“N
ow, when you’re dancing, remember, make it broader, with tons of shoulder. Remember, you’re a drag queen!” Go to any drag show these days and look – just beyond the spotlight, off to one side, caught in the reflection of the sequins, paillettes, in the midst of the razzle-dazzle – and you’re likely to see a familiar face, smiling and lending a helping hand, and engineering the show. The ubiquitous “Man Behind the Curtain” is Edward Castro, wig wrangler, fan and friend to queens as well as the impresario and creator of ArizonaDrag. com, the “#1 Source for Drag in Arizona.” A Tucson transplant, Castro was a DJ and a pageant promoter for the Miss Gay US of A system in the Old Pueblo before he moved to Phoenix in 2008 and promoting two pageants and creating ArizonaDrag. com to inform the community about drag shows, events, drag events, help budding drag queens, and fundraisers for the community. “It just started out as a hobby, but after the response, it blossomed into something bigger,” Castro explained. “I enjoy putting together drag events and since drag is so welcomed by the Phoenix community, I felt that they can use this as a resource to learn about the queens. ArizonaDrag.com informs people where shows are, or how to get into drag. The community has responded so well and it’s allowed everyone a chance to see and do more.” Castro reflected about working with Arizona’s queens and his experiences. “My favorite part is learning about the queens and how they got their start. Some of their stories are definitely inspirational; some weren’t successful right off the bat. It took them three or four years before they got their big break. I like getting to know the person
behind the make-up. Their drag character is what people see on-stage; but the person behind the make-up can be someone completely different.” ArizonaDrag.com and Castro are quick to remember the GLBT community who support the resource and the performers. Arizona’s queens are ready to help, too. “When push comes to shove, the Arizona’s queens can put their differences aside to raise money for the community. They’re definitely unified and are there when you need them, ” Castro pointed out. Castro is planning fundraisers benefiting the Phoenix Pride scholarship fund, a drag calendar for the 2011 year featuring some of the top talent headlining drag shows in Phoenix and Tucson. He’s also coordinating a competition called “Arizona’s Rising Star.” “This event will help a new, upcoming queen start her career,” Castro elaborated. Look for one of a kind shows featuring nationally known names from the world of drag from around the country. “We’re also planning a great show in April before Phoenix Pride with some hot, national talent that’ll be really exciting!” 2011 also promises RuPaul’s Drag Race viewing parties, featuring past and present cast members and shows with prizes. Last year ArizonaDrag.com distributed concert tickets to Mariah Carey’s concert, the Renaissance Festival and a cash prize of $300 for Lip Synch for your Life contest. What’s in the cards for the future of drag in Arizona? “Drag in 3-D,” laughed Castro. “Really, though, the newcomers, such as Coco St. James, Kira Daniels, Victoria Bacon each bring a different, unique style of drag that really is the future of drag here.” October 2010
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