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Special to The Appalachian
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| Monica Love prepares in the hotel
before her performance at Legends Nov. 21 at BGLAAD's
annual drag show. |
by Leslie Rasimas
Staff Writer
Behind the Story
Twelve rolled-up singles, 11 screaming fans, 10 press-on
nails, nine spot lights, eight shades of shadow, seven pairs
of tights, six rolls of Duct tape, five feather boas, four-inch
stilettos, three teased wigs, two birdseed boobies and one
e-Bay account is all it takes to be fabulous.
This extravagance comes with a lifestyle. Female impersonator
Brooks Radcliffe, aka Monica Love, goes through endless preparation
the night of a drag show.
Radcliffe makes the distinction: “During the day, I’m
Brooks. Whenever I’m dressed like a woman, I’m
Monica Love. I live my life as a boy; this is just a job.”
Radcliffe said he has dressed in drag for five years.
Bisexuals, Gays, Lesbians, and Allies Associated for Diversity,
hosted their Annual Drag Show Nov. 21, and Monica Love made
her eighth appearance in Boone.
“I love coming to Boone for BGLAAD. I’m friends
with a lot of the members,” Radcliffe said.
Radcliffe said he prefers to do charity work, such as fundraisers
and benefits, but occasionally works as a party-mingler and
personality. He is one outrageous student of approximately
56,000 students at University of Florida.
Behind the Scenes
He becomes she approximately two hours before a show starts.
“Depending on what kind of job I want to do, preparation
can take hours,” Love said.
The process begins with light stretching and handstands,
and by the end of the night, Love’s hard work pays
off with a pocket full of tips.
Love describes her look as “glamorous.”
“It’s not Las Vegas showgirl, it’s not
fugly, but it’s definitely girly,” Love said.
Love brings interesting outfits from Gainesville to fulfill
the glamorous look; a Britney Spears number complete with
riding cap, a “Palomino” outfit with faux fur-trimmed
jeans and the All-American woman complete with sparkle bra
and blonde wig.
“I’m doing three numbers, and I have a different
wig for each,” Love said.
The ensembles are unique, but what goes on under the clothes
is a story in itself.
Love’s slender frame is filled out with padding in
the hip and posterior areas. The padding is held in place
by three pairs of panty hose, and Love goes to great lengths
to ensure everything stays where it should.
“It’s like being wrapped up like a sausage,”
Love said while tucking items into place.
Love uses fake breasts filled with birdseed, which have lasted
for years. A tan and shave perfect the look of glamour.
“I had to pack light for this show, no big outfits,
and I had to consolidate my makeup kit. I usually carry a
huge metal case, but there was no way I was getting on the
airplane with that thing," Love said.
No outfit is complete without a face fully glamorized. Powder
covers the hotel table. Eyelashes are painstakingly applied
with liquid latex. Five shades of foundation are layered
flawlessly. Lipstick alone takes 20 minutes, not to mention
base, lip liner, gloss and highlights. Eye shadow and mascara
could make a girl go blind. All of this work within three
inches of a tri-fold mirror.
Jewelry, clothing and wigs are laid out on the bed ready
to be tested. Getting dressed for the big event takes more
time than lip-syncing to three songs.
“I don’t mind this part of the job, but performing
is my specialty,” Love said.
Behind the Show
“I still get nervous before a show, but once
I get there, and see my girls, I get real excited,”
Love said beaming on the way to Legends.
The backstage dressing rooms are bustling with ladies ready
for the show.
Love picks a dressing room, a first outfit and waits for
the fun to begin.
“The lighting is better in the other room, but there
is more space in this room,” Love said as she deposited
all the necessities of a queen on the couch.
Love’s friends Celeste Starr and Kelly Brooks also
prepare for the show. Clothing covers every inch of space,
50 makeup brushes line the countertops and the order of appearances
is tacked on to the wall.
Even backstage is a show. Each queen comes with her very
own dresser, someone there to help change, tuck and perfect
each performer before she takes the stage.
The performers rehearse their songs, make sure their next
ensembles are ready, and make room in the cleavage for lots
of tips.
“I only get paid enough for travel, so I need some
tips,” Love said before taking the stage.
In the Spotlight
Monica Love is not the average drag queen, and she will be
the first to tell you so.
“I don’t do the hand thing,” Love said.
By this she means the stereotypical walk-around-with-the-arms-out-to-the-side-like-a-beauty-queen
and strut without putting in much effort.
Love dances, does splits and plays with her audience.
“It makes everything so much more fun,” Love
said.
Excited fans jumped at the opportunity to hug, kiss and tip
the fabulous dancer. Love used every inch of the stage, not
disappointing any of her friends in Boone.
“We’re so excited to have Monica Love [here].
She has done a lot for us in the past,” said BGLAAD
President Jason McLawhorn.
“I will come to Boone any time the fabulous members
of BGLAAD ask me to,” Love said with a smile.
With that, the show is over, the ladies are exhausted and
everyone goes home to the usual routine of class, sleep and
dreams of queens.
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