This past weekend one of my most favourite people in the world came to stay with us. We joke that we are “sister wives” as she lived with Warren & myself for some time, & we often got odd looks when we went out together. This time together allowed us to really bond & she became my family in Joburg. We have the same sense of humour, & could sit & chat for hours – which is something really special. When she moved back to KZN I shed so many tears & we still catch up often – but it isn’t the same without her here. One thing that we often enjoyed together was watching RuPaul’s Drag Race. So when we found out that Alaska was coming to South Africa, we immediately made a plan to go!
Alaska Thunderfuck 5000 (primarily known mononymously as Alaska) is the stage name of Justin Andrew Honard, an American drag performer and recording artist best known as the runner-up on the fifth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race and the winner of the second season of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars. New York magazine named Thunderfuck one of the top 100 Most Powerful Drag Queens in America in June 2019. (source: Wiki)
We couldn’t contain our excitement & spent the day getting ready, listening to Alaska’s music & squealing every time we popped out of the room to see each other. I was so nervous that I would be that awkward person that wouldn’t even be able to say hello when we met her – Desre had bought us VIP tickets so we were really getting the best treatment possible.
The Drag Show was at Platteland in Centurion & we had never been there before. When we arrived, I was thrilled to see one of my childhood friends & his partner – it really shows what a small world it is, & how many fans RuPaul has here in South Africa. I was blown away at the beauty of Drag Queens in the audience, & the amazing outfits of all of those attending – including one girl who had dressed up as Lil’ Poundcake. We were made to feel so welcome, & there was absolutely no judgement felt at all. I can’t remember the last time I felt so much love & inclusion at an event.
We enjoyed some South African Queens before Alaska, & these included A Rose With Thorns, Betty Bangles, Babaganoosh, Miss Evoque, Regina Blaque, Riri Rouge, Cosmo LeCruz, Sally Werq, & Adam. You guys, we have such awesome talent here in South Africa & this immediately got the whole vibe going.
I can’t even put into words how stunning this evening was, & what a fantastic performer Alaska is. So here are some sneak peek pics…
I cannot WAIT for the next one! This exceeded every expectation that I had, & their next show is in February 2020. Will I see you there?
P.S. Love is love is love
P.P.S. Did you hear her counting to 3 in Afrikaans? Flip we had such a chuckle – but gosh she was a good sport to give it a go!
