Q: This isn’t your first year performing at Bingolicious. What keeps you coming back?
This is my third year performing. I’ve always loved to do drag and this event is for a great cause. I always enjoy doing it.
Q: How long have you been performing drag?
Since 1997, so quite a while. We started with a group called Group of Love in ‘97 for pride week in Iowa City. Now there are 15 members — I’m Seven. Once a year we all get together and do a big show at The Garden, which is a lot of fun.
Q: Why is Bingolicious a great event for Planned Parenthood of the Heartland’s Young Leaders group?
It’s something different from the average fundraiser. It’s something where the crowd can come in no matter how old they are or what their gender is. It’s just for everyone to have a good time for a good cause. A lot of bars do drag queen bingo, but it’s the cause that sets this apart.
Q: You are also the owner of The Garden, where Bingolicious has been held for the past four years. How have you watched the event grow?
The first year, we were all surprised with the turnout. Now, we know the turnout is going to be big. Iowa is progressive in a lot of ways, so it doesn’t surprise me that this is a popular event. A lot of things have happened here with civil rights, so in that sense, when Planned Parenthood helps give people the choice of deciding what’s right for them, people support that.
Q: What’s backstage like at Bingolicious?
It’s a riot. Everyone that does this event knows it’s a fun and relaxed environment, so it’s very laid back. When you have this many girls in the show, it helps to have a relaxed atmosphere where you can just have a good time.
Q: How is the event different than other drag shows?
It’s a total volunteer event. Everyone working for it is doing it to support Planned Parenthood. People in the crowd know they are giving to a great organization, so it’s more common for them to tip more during each performance than, say, a regular Thursday night show.
Q: Do you have your performances planned yet?
It will depend on how I’m feeling. I work on certain numbers, and I’ll pick one and get creative with it. I’ll do something that’s fun and a little campy, because you can play off the audience.
Q: Any tips for the bingo players?
Be generous. Have a good time and be generous. Come and let loose, and have a good night off. And, you may want to take Friday off.
Bingolicious
What it is: A night of drag queen bingo with prizes to support Planned Parenthood of the Heartland, put on by the Planned Parenthood Young Leaders.
When: Thursday. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and bingo starts at 6 p.m.
Tickets: $35
Where: The Garden, 112 S.E. Fourth St.
Info: plannedparenthood.org/heartland
