The scene was spectacular. The main floor at Tracks was packed so tight, that it was an impossibility to even think to move. There was a sea of glittering heads frozen in place; mouths shut, eyes wide. Flat screen TV's created a trail of Logo's logo, leading up to the big screen with RuPaul's Drag Race Season Finale, projected onto it.
And the winner of RuPaul's Drag Race is.... Bebe Zahara.
You could feel the the reaction of the room as RuPaul uttered those fateful words. The temperature dropped to an icy level, as the excitement was sucked from the club. We all knew who was going to win. Putting aside the bias of the fact that Nina Flowers was fliving and represening Denver, she was clearly going to be the winner of the Logo/Vh1 reality show. She was the most unique, had never been in the "bottom two", and won multiple of the "mini challenges". she was by far the most original, captivating character on that show... yet this gorgeous drag DIVA was denied the Swarovski Crystal crown, that was was so rightfully hers. However, as Nina Flowers said herself, " If she was going to loose, it would be to the beautiful, statuesque Bebe Zahara Camaroon!"
I met Nina Flowers over a year ago when we were both hired to gogo at Beta Nightclub for a special Carnival event that they were throwing. Nina and I shared a dressing room (and drag queen secret tips and tricks) while we got ready for our performance together.
She was brand new to Denver, and hadn't had an opportunity to become integrated in the scene yet. She had just moved here with her husband from Puerto Rico, and her beautiful accent made that very apparent. Her look that night was a perfect balance of androgynous ferocity; i was in complete awe. to be honest, i felt my drag interpretation was completely muted by her elegant beauty. Since the moment i met her, i have been trying to push myself harder and further, when it comes to my makeup skill and application. She has inspired me to come a better drag queen, and a better artist.
during the sets where i was relaxing in my dressing room, i became acquainted with her husband, who was such a supportive and wonderful man. it was one of the first times that i have met someone who wasn't a drag queen, who appreciated and loved the art of makeup and performance. he was so supportive of Nina, that it re-ignited a small flame in me... reminding me that there are still amazing people out there. and this married couple are proof of that.
As the episode of RuPauls Drag Race ended, the projector went black, and the lights slowly rose. The silence gradually broke, as a roaring cheer grew louder and louder. i pulled my hot pink hair to one side off of my bare back, and started clapping with the rest of the club, as Nina walked out on stage. She was wearing a yellow, brown, and cheetah print dress that ruffled and flowed as she moved into the spotlight. her yellow and brown braided hair gleamed in the sparkling lights, as tears came to her eyes. The level of acceptance and love for her pumped through every person there. the temperature rose as everyone stood, showing their respect and admiration, for this amazing man; this truly beautiful Drag Queen.
Her words were simple and from the heart, thanking her family at Tracks, all of her supporters, and Absolute Vodka (for their sponsorship). Cameras flashed, as she smiled to everyone, and commanded the room to start the celebration.
Lights immediately dropped, and premixed music (by Miss Nina Flowers herself) poured out of the speakers. almost instantly all the chairs were cleared and the dance floor was full of beautiful people and drag queens, dancing and cheering. I walked over to Nina (after waiting in line for what seemed like forever), and congratulated her. Her face lit up like fireworks as she saw me, and jumped up to hug me. I was a good foot and a half taller than she was while i was wearing heels, so i had to crouch low, to embrace her fabulosity.
"Loca! Are ju coming to Drama Drag on Friday? First night ever!"
"I can't. i'm not 21, and i've already asked Erik (the manager of the club) if i could come, and he said no."
"Wha?? Dat's not right. I'll put ju on my leest, and we'll get ju in, girl! Ju 'ave to come!"
"Okay! you twisted my arm. i am SO there!"
"Matty baby! Text me later, an' we'll make it 'appen! Gurl! ju bettur wurrrrk it!"
We stood for photos together as a Tracks photographer (as well as some bystanders) flashed some pictures. I hugged her deeply, air kissed, and promised to see her Friday.
As clicked in my pink heels back to my car, i couldn't help but feel so inspired from her mere presence. I adjusted my gold dress, as i slid in my driver's seat next to my roommate. Nina is such a positive, beautiful person, it really effects you. I always look forward to the next time i get to see her because she is such an inspiration to me. It's been a long time since i've felt that way by someone. When i was younger, i was really inspired by Jeffree Star because of his unique androgyny, but after meeting him a few times, and not having very positive experiences with him, i lost my admiration. He was so mean and brutal to everyone, even his fans, that i appalled. It was sad, because i can only imagine what type of person he would be if he wasn't torn down by everyone that he's ever met. I understand completely why he hates the world, and everyone that lives on it, but it didn't ease my disappointment with his character.
However, It feels fucking good to have a role model again... and Nina Flowers is a role model in every aspect, for everyone. She should have won. *sigh*
I turned to Vyckee, as i started the car. "Strawberry milkshake and chili cheese fries?"
"Like a true DIVA LOCA CAMAROOOOOOOON!"
Matty Beautiful
