On Monday, May 19, almost the entire city of New Orleans (and many locals living around the country) was glued to their television sets. Bars were packed to capacity, friends gathered at numerous house parties and many were glued to their IPhones or computers watching the outcome of a RuPaul’s Drag Race Season Six. For those not familiar with the show, it is sort of like the Super Bowl of Drag where 14 drag queens from around the country vie for the title of America’s Top Drag Superstar. This is a battle supreme in which beating face, glittering gowns and fierce lip syncing are all part of what it takes for one of these girls to go home with the crown and $100,000.
But the finale of this year’s competition has special meaning for those of us in the Crescent City (and currently New York); our very own Bianca del Rio was in the Top Three. Besting eleven other girls, Bianca along with Adore Delano and Courtney Act sang, sewed, and sashayed their way to the top echelon and now was the moment everyone had been waiting for. Not since the Saints were in the playoffs have I seen so much excitement around a “game.” Like true New Orleanians we came together to show support for our home girl and have a huge party. Bianca is a favorite performer in New Orleans, having done numerous local theatrical productions in the past like Rent, Pageant and Murder at Movary Manor, as well as performing at Oz nightclub and hosting many gay carnival balls. Following Katrina, Roy Haylock (Bianca’s alter ego) moved to New York creating an impressive career in not only performing as Bianca but her costume design. Still true to his roots, Roy comes back home often to do shows and emcee the Bourbon Street Awards Costume Contest every Mardi Gras. To know Bianca is to love her. Taking no prisoners, her comedy acts are cutting and sassy. You never want to be on the other end of an argument with her. She’s quick, brazen and drops the F bomb frequently. Bianca/Roy is also kind, generous and humble; and I can think of no better person to wear that crown than him.
When it was announced that Bianca was the winner, the party I was attending erupted in loud cheers with people on their feet dancing. We definitely do not curb our enthusiasm in this city. Bianca’s win was like a victory for the entire New Orleans gay and straight community. Someone very dear to us is making an incredible name for himself and we are so very proud in the same way we were excited when the Saints won the Super Bowl, or one of our many local musicians win a Grammy. From the roar of the crowds in the numerous New Orleans gay bars, I am sure she heard us all the way in Las Vegas. Bianca my dear, enjoy your reign as Drag Supreme. I for one cannot wait to see all the great things you have in store for your fans in the future. Now it is just a matter of time until your movie Hurricane Bianca hots the big screen. For more information on the movie, go to
www.hurricanebianca.com. If you want to know more about Bianca, go to
www.thebiancadelrio.com.
