Cupid Takes a Back Seat
Faux Rocious
Confessions of a Drag Dealer: The Heartless Drag Show Returns
Story by Jimmy Wiggins, Photo by Cody Angus
It's now February, and the big day on a lot of people’s calendars is the 14th—Valentine’s Day. It’s a day of red roses, chocolates, love letters, candlelit dinners, and heart-shaped everything. But what if none of that speaks to you? What if the person you thought was “the one” cheated on you? Or what if the person of your dreams turned out to be a complete nightmare in real life? Or what if you just don’t buy into any Valentine’s Day hype? Well, my friend, do we have one hell of a show for you!
On February 15, some of the city’s best drag artists will be getting on stage to perform for the third annual Heartless: Anti-Valentine’s Drag Show at Black Pirates Pub. It’s a night where Cupid takes a backseat while we celebrate those who’ve experienced heartache, breakups, and lost love, with our own queer twist. “This show is for everyone who is ready to break away from the conventions of Valentine’s Day,” says drag queen Faux Rocious.
“It’s about making space for those who feel out of place during the holiday season,” says drag queen Amber Ail. “Oh, you’re not in a traditional monogamous heterosexual relationship? Cool! You’ll be right at home with us. We’re all about making space for everybody. That’s the beauty of a drag show.”
Believe it or not, in the past we’ve been met with some criticism about this show, things like “why the heck are you against Valentine's Day?!” Short answer—we’re not. That’s not what this is about. It’s just that Valentine's Day shows have been done to death and it’s the same ol’ same ol’ every time. Don’t get me wrong, we’re not reinventing the wheel here, but for a lot of folks, especially in the queer community, heartbreak is a much more relatable theme. “Audiences don’t just want the same thing all the time,” says Faux Rocious. “I think watching all of the heartbreakers up on stage is a real palate cleanser.”
“It’s just something different. Even if you are in a happy relationship, you never forget the times that you weren’t,” says Amber Ail. “Everybody can relate to a heartbreak, or an unrequited love. Everybody. The downsides of romance are more frequent than the upsides, and that’s why people love this show. Everyone has been there, and we want to recognize those feelings. It’s for the people who don’t feel seen. That’s what queer events are always about.”
So, what should you expect to see on stage at Heartless?
“I am personally planning an unhinged little dating scenario,” says drag king Ivan Love. “But you need to come to the show to find out if Ivan wins the girl (or boy).”
“I'm working on a brand new, never-seen-before act,” says Faux Rocious. “You can expect to see me climbing on furniture, screaming my head off, and letting it all out on stage.”
“I haven’t decided yet,” says Amber Ail. “I’ve got tons of ammo in the way of heartbreak; it all just depends on if I’m going to be mad or sad about it. Either way, if you want to feel something while watching us on stage, then this is not the show to miss!”
Catch the Heartless Anti-Valentine’s Drag Show February 15 at Black Pirates Pub. For more details follow @wigginsproductions @tbshows and @tbaydrag.