Kingdom International Drag King Magazine Release Party

Kingdom International Publishers proudly released Kingdom International Drag King Magazine, the first international drag king magazine in the world, at Ms. Purdy's on January 25, 2002. PrideVision TV - the world's first gay television network launched this year - joined in the celebration. Rachel Giese, co-host of PrideVision's weekly entertainment/current affairs magazine "Shout," flew in from Toronto to host the launch party for Kingdom and introduced the rest of Canada to the exciting and groundbreaking work done by the local gay art and performance communities. Giese also spent several days in Winnipeg, interviewing various prominent community members for a series of specials on PrideVision.
Co-publishers Clarissa CJ Lagartera (also known as Carlos Las Vegas) and Kendra Kuliga (also known as Ken Las Vegas, from Washington D.C.) amazed audiences with their unique and dynamic performances. Joining them on stage were several local and international drag kings and performers in an unforgettable evening of spectacle, including Rico and Chase Medown (Minneapolis), Shawna Dempsey and Lorri Millan (in their Lesbian Rangers garb, offering survival tips for the lesbian wilderness) and Ellen "Melvin" Thorn (performing in drag for the first time with a new song written for this very night).

Kingdom International Drag King Magazine Release Party Photos
        Photo credit: Kegan McFadden

Drag King Burlesque

On March 16, 2002, Ms. Purdy's was once again the site of a stunning event directed by drag king Carlos Las Vegas. Started three years ago as a show to foster drag king culture in Winnipeg, Drag King Burlesque has filled a void in the local performance community. Until its inception, there had never been an exclusive drag king show nor a show where women and transgendered people can interact in an environment where gender fluidity is encouraged. In its third year, the International Drag King Burlesque continues to generate international attention, not only for its purpose and message but for its art and entertainment. Presented by the Snowy Owl Monarchist Society, the drag organization of Manitoba which is dedicated to raising money for worthy charities, the Burlesque show is more than just an evening of fun. Proceeds from this sold-out event were donated to the Osborne House Crisis Centre, an important women's shelter serving Winnipeg's community.
Hosted by Regina's Phil O'Pian and Nebraska's Michele Korman and featuring stunning performances by Carlos Las Vegas (and his flamboyant alter-ego, Francois), Ryan Coke, Justin Timberlick, Irish dancing king Chester McFlatley, Electra Storm, Little M'Angelo, former Sir Purdy's Ray Banned, Will N. Toplay (Regina), and current Miss Purdy's Breyanna Burlesque, the capacity crowd was treated to an evening of hilarity (who can forget the synchronized swimming duet of Chester and Francois?), whipped cream (which we are still cleaning off the floor, thanks to Ray and Breyanna) and sexy stripping (courtesy of, well, everyone). Great fun and a good cause. What more could you ask for?

Drag King Burlesque Photos