GENERATION DRAG
I had a fascinating time at RuPaul’s Drag Con! Once again, I was reminded of how much the world of drag has changed since I first started out. (No dinosaur jokes, please.)
You can read about my impressions and experiences at LindaSimpson.org. However, one observation that I didn’t mention is what a different relationship young people have now with mementos.
If there had been a Drag Con when I was young, I would have left the place loaded down with bags of magazines, brochures, posters, etc.
In contrast, today’s youth seems to be totally focused on digital memories. Tactile items are of no use, and the accumulation of memories and souvenirs is so much more abstract.
Interesting how the world changes… And in the process, my photo collection becomes even more specialized and unique. Kinda like dinosaur bones.
Panel discussion of nightlife veterans discussing NYC back in the 1990s. From left: Constance Cooper, me, Michael Schmidt and Sherry Vine. I love a red curtain!
In a remarkable coincidence, on my flight back from LA to New York I sat right next to former club kid Sushi, who is featured in “The Drag Explosion!” Above: Astro Earle, Sushi, Desi Monster and Walt Paper in 1992. What are the odds?