Lady Bunny is perhaps best known as the larger than life drag queen that put Wig Stock on the map. The blonde bombshell has been best friends with RuPaul for more than 30+ years and frequently makes guest appearances on the TV show “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” She regularly mentors real women in need of a drag makeover on RuPaul’s spin off show “Drag U.” And her lady lesson segments offer empowering tips for women on everything from hair and makeup to finding the right fitting unmentionables. Think of her as Violet Crawley, the dowager Countess of dragdom with brash hair and an even brassier mouth. This wise cracking, sharp-tongued queen is an underground legend and her song parodies on the web are fan favorites. She frequently hosts regular club nights in her hometown of New York City and her Emcee and Disc jockey skills are in demand across the country.
And now she’s coming to Pittsburgh. Bunny plans to return to the town she spent time in as a young child to host a master class in bingo on Sunday, April 28 when she pulls balls (pun intended) for Xtreme Bingo, a fundraiser for The Animal Rescue League and Delta Foundation of Pittsburgh.
Bunny warns her fans; “This isn’t your grandma’s bingo or even your momma’s bingo!” She promises plenty of surprises. “Its racy, demented B comedy. I’m sort of outlandish and kooky, bordering on tacky. I’m like a thinner, classier Honey Boo Boo.”
Xtreme Bingo will be loud, tacky, and I hope a little suspect. Maybe we’ll have a booty bump lightning round, or strippers, or a sing-a-long! I like to have fun and I love to give the people what they want.”
When asked how she keeps her legs in such great shape, her response without missing a beat was, “nightly leg lifts darling; each night I lift one leg behind each ear.” (cue rim shot sound in your head.)
Lady Bunny admitted that she has recently taken to calling herself Lady Bunion after breaking her toe prior to an appearance in Miami. “I don’t know if I’ll be able to wear my signature heels when I come to Pittsburgh, but I still plan on putting on a great show even in flats, so look out Pittsburgh, let’s have a Kiki!”
When asked her about plans to return to reality TV on “Drag U,” she said “nothing has been confirmed yet, but I would love it.” It’s been three amazing years and I would love to return to either show. You know, “Drag U” is a different energy because it’s not a competition. It is a more relaxed atmosphere. The drag queens are there to inspire and lift up women. It’s about empowering these women and making them beautiful.”
When asked about her take on three of Pittsburgh’s own drag queens Sharon Needles, Alaska, and Billy Porter, she said, “I’m a huge Sharon Needles fan. She and Alaska and I have the same sort of aesthetic, and we are a little kooky and demented. I know that they both are a little out there with their gimmicks. They both are just slightly off center and I respond to that because that’s who I am as well. Sharon’s so sharp and quick. I remember being introduced to her and we both bonded instantly over our love of the transgender performance artist Jane County. That Alaska is something else too, and I just love her and love watching her on Drag Race.”
When asked about Alaska’s impersonation of her on the show she commented, “I haven’t seen the entire episode yet, but I sure wish I were as skinny as that bitch.”
Although Bunny hasn’t yet seen Billy Porter on Broadway as drag queen “Lola” in Kinky Boots she said, “Billy Porter can sing his ass off. I met him once in New York and I will never forget it. I love that man. We met through some mutual friends on the pier in New York and it was just a perfect afternoon. He is one sister who can sing.”
She continued, “I actually have ties to Kinky Boots—the movie. When it first came out Disney hired me to go to London to give interviews about drag. I can’t wait to see the musical. Drag has come a long way. It is so much more accessible now.”
Thanks to Divine, Lady Bunny, and RuPaul, drag continues to evolve and go mainstream. “Jackie Beat is Joan Rivers main joke writer on the show Fashion Police and for specialty shows like the red carpet Oscar events, so drag really is everywhere. I’m thrilled to be a part of it,” she said.
So what’s next for the drag diva? She will be featured in “The Out List” an upcoming project on HBO by Ellen DeGeneres . Also look for her in RuPaul’s new video for the song “Lollipop”
Catch Lady Bunny live at Xtreme Bingo on Sunday April 28. Tickets are $20 in advance, $30 at the door at pittsburghpride.org/tickets.
