Gossip: The Nickel and Dimes of Drag

I think the one thing that everyone hates is someone who is rude. What purpose does it serve? Does it prove your humanity? No, you dumb ass, it actually makes you look dumb as shit.

When I heard that at a function last night that a current National Titleholder was tipped a nickel by former promoters of drag,  I was furious. Who does that? People with no class? Obviously. Was that a statement about what you think that queen is worth? Even if you don't like someone's style, taste, song selection, clothes or what have you, they are WORTH something. 

Drag is a business. It is a small business with one employee, the performer. Like most small business owners, the performers start with some seed money, will work long hours, take the first money they make and reinvest it in their business. 

Let's break down the cost for someone who is FIRST starting drag.

Pantyhose: 5.00/pair- most starting out wear 3-5 pairs..............................total 15.00-25.00

Girdle: 25.00 for just the waist..................................................................total 25.00

Bra: 18.00-30.00 depending on size and style...........................................total 26.00 (average)

Foam: (for body shaping dependent on size and needs 10.00-15.00..........total 20.00-30.00

Outfits: If you are lucky and can get off the rack........................................total 20.00-40.00

Jewelry: borrowed....................................................................................total 0.00

Makeup: borrowed...................................................................................total 0.00

Most of the performers just starting out will not have access to the jewelry that other queens do, so they will borrow that. Also, drag makeup takes practice and most will ask a friend to "paint" them the first few times.

Let's look at the low end, It takes 136.00 to step out on stage. For one number. This doesn't include time it takes to shop, get ready and practice. Do you think your time is worth something? I bet you do when you get your paycheck. If you had a second number you need another outfit, so let's add another 20.00. 156.00 to do two numbers. 

Oh! But wait! We haven't added in your shoes, or the cost to download the song, CD's to burn your music, glue for your eyebrows, or hair!

You are a new queen so you can only get a booking at an open mic night, this means, that you will, on average, make 5.00-10.00 in tips for your effort. 

I guess, if you are lucky, you might make an extra nickel.