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Miss Thing Grand Prize winner Sally Ingus Wilder

Host Heklina presents the cash prize to winner Sally Ingus Wilder. Photo by Marty Davis

This Friday saw bunches of queers lined up in front of the Fez Ballroom to see the final drag smackdown at Miss Thing wondering if it was already sold out. Actually it wasn’t, and the hype and attitude was a little intense for an event that ended up having plenty of elbow room. But then again, it was called Miss Thing so I guess I can’t be too surprised.

I also wasn’t surprised by the level of weirdness and amazingness that all the Misses brought to the show. Although the 1st place winner was newbie Sally Ingus Wilder I wasn’t disappointed by any of the competing acts. Second and third places belonged to ChiChi and Chonga and Kaj-Anne Pepper respectively, but I’ve heard more than one grumble that either of these two fierce competitors should have taken the title. Personally, I think Bulimianne Rhapsody had one of the most original pieces.

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Cafeteria continues the Queer Dance fun

Once again, Cafeteria was off the hook.

For the second time, the last-thursday-of-the-month dance night graced the streets of North Portland at the lovely Vendetta bar.

Here are some pics from the night and more in our photo gallery:

Cafeteria II-88

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While you were out…post Portland Gay Pride news roundup!

BUTT Magazine Towels!

We are still working on processing the last, epic Pride weekend. We had so much fun! Thank you for everyone who came out and supported us. In the meantime, while we get our act together, here is a little summary of what you missed while you were out. Have other news you’d like to share? Post it!

BUTT Magazine Towels!

BUTT Magazine Towels!

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Last night's Gender Bender-fit and Do the Dark

DJ Freddie Fagula at Do the Dark

Why are we constantly plagued with camera issues? A curse on both our houses? qPDX needs an equipment sugar daddy y’all…But for reals, I did at least get a few crappy shots from last night’s Gender Bender and Do the Dark. Even if I am more excited to see the portraits from Wednesday’s Gay Pizza, taken by the lovely Deya Card. Put ’em up girl!

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Topp Twins live review

Posh socialites Prue and Dilley characters

Story of our lives: it seems that qPDX is plagued with camera problems. Mike’s equipment broke at the colorful La Lucha event leaving us photo-less and my ancient borrowed digi has a missing cord that makes it impossible for me to get pictures of the Topp Twins‘ Portland performance off the machine and onto this blog. Don’t even get me started on all the camera borrowing, mishaps, and jerry-rigging we’ve done before.

But I was in attendance at last night’s sold out Mission Theater show and it was worth it, camera or no. Every bit as hilarious as I expected them to be, the twins are also extremely talented musicians and endearingly sincere. It was also refreshing to be in a diverse audience of gay and straight, west and east-siders, hippies and yuppies. Though I have to say, the intimate venue made walk-ups, most of whom I would guess would be a lot younger than the bulk of the crowd, impossible.

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QDoc moview (P)reviews - 'Topp Twins: Untouchable Girls'

Topp Twins characters Ken & Ken

Why does it take really cool things forever to be on US radars? We’ve certainly been missing the boat by not recognizing the amazing comedic and musical genius of lesbian New Zealanders the Topp Twins. Hopefully the release of their new documentary, Topp Twins: Untouchable Girls, screening this Sunday at 7pm as part of QDoc, will remedy that. Because this is my favorite film of the fest.

The dynamic duo of Jools and Lynda are also taking their act on the open US road with shows here in Portland on Tuesday at the Mission Theater (1624 NW Glisan). A mix of sketch comedy, yodeling and folk music the Topp Twins have been beloved in their home country for decades as well as outspoken leaders in gay rights. Even though they have never shied away from their stances nor their personal sexualities, a diverse country of farmers both more and less gay-friendly have embraced the folksters unlike any other act.

Untouchable Girls chronicles their lives as ranchers, musicians and activists and blends hilarious interviews with their alter egos with serious topics such as Jools’ battle with cancer, coming out to their parents and a nation, and the real love both have for their respective partners.

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Kaj-anne Pepper wins May's Miss Thing

Winning contestant Kaj-anne Pepper with backup dancer Robert Tyree

Monthly drag competition Miss Thing at the Fez has quickly become the show to experience the breadth of Portland drag as well as a who’s who of almost every queer circle. And indeed, that night competition was just as fierce as we have come to expect.

Nonetheless, no one was surprised when the incorrigible and amazing Kaj-anne Pepper took first place with his ironic, satirical and beautiful medley of both Gaga and Madonna. With live vocals and backup dancers perfectly exemplifying the Gaga aesthetic it was a no-brainer, despite the quality of all the acts.

The ultra-gay theme, Lady Gaga vs. Madonna, produced a host of great performances starting with judges, including winner of last month, Bulimianne Rhapsody, who performed her own rendition of Paparrazzi instead praising the joys of wino-loving Carlo-Rossi.

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La Roux in review

La Roux's Elly Jackson

I’m going to be absolutely honest that I was a bit of a grump heading in to last night’s La Roux show at the Wonder Ballroom so my complaints may be tainted by that. However, the sound was grnad and it was quite a decent show, despite my ill health and lost sweatshirt.

Opening band The Lovers provided the perfect ethereal intro to get the crowd amped. At once calming and energizing Lovers are similar enough to the headliners to fit in the show while different enough to be interesting.

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Blow Pony and Hot Pink Mass, the weekend in review

The real faces of Blow Pony, Chelsea Starr and Blake Cedric. Photo courtesy Wesley Walton

I have only heard that the weekend started off right with Red Cap’s Bootie mashup party on Friday. Alas, these old bones needed at least one day of rest where I remained in my own neighborhood to attend a mellow house party. But I did make it out the following two nights starting with Portland’s reigning king of mixed queer nights Blow Pony on Saturday.

While I am plenty nostalgic, I have nothing but love for the success of my favorite events. Blo Po has clearly blown up. And while I am very happy for them, their new found fame may have some detrimental effects to my formerly favorite night.

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Best albums of 2009

Lady Gaga

Many of us have been traumatized by the year 2009, and we are happy to leave the aughts behind in favor of a brand new decade. And this is probably why it has taken me so long to will myself to look back at the good times. So now, in the slow news months of late winter I am finally getting around to profiling some of last year’s best music, movies, and television.

First up, the Top 5 Gay Albums of 2009. Stay tuned for some of the last decade’s bests towards the end of the month.

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