extensive changes in order to accomodate the ongoing situation where coronavirus is concerned. The organization’s office is closed for the foreseeable future, and all drop-in hours have been cancelled. All support groups for Richmond and Charlottesville have moved to online virtual groups using Zoom. New youth can still join — more information on joining support groups and on additional support available, including G-chat, individual counseling, youth support lines, and much more is available at sidebysideva.org/covid19.

Additionally, Side By Side is looking for volunteers to help show LGBTQ youth stuck at home with potentially unsupportive families some online love. “

“We are calling on our LGBTQ+ community and amazing allies to post a video showing your pride or your love for LGBTQ+ youth with #PrideAtHome and tag Side by Side to show your support,” the group said in a statement. “Let’s remind our youth that they are fabulous and loved and that being proud of who you are can happen anywhere!”

Health Brigade

Health Brigade has moved to remote operations. All events on-site have been cancelled until further notice. If you have an appointment for the medical clinic, staff will be in touch with you about alternate arrangements. New patients are not being accepted at this time. Individual therapy sessions are being held by phone; all groups have been suspended until further notice. Transgender Health Services is operating remotely, and is not accepting new clients, but is available for contact 9am – 5pm Monday through Friday. STI/HIV testing, comprehensive harm reduction/needle exchange, starting new patients on PrEP, Transgender Health Services intakes, and Ryan White Part B Intakes have all been suspended until further notice. More information on Health Brigade services during this time can be found at healthbrigade.org/covid19update/.

“We have been receiving heart-warming inquires from our funders and the community at large. In a time of such uncertainty, people want to help their neighbors most in need,” Health Brigade Executive Director Karen A. Legato said in a statement. “The best way to help us is to DONATE. As a private, non-profit clinic, we do NOT receive federal funding. If you can give, we promise, we will put your gift into providing patient/client/community care.” That link to donate is here; many of the most vulnerable members of our community rely on Health Brigade for health care; if you’re in a position to help, we highly recommend that you do so.

Planned Parenthood

As of right now, Planned Parenthood is remaining open. They ask that if you have a fever, are experiencing symptoms that might be connected to COVID-19, or have traveled recently, that you call before any appointment and consult with staff on next steps. They also ask that clients come alone to appointments, in order to minimize risk to staff and other patients. But they are making a point to be as available as possible.

“One of the reasons you have chosen Planned Parenthood as your health care provider is because of one simple standard: our doors stay open,” said Virginia League for Planned Parenthood Medical Director Dr. Shanthi Ramesh in a statement. “We care. No matter what. We are open. We are here for you. We know that health care is a critical piece of your life and your community and that there are many things that are uncertain about the days and weeks ahead. We are open for services such as abortion care, urinary tract infections, treatment for sexually transmitted infections, and urgent primary care concerns.”

“Just know that we are doing everything we can to make your life easier and get you the information and care you need. Whether we provide services online, by phone, in person or chat/text, we’re here with you.”

Nationz Foundation

Nationz Foundation’s current office hours are 10am – 5pm, by appointment only. They are continuing to provide HIV and STI testing during these hours, but are not accepting walk-ins in order to protect staff and clients. Appointments can be made by calling (804)716-7597. “We will continue to Aim to Inspire during these difficult times and encourage our community to as well!” Nationz said in a statement.

Babes of Carytown

Babes remained open for carryout and delivery throughout March, but as of April 1, have decided to close until further notice.

Godfrey’s

Godfrey’s has been doing Virtual Drag Brunches from 11am-2pm on Sundays, so you’re not entirely deprived of your drag brunch goodness — it just comes through Facebook and Instagram now. They’ve also been hosting Virtual Drag Shows on Wednesday evenings at 8pm; tonight’s will feature raffles for gift certificates to drag brunch when all this mess is over. So tune in and get your Paypal or CashApp ready to send in those tips!

Barcode

Barcode are offering their full menu for takeout orders, and have delivery available through Grubhub. To place an order, call Barcode at (804)648-2040. “We are practicing safety and caution for our staff and clients,” Barcode said in a statement. “Thanks again for your continued support.”

Fallout

Fallout is currently open from 6pm to 12am for takeout. Their full menu is available, and staff can meet you with food curbside by request. To-go orders can be placed by calling (804)343-3688. All events have been cancelled until further notice, including the regular Wicked Wednesday drag night. Fallout merchandise is available online for purchase, as are gift cards, and a portion of the purchase price for both will be reserved for employees.

“We are working out a way to support the staff as much as possible if a mandated shutdown/shift loss becomes a reality,” Fallout management said in a statement. “Please also consider supporting local artists, performers, sex workers. There are several orgs forming to give mutual aid, especially in the queer community, keep an eye out for those and donate where you can.”

VA Pride

While VA Pride hasn’t had to cancel any events as yet, they are currently working with The Holli Fund on a Virtual Happy Hour, to be held Friday, March 20 from noon to 7pm. The goal of the online event is to raise money for those from the food industry whose incomes have taken a hit due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation. More information on that event, and how you can donate, can be found here.

“VA Pride is currently reaching out to local and state officials and is working with local relief efforts to see how we can best leverage our resources, networks and connections to help,” said VA Pride President James R. Millner II in a statement. “We will keep you informed of our efforts and will ask you to join us when the time is right. We are also going to be sharing information on relief efforts already underway so you can access them if you need to and support them if you are able. We are committed to do all we can to ensure the safety, health and well-being of not just our LGBTQ family, but of our entire RVA community.”

Would you like your organization included on this list? Does information on this list need to be updated? If so, please send an email to [email protected] We will be updating this list with new information as we receive it.

Top Photo by Sharon McCutcheon on Unsplash

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