Orange & Blue Magazine // Fall 2003 // Dude Looks Like Lady
Main       Briefs Features


 

Sometimes, getting ready for work can be a real drag.

By VANESSA EVANS  

It's not easy being beautiful. Just ask Gainesville's favorite drag queen, Lady Pearl. The glamorous entertainer devotes her time and energy to being the unique diva who brings drag shows to the University Club on West University Avenue every Thursday.

Pearl spends a good hour making herself up to become the colorful performer and host of the show.

"I do it because it's fun. It's all humor," says Pearl. "I like to let people know that they shouldn't take everything so seriously."

Lady Pearl loves what she does. (Photo by Nicole Marek)

Lady Pearl shares the essentials of how to become a first-rate drag queen.

Pearl wears size 12 shoes.

"In shoes I look for fashion, style, glitter and loveliness," says Pearl.

"When I shop for dresses I want a dress that's not going to make me look like a football player."

"It's all about nickel rigging, honey." Pearl admits she bargain shops for her gowns at flea markets and discount stores.

Pearl owns 300 dresses.

Pearl owns 30 wigs. All are different colors and styles.

Pearl learned to apply makeup by looking through magazines and watching other people. "You learn what looks good and what doesn't."

Essentials are "fake eyelashes, fingernails and good, strong duct tape."

Favorite makeup brands are Mac for foundation, eye shadow and lip-gloss, and Coty for face powder, "best one on the market girl!"

What does it take to become a good drag queen?

"A good Gainesville Green joint, a good Crown and Coke and a good wig, honey, and we're ready.”

Produced by Brian Murray and Zachary Sipp
Check out Glowgirl.com for tips on wearing corsets, pantyhose and lingerie, how to exit a car properly, secrets to great make-up and more.
Visti the homepage of one of the most famous drag queens of all time at Rupaul.com.