Long Beach, California, a city of vice that preys on innocence, is filled with the aroma of sewage and sex; like Vegas on water, it’s a city that welcomes sin.
Itineraries are of no use in the 21st century boom town; bars and entertainment bulge together, tucked into a large package of repeating blocks that run down Pine Avenue.
Erected spires are always in view, yet still feel monotonous in lieu of a twinkling skyline. The stimuli emitted from other bars shadow the atmosphere coming from the drag-themed bar, Hamburger Mary’s.
Through the sounds of intoxicated laughter and electronic music, Hamburger Mary’s beckons those who pass by. Visitors with an open-mind are welcomed with open-arms and are presented with a stunning venue strewn with imitation flowers and soft lights that forge the residents’ faces into spectacles of art as if painted by Laura Knight.
Parties are seated quickly, and while the menu prices seem outrageous — especially for a college student — the drag show is free of charge so the checkbook balances itself out.
The first queen to take the stage was Jewels, who hosted the night’s revelry with a comedic performance that integrated the crowd through flirtatious jokes and raunchy comments on attendees within proximity.
I was pulled into the mix with a, “thanks bro,” by Jewels after giving up a fistful of dollars.
Following Jewels’ exquisite introduction, the lights dimmed in anticipation of the next performer who caught the crowd’s attention in an unforeseen way.
Roxy DelValle emerged from behind me carrying a large burden that was sure to hurt their backs.
A visual overload coming from DelValle glistened in the dark; I thought I had finally found El Dorado’s gold. The treasure came in the form of two large money bags — approximately 38DD.
Acrobatic and enticing moves kept patrons entranced as DelValle danced seductively around the venue, collecting tips along the way and placing a leg on a lucky patrons’ shoulders.
Succeeding DelValle’s performance was Dolly Levi, a stunningly experienced performer who commanded the room’s attention like no other. Upbeat music and a fun production once again changed the room’s attitude.
Puerto Rican drag queen April Carrion emerged from out of sight and made their way to the limelight, encapsulated in a panopticon that was meant to be broken out of. Dredged in a sheer cloak that flowed like the smooth stream of spilt sauvignon, revealing the pinot that lay underneath.
My gaze was then penetrated by a vulgar sight of resistance, a waltz of seduction that served to attract my vestal eyes. The bundle of dollar bills bulged in my hand until I released, showering them into the elegant queen in front of me.
The drag show was a sight of beauty, a look into a world and culture that I hadn’t known prior. In taking the time to see what I’ve only heard about, I managed to double my playing field.
The alluring show produced by the tetrad of stunning queens shouldn’t be something exclusive to the City of Angels, but should rather stretch to every corner of the country just as those performing do.
