A few years ago a growing squeamishness about camp amongst some gay men was threatening to kill off drag. However thanks to the likes of RuPaul’s Drag Race and performers who take drag seriously and show why it should still have a place in gay culture, it’s now in fairly good health.
James Hosking’s Beautiful By Night is a 30-minute documentary focussing on following three older drag entertainers at Aunt Charlie’s Lounge in San Francisco’s Tenderloin. It’s an intimate look at Olivia Hart, Collette LeGrande, and Donna Personna.
Starting out with how they transform themselves from middle-aged men into lip-syncing divas, it then follows them to Aunt Charlie’s for their evening performance. It’s a great look at people who are still holding to the drag ideas of the past, before the sharp and rather arch performers of today took over. It’s a perhaps more ramshackle style but it has warmth.
Watch the documentary below.
wow!!!!! what a great show i did drag for over 40 years , i think this was done very well., i hope this keeps going, as long as people keep coming to see you and you are making tips , you have nothing to worry about , keep up the good work, and i think you were all beautiful and talented in your own way, keep it up, much love to all of you, , sincerely miss cherry pie