It all started in someone’s backyard 13 years ago over the Fourth of July weekend and has now grown into one of the largest drag shows in the Southeast, organizers say.
The 13th annual East Point Possums Show kicks off Atlanta Pride’s Stonewall Week on June 19 in East Point with, well, a sashay — perhaps a clumsy sashay at that.
Rick Westbrook, a.k.a. Shenitta Lott, is one of the founding members of the show along with his partner, John Jeffrey (a.k.a. Prissy Cilla), Chuck Jenkins (a.k.a. Rococo Baroque) and Chesley Thurman (a.k.a. Dina Daintymouth). For Westbrook, the show’s popularity is a testament to people’s desire to come together for a good time and for a good cause.
This year, all money made at the Possums show will be donated to the Atlanta Pride Committee and the Atlanta Lesbian Health Initiative.
“Last year we made $11,000 and this year we’re hoping to make $20,000,” Westbrook says.
MORE INFOSaturday, June 19 The East Point Possums Show |
And people tip well at the Possums show — but you just don’t know where the money’s been.
“I can’t tell you how many $20 and $50 dollar bills I’ve pulled from the crack of my ass over the years,” he says. “This is unlike any other drag show — this is good work through bad drag.”
The show includes 20 to 30 acts and include favorites like Ginny Tonic, a drag legend who now only performs at the Possums show, and Alexandria Martin and her infamous roller skates, as well as new acts from such shows as Sukeban, now held at My Sister’s Room.
“This show is off the hook,” Westbrook promises.
There will be surprises, he adds, including a “rumor” that the Atlanta Pride Committee itself will perform a number.
The crowd for the show grows each year with East Point residents as well as those from all over metro Atlanta attending. And women like to make their husbands dress in drag just to watch the show numerous families — gay and straight — gathering as well to help LGBT causes.
“This is truly a community event, and at the same time, we are proud to promote that our event has now become the largest drag show in the Southeast,” boasts Thurman.