Well, Well, Well…
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A local drag artist opens up about fear, survival, and the complicated conversation around Windsor’s new queer bar.
Well, well, well…
I’m a local drag performer and honestly… I’m kind of tired. Tired of the scene, tired of the drama, and tired of feeling like I can’t say what I really think without getting dragged for it.
This letter is about The Well. And yeah… I secretly want to work there.
I’m in my 20s. I work basically part-time. Drag is expensive. I shouldn’t feel ashamed for wanting to take a paid gig at a queer space. And I shouldn’t feel like I have to hide behind a fake email just to say this. But I am, because I’ve seen how cruel people can be when someone steps out of line.
I know a lot of people in the community have problems with the place, and I totally understand that. But I’ve done my own digging, and from what I can tell, a lot of what’s been said about them is either old, unclear, or stuff that’s been dropped altogether. I just feel like there’s some really loud voices in the community who don’t allow for people to make their own decisions without fear of being cancelled.
It’s gotten to the point where I’m scared to talk about The Well with other performers, let alone say I might want to do a gig there. And that’s heartbreaking, honestly. I feel like some of my best friends would cancel me for going in there. I haven’t even set foot in the door yet out of fear someone will see me walking in and cancel me. Meanwhile I’ve heard many of our queer elders and allies have been there every weekend.
Other bars expect us to hustle and sell our own tickets. I’ve done many shows that are fun, but I walk away with almost no pay, and the feeling of being taken for granted. The Well apparently pays performers to be there with no expectations to bring your own audience. And apparently all these Sevynn shows and whatnot have been free. And everyone’s talking lately about how people don’t want to pay $20 to see a show! Then only 5 paying customers show up and we make almost nothing.
“I just wish we could have open conversations without fear. I wish there was room for honesty, second chances, and growth.”
If you don’t like The Well or you don’t want to work with them, I respect that. Truly. But then can we please start pushing other venues to pay drag artists for our time, effort, and art? Because right now, it feels like we’re just stuck.
I’m not trying to start drama. I’m not trying to change anyone’s mind. I just wish we could have open conversations without fear. I wish there was room for honesty, second chances, and growth. Boycott bad communication.
That’s all.
Signed, a tired, broke drag artist just trying to survive 💔🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
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