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Dakota Divas in Drag

Nov 09, 2007 - 04:04:39 CST

By SAMANTHA STOCKMAN
Bismarck Tribune

They have big hair. They have big attitudes. But the Dakota divas are not an aspiring group of women in a beauty pageant.

On Saturday, eight to 10 local and regional performers will be at the Best Western Ramkota GrandBallroom for Dakota Good Friends' first drag show of the season.

"This show is entertainment exaggerated to the hilt," Dan Tokasch, a board member of Dakota Outright said. "It gives the public a chance to see a largely gay crowd as ordinary citizens."

Dakota Good Friends is a nonprofit group that raises funds for Dakota Outright, a gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender supportive organization. It began in 2004, hosting monthly dances in the gay-lesbian community that are open to the public. The goal is to support individuals who have a fear of "coming out" and being open with their homosexuality by creating a secure environment where they aren't judged or isolated. Dakota Good Friends wants Bismarck to recognize that there is a respectful and alternative lifestyle present in North Dakota.

"Society has a mindset that makes (homosexuals) out as drag queens all the time," said Ron Hildahl, Tokasch's partner and fellow board member of Dakota Outright. "But that's just a character until you're done. A lot of people have the fear that 'all the freaks are coming to town.'"

The returning host of the show, Dakota Divas in Drag, is Chris Stoner, of Grand Forks, known in drag as Miss Janessa J. Champagne. Stoner always had a perception that Bismarck was a conservative town, but he said he is repeatedly surprised by the large, receptive crowds at each drag show.

"Our culture has a lot of difficulty dealing with gender that doesn't fit the typical boundaries," Stoner said. "Why do we want to put people in such tiny categories? I want to find what kind of buttons I can push that makes people think about gender."

All of the performers in the drag show provide their own costumes. And Stoner creates his elaborate outfits, getting scrutinizing looks from fellow shoppers as he peruses the plus-size racks in women's clothing stores. This doesn't faze him, and he's developed friendly relationships with the sales staffs.

"I like to take the expectations of femininity and push the boundaries," Stoner said. "I want people to start thinking 'where does femininity come from?' and show people it's OK to play with gender boundaries."

Stoner considers drag shows a performance art, and just like in any other theatrical piece, there must be change. He creates the order of the show, making sure there's enough momentum to keep the audience interested and involved. He anticipates 500 to 600 spectators on Saturday.

That would be the largest crowd Dakota Divas in Drag has produced. Previous shows have attracted a diverse array of gay and straight audience members. Stoner said some look nervous, some look shocked and some laugh, adding that the etiquette at a drag show is to be relaxed and willing to be entertained.

"I always say 'you can call me a he; you can call me a she, just as long as you call me,'" Stoner said.

Those in drag are acting, playing a character, whether elegant, sexy, classy or funny, and then the acting is over, Stoner said.

"This is a ... part of our community; they live here; they're real," Lydia Richez-Bowmen, who recently moved here from California, said. "I first became aware of the gay community here when I went to a show last March and I thought 'Oh my God, there's hope here.' California is so open, but Bismarck has another side. It's a nice awakening."

Since deciding to make its events public two years ago, Dakota Good Friends has received some unexpected and appreciated acceptance. The annual Pridefest continues to grow by 30 percent each year, and this year they have a sponsor for Saturday's drag show.

"Getting rid of homophobia doesn't come with the legislation or political activism," Stoner said. "It comes by saying you know someone who is gay or lesbian that you like and see as normal."

The goal of the Dakota Divas in Drag show is to demonstrate it's possible to be openly gay and have a good time.

"Heterosexuals often wonder why homosexuals have to flaunt it or be so out there, but heterosexuality is blatant and flaunting as well," Stoner said. "Everyone goes to work and talks about their husbands or wives, has pictures of loved ones. We want to feel comfortable talking about our partner as well, because once we don't feel stifled to change pronouns, we're just like everyone else."

There is a $10 cover charge for Dakota Divas in Drag. You must be 18 or over to attend. The doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8.

"Leave your expectations at the door," Stoner said. "We're going to push boundaries and push some buttons, but in the end we're just going to have a good time."

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Comments

PKC too!!! wrote on Nov 16, 2007 11:21 PM:

" I was so excited to have attended the show that night. I attended the show w/my partner of 8 years and we also had quite a few of our friends there as well. We all enjoyed the show...MUCH LOVE TO JENESSA,..ALL THE OTHER QUEENS AND KING!!! We are looking forward to the show in February. We will be in attendance w/quite a few more friends than last time since they were unable to attend the one on Saturday. And thank you to the Tribune for publishing the article and Ressler-Subaru for the support!!! "

to what: wrote on Nov 16, 2007 6:56 PM:

" Sorry to hear that you are a little upset that men are dressing up in womens clothes. I think living in ND has closed your eyes too long and the only thing you think of is how you have been brought up to hate anything you don't understand. I am offended that you think writing that statement is appropriate for this story. What did you think you would accomplish? Do statements like that help justify your self-worth? I hope the next generation has the sense to overlook comments like that, so we can stop fighting among each other. Its trivial. "

Poor What wrote on Nov 16, 2007 5:13 PM:

" What, Sorry to hear your town is becoming progressive / non-close minded. I suppose you could always move to Utah? "Biggest Drag Show in ND!" I'm not gay nor do I think I'd really like going to a drag show but I'm so proud of Bismarck right now I can hardly stand it! "

fan wrote on Nov 16, 2007 4:12 PM:

" To What: You weren't there to see the girls and guys. So how would you know? Don't jump to conclusions until you see them. When they are all dressed up you would have no clue that they were the opposite sex. And thats what makes them hot. I'm gay and I thought the one drag king was very attractive. You are so close minded you have no idea what you are talking about. Visit a show and then make an assumption. Until then, shhhhhhh calm down, it will be ok. "

What???? wrote on Nov 16, 2007 2:42 PM:

" People are actually proud of this???? Gay guys dressed in women's clothing and you people are calling them "hot". Oh me oh my what is this world coming to? "

Kevin wrote on Nov 16, 2007 12:49 PM:

" There was something like 600 people in attendance at the Drag Show, and guess what -- the heterosexual demographic was the majority! Thanks to everyone for their outpouring of support, laughter, and encouragement. North Dakota's largest Drag Show is in Bismarck, yep! "

Chavez wrote on Nov 16, 2007 8:54 AM:

" Kudos to the Tribune for publishing this article! By statistics alone, there are perhaps 5000-7000 gays, bi's, transgendered pepople in the greater Bismarck-Mandan area (based on a rounded-off population of 100,000), and for a very long time they have been forced to live in the closet. Oh, but we can be sure to hear the Religious Right tearing their robes and sitting in sack-cloth and ashes over this, and speaking of a "gay agenda." Just watch, the moralizers and the self-righteous will come out of the woodwork, give their tired hateful diatribes, and warn of the End-Times. "

table for 4 wrote on Nov 16, 2007 8:51 AM:

" Has anyone heard if they are doing a dinner show for sure in february? Great job to everyone that was involved in doing the show. This was my first show and I am so glad I went. The show was all I talked about on Monday at work. Much more fun that going to a bar. "

PKCworker wrote on Nov 16, 2007 7:17 AM:

" I went to the show it was the best, Although mom was ill and grandmother couldn't make it we all had a GREAT time, Happy and PROUD to be able to attend these things here in North Dakota, Feb 16th we all will be there after getting home the next day there were so many people that had wanted to attend, but have promised they will in Feb. Jenessa your the best, I was so Proud of the big turn out. "

harpua wrote on Nov 16, 2007 5:49 AM:

" I'm sure this show had to be just Fabulous! "

Cali wrote on Nov 16, 2007 12:46 AM:

" I AM SO BEYOND EXCITED TO SEE THIS STORY AND THE COMMENTS ON IT!!! I lived in Bismarck for a few years and attended some of Dakota Outrights events. I am so proud of Bismarck, it's finally growing up! From the shopping, to the Hooters, to the Bismarck Tribune printing this story and all the amazing people who have commented on this! Being homosexual myself I was always weary of living in Bismarck. Being back in LA being GLB or T is no different from being hetero. Kudos to you all! If I was in Bizzo I would be there in a heartbeat with a car full of friends! "

sammyhain2364 wrote on Nov 15, 2007 11:53 PM:

" I regret not going. Heard it was fun. I plan on attending the next one. "

To: Bismarck wrote on Nov 15, 2007 8:11 PM:

" Welcome to the 21st century! Or make that the 20th century! I used to be homophobic until my beautiful, sensitive, daughter moved to San Francisco. Now my opinion is that gay relationships seem to be more solid, long-lasting, and faithful than what is going on with heteros stuck in horrible marriages...or long since divorced. Give these people the rights they deserve! "

to southpark wrote on Nov 15, 2007 5:21 PM:

" Southpark is entertaining? "

down south wrote on Nov 15, 2007 4:02 PM:

" I was invited to attend this but at the time I was sick. Hopefully the next one I will attend with my daughter and her partner and also my aunt wants to go. Having lived in Northern California it should be alot of fun. "

Southpark wrote on Nov 15, 2007 2:59 PM:

" Drag queens are entertaining?????? clearly Bismarck is bored. "

Captain Crunch wrote on Nov 15, 2007 12:04 PM:

" Maybe they should apply at Hooters. "

I like boys wrote on Nov 15, 2007 11:32 AM:

" I opened my paper the other day and saw a picture of janessa. All I could do was laugh. YOU GO GURL! "

California wrote on Nov 15, 2007 11:31 AM:

" I came back for a visit and thought I was in Sanfrancisco again!!??? Never thought in a million years this would go over in Bismarck. "

i was there wrote on Nov 15, 2007 11:28 AM:

" I was at the show and all of the performers were hot. Janessa was so funny and I cant wait for the next one in Feb. I love all the events Dakota out right puts on. The subaru boys were hot too. "

Double Nickels wrote on Nov 15, 2007 11:23 AM:

" II can’t believe that people in this town are “anit- Hooters” and they support stuff like this. I don’t personally care either way but really I think a drag queen show is worse than women with tank tops and shorts serving you a meal. This town is too full of old prudes!!! "

ill wrote on Nov 15, 2007 11:00 AM:

" I am floored and thrilled by the outpouring of support in the comments on this page. Congrats, ND, and welcome to the 21st Century. I'm actually proud of you! And I have to admit, surprised. Thank you, Dakota Outright, for providing a safe and accessible place for everyone to enjoy who they are. I wish I could be there to see the show. You go girls! "

23 wrote on Nov 15, 2007 10:57 AM:

" In spite of my personal beliefs, I'm going to go out on a limb and say that because drag shows just aren't my kind of thing (and also because I was working that night), I just didn't go. That's my choice. The show was funded by a private sponsor, held in a non-government building, and not being paraded in public streets or shoved in anyone's face. Go for it! Do in your own time with your own money what you please! Friends of mine attended and told me it was a lot of fun and everyone looked great. Maybe someday I'll go. However, I'm entitled to my beliefs, too -- I don't think disagreeing with or being uncomfortable with the lifestyle is wrong. And hey, as a single person, I get sick of married people talking about their spouses and showing pictures of kids all the time, too! :) "

usmcfiance05 wrote on Nov 11, 2007 4:56 PM:

" All I can say is that I had a blast! This was my first time and not my last! I am straight but I have lots of gay friends. I think there should be a change in our state in being open minded. No matter what your sexuality is your still a person...I love it and if you didn't attend you missed a GREAT show! "

thunderkitty wrote on Nov 11, 2007 4:16 PM:

" I just wanted to say I went to the show. I've been to the previous shows, but this was by far the best. I was so happy to see such an awesome turnout and I'm sure it will continue to grow. Great job Kings, Queens, and others involved, keep up the good work! "

Tina wrote on Nov 10, 2007 5:40 PM:

" I am so excited this will be my first drag show and I can't wait! "

Cin wrote on Nov 10, 2007 11:39 AM:

" This show is going to be the absolute best! I will be there for sure! Good luck to all of the performers tonight! Knock em dead! "

Can't Wait! wrote on Nov 9, 2007 5:32 PM:

" To Wholesome ND: I personally invite you to come to the event. I bet it turns out to not be the gay sex party that you have imagined in your mind... Also, I would bet you would enjoy yourself as well. How come no one mentioned the website? http://www.dakotaoutright.org They have pictures and videos showing how much fun these events actually are. Congrats to The Bismarck Tribune for writing an article that has been way past due! Bravo "

Dan wrote on Nov 9, 2007 5:16 PM:

" Thanks Tribune, Were finally coming of age and exiting the closet here in North Dakota. I want to thank everyone for all the support that is shown when we take the initiative and actually plan something fun for this sleepy town. I hope there is a new progresive place being formed here so that our young adults and everyone else finally has a reason to want to stay here in Bismarck and North Dakota "

Deb wrote on Nov 9, 2007 4:13 PM:

" OMG! I just found out about this last nite! I haven't seen a drag queen since I crossed the ND state line! KUDOS!! I can't wait to see the show!! "

Ms. Christina wrote on Nov 9, 2007 3:42 PM:

" Hello! Im Ms. Christina, and I will be performing at this weekends show! I want to thank EVERYONE who will come out to support us Queens and Kings! Just as Ms. Janessa said, "We will push buttons!" and I do promise you will be impressed! If you have never attended a Bismarck show, you should really try to make it out this Saturday, as I believe this will be the best yet! Hope to see you all! And to all the the queens/kings performing- Good luck and break a neck, I mean a leg! JUST KIDDING LADIES! Love ya! Ms. C "

ero wrote on Nov 9, 2007 2:39 PM:

" hahahaha oh man my stomach hurts...its just too funny the comment from wholesome nd! you'd think people would wake up..its 2007..but i was waiting for a comment like that! thanks wholesome..i needed my daily laugh! "

MinotNDGuy wrote on Nov 9, 2007 2:20 PM:

" I will be attending the show! I will also be paying to stay in a room, eat in resaurants, buy overpriced gas, and spending money to shop in Bismarck stores this weekend. People like WholesomeND should remember that "we are everywhere", probably even in his/her own family! We are ordinary ND citizens who live, love, and laugh in this big old cold state, just like everyone else. A Gay person might be your neighbor, your doctor, nurse, lawyer, waitress, auto mechanic, or anyone else you meet any day of the week. It shouldn't be a problem if we want to have some harmless entertainment. As someone who has helped raise a lot of money for charities over the years IN DRAG, I'd like to say thank you to these fine people for putting on the show, and to the Tribune for supporting it with this respectful article. Too bad we don't have a place we can feel comfortable in any night of the week! "

Miss Janessa wrote on Nov 9, 2007 2:05 PM:

" Thank you to everyone for showing such amazing support for our shows, and I hope to see a huge crowd tomorrow night! As you can see from the comments on this article, while there are still some problems in ND (and who ever said there wasn't!) the response to our shows is highly positive and really breaks expectations about what it means to be a North Dakotan. Let's get out there and have a wonderful time, whoever you are! "

J-town gay guy wrote on Nov 9, 2007 2:02 PM:

" It's so exciting to be able to travel only 100 miles for world class entertainment! I look forward to every show, and can't wait until the next. The last Dakota Diva's show was spectacular, and there was a large straight crowd of supporters. Miss Jannessa Jaye Champagn does an excellent job both performing and with her comedy, in addition to all of the other fabulous performers! It is wonderful to have events like this that can bring people together, gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender.... AND straight! "

To wholesome wrote on Nov 9, 2007 1:38 PM:

" keep your judgement, those who judge others WILL be judged. This type of event is for those who have goodness, understanding and humor in their hearts. Thank you for printing the story Tribune. "

Cindyloo wrote on Nov 9, 2007 1:28 PM:

" I think it would be a fun night out. Years ago, I saw a show like that in Vegas and it was a lot of fun. "

Kevin wrote on Nov 9, 2007 1:25 PM:

" Wholesome -- "Those kind of shows belong in Sin City"... Well, we did hold them at The Post for the first couple of years, then at The Doublewood and after four years we are running out of space to hold these lively and entertaining shows as the audience numbers keep on growing and growing. "

Gemini wrote on Nov 9, 2007 12:14 PM:

" Just wanted to say Im so excited to be attending i cant wait to see everyone i love the drag shows its like you can just relax and have fun..yeah.... "

Wholesome ND wrote on Nov 9, 2007 11:48 AM:

" Disgusting! Those kind of shows belong in Sin City---keep them there. "

Former GF res wrote on Nov 9, 2007 11:22 AM:

" So glad to see Miss Janessa is in town! This is certain to be a great show for any audience! "

MPLS wrote on Nov 9, 2007 11:02 AM:

" I too commend the Tribune for publishing this article. It is about time that people in Western North Dakota realize that gay people exist EVERYWHERE. We are your friends, families, coworkers, etc. I lived in Bismarck for a few years, and yes it is a very conservative town. I hope that the Tribune continues to cover stories and events related to the gay community in western North Dakota. "

FUN STUFF!!! wrote on Nov 9, 2007 10:43 AM:

" I am not gay, but would like to say that this could be some hilarious entertainment if your just looking for a good laugh. I've attended other drag pageants in other states with some friends and they were so much fun..... "

becky wrote on Nov 9, 2007 9:43 AM:

" I commend the Tribune for publishing this article. It shows tremendous sensitivity towards what many view as a taboo topic. I am not easily offended by off-color humor and was extremely curious about what this event might hold, so I attended last year's show and found it very entertaining, for gays and straights alike. I'll be there again this Saturday night, as will hundreds of other people in this community who judge one another not by their sexual orientation, but by their integrity, courage, and character. "

yay wrote on Nov 9, 2007 7:19 AM:

" I am so excited to attend the show on Nov. 10th! You are so hot Jenessa. "

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