Such Handsome Women!

In South Beach, drag queens come in all shapes and sizes, but their style is basically uniform: tropical glamazon. In New York, the culture is more complicated. “We have West Village queens, East Village queens, Uptown queens ... some are more Rocky Horror, some are traditional, then there’s imperial court...

By Patrice Elizabeth Grell Yursik

July 27, 2006

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In South Beach, drag queens come in all shapes and sizes, but their style is basically uniform: tropical glamazon. In New York, the culture is more complicated. “We have West Village queens, East Village queens, Uptown queens ... some are more Rocky Horror, some are traditional, then there’s imperial court drag, which is very expensive,” explains filmmaker Wolfgang Busch. For more than 35 years, drag balls have helped forge a community in the Big Apple. Busch created How Do I Look, a documentary that examines this vibrant, intricate world where glamorous outcasts have created their own beautiful family structures. At the South Florida debut, members of the locally based House of Infiniti will be on hand, and queen champeen Shelley Novak will host the event at the Miami Beach Cinematheque.

“It’s almost like a gang, but instead of rumbling in the street, they strut it out at these fabulous balls,” explains Novak. The screening begins at 9:30 p.m., and afterward everyone will celebrate individuality at Back Door Bamby at Snatch, 1437 Washington Ave., Miami Beach. “I hope the kids come out like peacocks in their regalia. This is going to be really exciting,” she gushes. Call 305-673-4567, or visit www.mbcinema.com. Visit www.howdoilooknyc.org to learn more.
Mon., July 31

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