Out & About

Forget Santa Claus – Ginger Minj is comin’ to town

‘Drag Race’ alum’s Winter Wonderland Tour stops in D.C. Nov. 29 and 30

Published

4 years ago

November 26, 2021

Mikey Rox

Ginger Minj will perform her holiday spectacular Winter Wonderland Tour at Miracle Theatre.

Ginger Minj is a busy little elf.

From her new country album “Double Wide Diva” to sporadic stints in TV and movies to her upcoming book, “Southern Fried Sass” (which reportedly scored her a six-figure deal), the “Drag Race” diva is everywhere these days, including a venue near you. On Nov. 29 and 30, the new queen of Christmas will perform her holiday spectacular Winter Wonderland Tour at Miracle Theatre.

We recently caught up with the multitalented actress/comedian/singer to discuss her continued success, including making friends with Jennifer Aniston while filming Netflix’s “Dumplin,’” her take on the latest Dave Chappelle backlash, the best Christmas gift she’s ever received, and what exactly makes her the “nicest bitch” this side of the North Pole – but first, let’s take a sleigh ride back to the beginning.

BLADE: Tell me a bit about how you got started in drag and the genesis of Ginger Minj.

GINGER MINJ: Like most good show-tune-loving queers, I stumbled into drag through musical theater. I auditioned for a show that required either full-frontal nudity or drag, and I figured I would fare better in a wig and heels than nothing at all. I got the role and really took to it quickly. I felt more free and honest as a performer than I ever had before, and I realized I could make a livable income doing something that I was wholly responsible for creating.

BLADE: How has your appearance on “Drag Race” helped your career, and what are your top takeaways from your time on the show?

GM: It’s an international platform that allows us to introduce ourselves to the entire world. It got me a seat at the table with people and places that refused to even open the door for me in the past. I think there was – and maybe still is sometimes – this initial assumption that drag artists are limited in their talents, but we have been able to show the world that we are just as talented and capable as any other entertainer. I don’t wear a wig as a gimmick. I wear it as an accessory, and it doesn’t mean I shouldn’t be taken as seriously as any other actor, singer, etc. “Drag Race” is doing a great job of showing the world that – and I’ll forever be grateful.

BLADE: If folks didn’t catch you on “Drag Race,” they might recognize you from the 2018 Netflix movie “Dumplin’” starring Jennifer Aniston and Dove Cameron. What was your experience like on set, and do you have any other TV/film projects in the works?

GM: “Dumplin’” was the single best experience of my life! Jennifer Aniston brought me coffee every morning, and Kathy Najimy had my trailer moved next to hers so we could listen to Beyoncé and play with makeup. That entire cast and crew treated all of us queens with unbelievable respect. It really gave me a passion for filmmaking and, yes, I’m happy to say there are a few more projects – big screen and small – coming your way soon.

BLADE: What makes you the “nicest bitch you’ll ever meet?”

GM: It’s like those good ole’ southern church ladies who will give you the shirts off their backs but read you to filth for not bringing one of your own. The only thing bigger than my mouth is my heart and the “shady” things I say should never be taken seriously.

BLADE: As a comedian yourself, what are your thoughts on the latest Dave Chappelle/Netflix controversy?

GM: I’ve always felt like comedy and drag go hand in hand: It’s an outrageous way to start a conversation and make people confront their own feelings about anything and everything. That being said, I think there’s a way to do that without disparaging and discrediting an entire group of human beings. I think it’s shameful that someone with that great of a platform would choose to punch down.

BLADE: Your new single “Walk Tall” is about growing up gay in the South – and it’s a very good song. Radio worthy even, but a hard sell, given its content, to a country-music audience. How do you think that changes? Will LGBTQ+ country artists ever enjoy the kind of success their straight counterparts do?

GM: I think so. To be completely honest with you, I’ve gotten much more support for that album from the country community than I have from the drag world. The message is so universal, and we were very careful to do it in an authentic, simple way. When we stop focusing on our differences and start embracing our similarities, the world can change. I just do the things that make me happy and hope it finds the people who need to hear it.

BLADE: Christmas is just around the corner – do you prefer giving or receiving? What’s your most prized Christmas present from the past?

GM: I’m definitely a giver! I drive myself crazy for months researching and planning and looking for the perfect gifts for everyone. It’s my way of showing the people I care most about that while I may be busy, I’m listening. I hear them, I see them, and I appreciate them. The best Christmas present I ever got was a cheap plastic pair of ruby slippers from my mama when I was a kid. I still have them. That moment changed my life forever. It’s what actually inspired “Walk Tall.”

BLADE: Like Santa Claus himself, the Ginger Minj Winter Wonderland Tour 2021 is coming to town. What do you have in store for audiences this holiday season?

GM: What don’t we have in store?! There are 20 costume changes, instructional videos gone terribly wrong, singing, dancing, magic tricks, fog machines, comedy, and it even snows over the audience! This is the biggest, prettiest, most ambitious show we have ever put together.

BLADE: Looking forward to 2022, what’s in the works? What are a few of your New Year’s resolutions?

GM: So many great things — more music, some movies, some TV, a stage production of “La Cage aux Folles” in Chicago, and my book “Southern Fried Sass” will hit the shelves. It’s a great time to be the “Glamour Toad,” and I am grateful every single day.

Mikey Rox is an award-winning journalist and LGBT lifestyle expert whose work has been published in more than 100 outlets across the world. Connect with Mikey on Instagram @mikeyroxtravels.

Related Topics:drag drag queen Ginger Minj

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Out & About

Trans Unity Coalition celebrates Pride with march, workshops

Organization to host rally at U.S. Capitol

Published

5 days ago

June 6, 2025

Tinashe Chingarande

(Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)

Trans Unity Coalition, a transgender non-profit registered in multiple states, will host a series of Pride events to celebrate the resilience, beauty, and fierceness of D.C.’s queer community.

On, Sunday, June 15, the organization will host “U.S. Capitol Rally & White House March for Transgender Unity” at 9:30 p.m. starting at the U.S. Capitol. There will be speakers to discuss hope, strength, joy, collective pride, and what America’s transgender community needs to do going forward.

From Monday, June 16 to Friday, June 20, there will be an advocacy workshop hosted virtually. This virtual workshop will teach members lessons in advocacy, and how to independently engage with their elected officials. This is free to all who wish to gain these skills.

On Monday, June 23, there will be an all-day “Congress Lobby Day” at the U.S. Capitol. This is not a demonstration, but rather pre-scheduled meetings with members of Congress. The goal is to discuss the ongoing and emerging needs of America’s transgender community, build more networks with lawmakers, and empower attendees to learn engagement tools they can take with them going forward.

For more details about all the events, visit Trans Unity Coalition’s website.

Calendar

Calendar: June 6-12

LGBTQ events in the days to come

Published

5 days ago

June 6, 2025

Tinashe Chingarande

Friday, June 6

“Center Aging Friday Tea Time” will be at 12 p.m. in person at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. For more details, email [email protected].

Pizza Diversity will host “Sip & Pizza Night – A Class For the Culture” at 6 p.m. at Penn Randall Place. This event is no gimmicks, just great pizza, real connection, and community. Tickets cost $92.55 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.

Saturday, June 7

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11 a.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant. This fun weekly event brings the DMV area LGBTQ+ community, including Allies, together for delicious food and conversation. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

“World Pride Women, Sapphics, LGBTQ Rooftop Party” will be at 9 p.m. at Baby Shank Rooftop Bar and Lounge. This will be an exciting women’s party at World Pride! Celebrate love, dance to amazing beats by some of the nation’s hottest LGBTQ DJs. Tickets are available on Eventbrite.

Dance With Pride will host “WorldPride Weekend: Ultimate Pregame” at 7 p.m. at Ultrabar. This will be the ultimate LGBTQ+ pre-game destination. Get ready to ignite your evening with infectious energy, dynamic beats, unforgettable performances, and an atmosphere that gets you ready for an unstoppable night of celebration and fun. Tickets start at $13.26 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.

LGBTQ People of Color Support Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This peer support group is an outlet for LGBTQ People of Color to come together and talk about anything affecting them in a space the strives to be safe and judgment free. There are all sorts of activities like watching movies, poetry events, storytelling, and just hanging out with others. For more details, visit thedccenter.org/poc or facebook.com/centerpoc.

Sunday, June 8

Brandan Robertson will host a WorldPride book launch event for his book “Queer and Christian” at 10:30 a.m. at St. Thomas Episcopal Church. This is a groundbreaking book exploring the intersection of queer identity and Christian faith. The event kicks off with Brandan Robertson preaching at the 10:30 a.m. service, followed by a dynamic discussion with Brandan, moderated by Rev. Thomas Bowen, former Senior Advisor for Public Engagement at the Biden White House, at 12 p.m. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

Monday, June 9

“Center Aging Monday Coffee & Conversation” will be at 10 a.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more details, email [email protected].

Tuesday, June 10

Trans Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This group is intended to provide an emotionally and physically safe space for trans people and those who may be questioning their gender identity/expression to join together in community and learn from one another. For more details, email [email protected].

Coming Out Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This support group is a safe space to share experiences about coming out and discuss topics as it relates to doing so. For more details, visit the group’s Facebook.

Thirst and Paint will host “Free Gay Sip and Paint” at 6:30 p.m. at Green Lantern. This is catered to the LGBTQ community. Allies are also welcome. Outlines and paint instructions will be provided as will the paint, canvas and brushes. Drinks are available from the private bar. With three hours of expressive painting, your night will be filled with creativity, sexiness and fun. Tickets cost $23.18 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.

Wednesday, June 11

Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. This is a weekly job support program to help job entrants and seekers, including the long-term unemployed, improve self-confidence, motivation, resilience and productivity for effective job searches and networking — allowing participants to move away from being merely “applicants” toward being “candidates.” For more information, email [email protected] or visit thedccenter.org/careers.

Thursday, June 12

The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. People will be informed on Wednesday at 5 p.m. if they are picked to receive a produce box. No proof of residency or income is required. For more information, email [email protected] or call 202-682-2245.

Virtual Yoga with Charles M. will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a free weekly class focusing on yoga, breath work, and meditation. For more details, visit the DC Center for the LGBT Community’s website.

Out & About

Justice-centered theater production comes to D.C.

Mexican Cultural Institute to host ‘La Golondrina’

Published

2 weeks ago

May 31, 2025

Tinashe Chingarande

(Poster via Mexican Cultural Institute)

The Mexican Cultural Institute will host “La Golondrina” on Friday, June 6 at 7:30 p.m. at its location on 2829 16th St. NW.

“La Golondrina” is a theater production that aims to elevate the conversation around hate crimes and the urgent need for dialogue and healing. It is also a powerful and deeply moving story that brings to the stage the emotional legacy of the Pulse nightclub shooting. The play explores that tragedy through an intimate encounter between two characters, Amelia (Luz Nicolás) and Ramón (Victor), whose connection unveils grief, love, and the enduring shadow of homophobia.

Tickets for this event are available on the Cultural Institute’s website.