Most people look insane wearing tiaras. Even still, gay men and women all across the world compete in pageants that cost a ton of money to participate in and for what? The competition is often so stacked against you and it’s more about who you know rather than how fierce a queen you are. And even if you do win, the titles don’t necessarily advance your career.

So why do these ladies do it? Because it’s fun. Just like thousands of young people line up to be rejected on American Idol television show, some gay men just think it’s a blast to go through all the trouble and sacrifice to put on a show.

Drag ties us to something powerful and we enjoy the temporary illusion we create when lip syncing and instead of being just another gay guy, we’re Diana Ross! A little hair and make-up and the right outfit and attitude we’ve become royalty. Queen for a night.

On today’s show one of our local drag queens and behind-the-scenes pageant diva Richard Biasis, better known as Regina Upright, joins us to talk about what inspires drag queens to entertain others and themselves.

Why are these gay men spending so much time and effort to imitate strong powerful women? What makes Cher such an icon?

Listen as Marc Felion, Richard Biasis and me, Fausto Fernós talk about the British man dying from eating too many “fairy cakes” and the 39 year old Japanese man who got caught trying to show up at a high school trying to pass as a teenage schoolgirl wearing a uniform, makeup and long wig.

Oh, and yes, we unveil the DIRT on most drag queens in Chicago. What are Sal-E and Jo-jo really like? Who poured a pint of beer into my suitcase? Who stole my makeup?

Giving you the dirt you love- Feast of Fools.
[Originally posted on 02.27.08]

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