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Show time for Shi-Queeta

Local drag whirlwind celebrates one year of success at Howard

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Shi-Queeta Lee, drag, drag queen, gay news, Washington Blade, Howard Theatre, Drag Salute to the Divas
Shi-Queeta-Lee, drag, Drag Salute to the Divas, Howard Theatre, gay news, Washington Blade

Cast members of the upcoming Howard Theatre show surround Shi-Queeta-Lee. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

‘Drag Salute to the Divas’
‘Waiting to Exhale/Steel Magnolias’ mash-up
Howard Theatre
620 T St., N.W.
8 p.m. (doors at 6)
$20 in advance; $25 at door
thehowardtheatre.com

Washington is fortunate to have an outstanding drag scene with performers at several of the area’s gay clubs. The Howard Theatre’s “Drag Salute to the Divas” bolsters this performance art to the level of a full-scale stage production.

“I’m elevating the drag community here to take it to the next level at the Howard Theatre,” Shi-Queeta-Lee, local celebrity drag queen and director of “Salute,” says. “It’s a venue that gives much more space and opportunity to flaunt our talent — much more stage production, with background dancers. It gives us a chance to have props and dancers and make a bigger production.”

The Howard has hosted seven of the “Drag Salute to the Divas” shows, and they have all sold out. The upcoming performance on Monday night is the one-year anniversary show, and is a mash-up musical of “Steel Magnolias” and “Waiting to Exhale.”

Howard Theatre, gay news, Washington Blade

The Howard Theatre (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Prior to the 1968 riots in D.C., the Howard Theatre was a regal, prestigious institution for black performers, including many of the greats like Duke Ellington and Ella Fitzgerald. The Howard also hosted a number of drag performers, so “Drag Salute to the Divas” marks the return of this tradition to the newly renovated space.

“They had drag there during the 1950s. I’m the first drag queen to bring back drag to the Howard. Some older people have told me, ‘Oh I used to see drag there,’” Shi-Queeta says. “They mostly just remember that the queens were larger than life and would sing live. I’ve been researching people, trying to find pictures. I found one individual, who was a drag performer (named) ‘Running Water.’”

Shi-Queeta has had difficulty finding much concrete information on The Howard’s past drag performers, especially since Running Water’s death last year.

Shi-Queeta, aka Jerry VanHook, mainly uses her own income from doing drag to budget the show. She’s had an impressive career with frequent live performances at local clubs like Town and Nellie’s Sports Bar, as well as television appearances on “Ugly Betty,” “The Wire” and “America’s Got Talent.”

The production scale of “Salute” is affordable but professional, utilizing the Howard Theatre’s giant television screen to embellish the sets with visual art.

“She does a fabulous job of bringing in a very loyal following. Her productions are always elaborate,” Jennifer Vinson, director of marketing at The Howard, says. “For the last show, ‘The Wiz Twisted,’ she bought and installed a yellow brick road. Toto was hot pink and purple — it was just amazing.”

In addition to great sets, Shi-Queeta has celebrity performers to bring some extra star power to the show. She attributes many of her celebrity connections to her past television appearances and work as a coordinator for Miss America pageants in Maryland, Rhode Island, Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Broadway veteran Sheryl Lee Ralph was in “The Wiz Twisted” with her.

“I had such a wonderful time working with Shi-Queeta-Lee,” Ralph says. “The two of us Lees turned Oz and ‘The Wiz’ inside out. Can’t wait to do the next show.”

Shi-Queeta met Ralph after she was cast on the TV One show “R&B Divas.” Ralph, who starred on the show, has been active in HIV/AIDS outreach through the organization “Divas Simply Singing,” and was impressed by Shi-Queeta’s own HIV/AIDS activism.

“”Divas Simply Singing” has different celebrities come in and perform to raise money for HIV/AIDS. With me being HIV-positive, [Sheryl] said she would be part of ‘The Wiz’ with me at The Howard,” Shi-Queeta says. “I was involved with the ‘Makes Us Stronger’ organization for HIV/AIDS, so she liked what I was doing for the community.”

Shi-Queeta-Lee, drag, Drag Salute to the Divas, Howard Theatre, gay news, Washington Blade

Porcelin St. Clair (left) and Shi-Queeta-Lee (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Despite Shi-Queeta’s celebrity connections, she laments that she has never been a contestant on “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” In fact, no D.C. drag queen has ever been on the show, no matter how flourishing the drag scene is here.

“There are so many talented individuals in D.C. I’ve tried out five times. I don’t understand what it is about our drag here that isn’t popular with them.” Shi-Queeta says. “With so many of the people being cast from L.A., I think they just don’t want to spend the money to send people over.”

Shi-Queeta says her productions are bridge builders between various drag factions here.

“We’re no different than other cities, we’re just more divided than other cities. We have the white drag shows, black drag shows, transsexual shows,” Shi-Queeta says. “What I’m doing with the shows at the Howard is reaching out to the different girls in the community, that’s my goal. I’m trying to build the bridge between the different drag communities here in D.C.”

During its first year, Shi-Queeta’s show has saluted a wide array of divas from many eras, encouraging involvement from all kinds of drag queens. The divas impersonated include Cher, Lauryn Hill, Patti LaBelle, Dolly Parton, Erykah Badu, Missy Elliot, Beyoncé, Toni Braxton and Diana Ross. Shi-Queeta herself specializes in impersonating Tina Turner, but also has fun doing Mary J. Blige, Rihanna and Whitney Houston.

Other local drag queens have applauded “Drag Salute to the Divas” and Shi-Queeta Lee’s work ethic, including Ba’Naka Deveraux, who regularly performs at Cobalt and Town. Ba’Naka, also known as Dustin Schaad, had to withdraw from performing as Adele in one of the past productions, but hopes to perform with Shi-Queeta at The Howard sometime in the future.

“Shi-Queeta puts her all into everything she does, to the point of exhaustion at times. I think her pure will and tenacity is what really drives the shows,” Ba’Naka says. “I give Shi-Queeta a lot of props for creating venues and places for drag queens to entertain; she opens up the door for other girls to work with her. I think it’s really awesome that she not only looks out for herself but also for her community. She’s always doing something charitable.”

Correction — An earlier version of this story should have said that Sheryl Lee Ralph will not be in the “Steel Magnolias”/”Waiting to Exhale” mash-up. The Blade regrets the error. 

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Real Estate

Hidden hazards at home

Professional inspections can help catch safety issues early

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Test smoke detectors monthly and change batteries at least once a year. (Photo by Phonlamaiphoto/Bigstock)

As the spring market hits its stride, we are beginning to see more inventory and an increase in days on the market in parts of the DMV. This may result in professional home inspections becoming routine parts of contract offers again. A thorough home inspection can help catch safety issues early and is an opportunity to learn about the operation and maintenance of items in your home.

Pay attention to flickering lights, frequently tripped breakers, and discolored outlets—these are signs of potential electrical hazards. Outdated wiring, overloaded outlets, and faulty appliances can lead to electrical fires. 

Structural issues are often overlooked until it’s too late. Crumbling foundations, weak or damaged stairs, loose railings, and uneven flooring can cause trips and falls. Water damage from leaks or flooding can weaken the integrity of floors and walls, creating a risk of collapse. 

Toxic chemicals can pose serious threats to health and safety, often without obvious warning signs. Understanding and addressing these risks is crucial for maintaining a safe living environment for you and your loved ones.

Household products such as cleaners, pesticides, air fresheners, and even cosmetics can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These compounds, when inhaled regularly, can cause a range of health issues including headaches, respiratory problems, hormonal disruptions, and in some cases, even cancer. To minimize these risks, homeowners should opt for low-VOC or VOC-free products, ventilate regularly, and consider investing in an air purifier. 

Formaldehyde is another common toxin found in pressed wood products, insulation, and certain paints. Long-term exposure can lead to chronic respiratory problems and has been linked to cancer. 

Radon gas, another possible carcinogen, is prevalent in the DMV. Your home inspector can do a radon test or there are DIY kits available at many hardware stores. If levels are above EPA standards, a professional remediation firm can install a system that extracts the radon and vents it safely outdoors.

Carbon monoxide (CO), a colorless, odorless gas, is produced by gas stoves, heaters, and fireplaces. Exposure can lead to headaches, dizziness, nausea, and even death. Install CO detectors near bedrooms and ensure that all fuel-burning appliances are properly maintained and ventilated. 

Additionally, older homes may still contain asbestos in insulation, floor tiles, or roofing materials. If disturbed, asbestos fibers can become airborne and are highly dangerous when inhaled, leading to serious diseases such as mesothelioma, so when renovating an older home, it’s critical to have materials tested for asbestos before beginning work.

Mold and mildew thrive in damp, poorly ventilated areas such as bathrooms, basements, and around leaky pipes. While some molds are harmless, others can cause allergic reactions or respiratory problems and aggravate conditions such as asthma. Black mold (Stachybotrys chartarum) is notorious for producing mycotoxins that may lead to severe health issues.

Signs of mold include musty odors, visible growth on walls or ceilings, and excessive humidity. Preventing mold growth requires controlling moisture levels—using dehumidifiers and vapor barriers, fixing leaks promptly, and ensuring adequate ventilation. Professional mold remediation may be necessary for severe infestations.

Though banned in residential paints in 1978, lead-based paint still exists in millions of older homes. Lead exposure is especially dangerous for children, causing developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral issues. Adults are not immune – lead can lead to high blood pressure, kidney damage, and reproductive problems.

Even dust from deteriorating lead-based paint can be hazardous. The EPA recommends professional lead testing for any home built before 1978, especially if renovations are planned. Certified abatement professionals can safely remove or encapsulate lead paint.

Improper use of heating equipment, fireplaces, unattended candles, and cooking accidents are common sources of home fires. Smoke alarms and fire extinguishers are essential for early detection and response. Test smoke detectors monthly and change batteries at least once a year.

Homes that are safe for adults may not be safe for children or pets. Small objects, unsecured cabinets, toxic plants, and open staircases can pose significant risks. Childproofing measures such as outlet covers, safety gates, and cabinet locks, along with safe storage of chemicals and medications, are essential precautions.

The good news is that many of these risks can be mitigated with awareness and action. Here are a few simple steps to enhance home safety:

• Conduct a thorough safety audit using checklists available online.

• Ensure proper ventilation to reduce indoor air pollutants.

• Regularly check for leaks and signs of water damage.

• Keep cleaning and chemical products out of reach of children.

• Educate all household members about emergency procedures, including fire escapes and first aid.

Our homes should protect us, not pose threats to our well-being. By identifying and addressing these toxic and unsafe issues, we can transform our living spaces into truly safe havens.


Valerie M. Blake is a licensed Associate Broker in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia with RLAH @properties. Call or text her at 202-246-8602, email her via DCHomeQuest.com, or follow her on Facebook at TheRealst8ofAffairs.

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Advice

I make more money than my partner and getting resentful

She’s taking advantage of a joint credit card

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(Photo by Nik_Sorokin/Bigstock)

Hi Michael,

I make a fair amount more money than my girlfriend does and I’m happy to contribute more to our life (we are both in our 20s and living together).

But Meg doesn’t seem to care how much money she spends and then asks me to front her when she’s running low. She seldom pays me back. 

Last week she had a big night on the town with her best friend (formerly her girlfriend) for the friend’s 30th birthday. She hired a limo and spent a lot on drinks and dinner. She put the entire night on our joint card which we are only supposed to use for shared household expenses, because she had maxed out her own card. Of course I will wind up paying for it. (And I am slightly jealous. Why am I paying for her evening out with her former GF?)

I pay for all sorts of stuff all the time because her credit card gets too big for her budget. 

And somehow I almost never end up getting her share of the rent, which is already prorated according to our incomes.

She always tells me she’ll pay me back but her tab pretty much just keeps getting bigger.

If I bring this up with her, she tells me I am cheap because I make a lot and we’re a couple; and if she made more, she’d have no problem sharing everything with me. 

Am I just being ungenerous? I don’t know. Sometimes I think she’s an ingrate, but then I think if you’re in love, you shouldn’t be thinking of money, just taking care of the person you love.

Also, although I make more than she does, I’m by no means rich. I have my own student loans, and paying for the bulk of our lifestyle stretches me thin some months.

Michael replies:

For starters: Most couples must contend with some version of your struggle with Meg, because most couples have some income disparity.

Do you maintain a lifestyle that both of you can afford? That works for some relationships where the lower earner may not want to feel indebted to the partner who makes more. Other couples work out a system where they pay for expenses in proportion to their income. And in some instances, the higher earner may have a “what’s mine is yours” philosophy and the lower earner is OK with that.

What matters is that both partners come to a mutual agreement and are comfortable with the arrangement. In other words, they collaborate.

That’s not the case with you and Meg. You sound resentful, angry, and feeling like Meg is taking advantage of you.  

It’s great to be generous in your relationship, but it’s also important to have a boundary when you think it’s important to have a boundary. Yet you’re continuing to subsidize Meg even when you have trouble making your own ends meet. 

Important question: Have you told Meg that you’re stretched thin some months? If not, I’d be curious as to how you’ve made that decision. If so, I’d be curious as to Meg’s response.

If you don’t want to keep serving as Meg’s piggy bank, what is stopping you?  

There’s a great saying in psychotherapy: If it’s hysterical, it’s historical. Meaning, our “big” actions and reactions have their roots in our history.

Think about your life history: How does it make sense that you are acting like a powerless victim?  

Is not having a boundary an old and familiar dynamic for you? Were there important players in your life—for example, your parents—who insisted it was their way or the highway?  Or perhaps you learned as a kid that if you ever said “no” to your friends, there’d be negative consequences?

Now ask yourself what might be keeping you stuck in a relationship of resentment. Are you re-creating an old and familiar dynamic? Sometimes we keep putting ourselves in the same miserable situation, over and over again. What’s familiar can be comfortable, even if it’s miserable; and we may be trying to get some understanding of the dynamic and some power over it, to finally get it right.  

I’m just speculating here, to encourage you to think for yourself why you are staying in the dynamic you describe. You haven’t mentioned anything positive about your relationship, or about Meg.

Another possibility: I wonder if you might be so fearful of being alone that you’re willing to tolerate all sorts of treatment in order to stay in your relationship. Or perhaps you don’t think you deserve to be treated any better than this.

Again, if this is the case, where might this belief be coming from? Understanding why we are stuck in behaviors that keep us miserable can help us to get unstuck.

You have an opportunity to do something different here: Set a boundary and take power over your life. Perhaps if you did so, Meg would surprise you by shifting her stance, which would be good news if you have some good reasons to stay. Or perhaps she would not. Your challenge now is to get some sense of what’s holding you back, if you want something different for yourself. And unless you act on your own behalf, you will stay in this position. 

One more point to consider, regarding Meg’s dinner date with her ex: Whether or not anything is going on, I take your jealousy as a sign that you don’t trust Meg. And without trust, you can’t have a decent relationship.

Michael Radkowsky, Psy.D. is a licensed psychologist who works with couples and individuals in D.C. He can be found online at michaelradkowsky.com. All identifying information has been changed for reasons of confidentiality. Have a question? Send it to [email protected].

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Real Estate

April showers bring May flowers in life — and in real estate

Third time’s the charm for buyer plagued with problems

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As Dolly Parton says, ‘If you want the rainbow, you’ve got to put up with a little rain’ (Photo by Rangizzz/Bigstock)

Working in the real estate sector in D.C. can be as uniquely “D.C.” as the residents feel about their own city. On any given day, someone could be selling a home that their grandmother bought, passed on to the relatives, and the transfer of generational wealth continues.  In that same transaction, the beginning steps of building of generational wealth could be taking place.

Across town, an international buyer could be looking for a condo with very specific characteristics that remind them of the way things are “back home.” Maybe they want to live in a building with a pool because they grew up by the sea. Maybe they want a large kitchen so they can cook grandma’s recipes. Maybe they will be on MSNBC once a month and need to have a home office fit for those Zoom sessions where they will be live on air, or recording their podcast.  Perhaps they play the saxophone and want a building with thick walls so they can make a joyful noise without causing their neighbors to file a cease-and-desist order.  

What I found fascinating was getting to know my buyers. Why were they purchasing their property? What did they want to do with it? Was this their grandmother’s dream that they would have a place of their own someday? Did they finally think they would write that award-winning play in the home office?  What dreams were going to be fulfilled while taking part in this transaction?  

Somedays, the muck and paperwork slog of navigating home inspection items and financing checklists could get to be distracting at best, and almost downright disheartening at worst.  

One of my clients was under contract on THREE places before we finally closed on a home. One building was discovered to have financing issues, and the residents were not keeping up with their condo fees. Another building had an issue with the title to the unit, which meant the seller could not sell the home for at least another year until that legal snag was resolved. As the months rolled by, she was losing heart and feeling defeated. When we finally found the third home, everything seemed great – and then about two weeks before the settlement, the rains came down and the windows leaked into the bedrooms.  

Another delay. (Our THIRD). This time, for several more weeks.

I think she wanted to pack a suitcase, go to the airport, get on a plane somewhere and never come back. What ultimately happened? The building repaired the windows, the seller’s insurance replaced the hardwood floors, and she bought her first condo, which she still enjoys to this day.  

As Dolly Parton says, “If you want the rainbow, you’ve got to put up with a little rain.”  And finally, after months of looking, waiting, and overcoming obstacles, the rainbow peeked out from behind the clouds.  


Joseph Hudson is a referral agent with Metro Referrals.  He can be reached at 703-587-0597 or [email protected].

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