MURRAY

 Drag encompasses many forms other then just gay boys dressing in drag. Let's not forget about drag kings. While not as strong in number as drag queens, there are some talented kings out there, and one of my hands down favorites is the hilarity of Murray Hill.

 I just adore his drag persona right down to his mannerisms. Just looking at him makes me chuckle like when I look to two of my favorite comedians. Jackie Gleason or Rodney Dangerfield. Murray Hill is a NYC legend, comedian, host and larger then life.  Murray is renowned for his funny improv, quick wit,  and snark... and sparkly tuxedos. No doubt Murray is the cities reigning king patriarch of downtown performance. For years his Murray Hill Show  was one of the hottest tickets in town. Outside of Lady Bunny, his act is one of the funniest show I've seen. And I love how he never breaks character of his alter ego, much like Bunny, Coco Peru or Miss Richfield. Off stage Murray is one of the top gender benders and has received many a citation for his good and positive works for and with the LGBTQ community. No doubt too that Murray has helped with a resurgence of drag kings, tearing up gender norms. It was his love for Benny Hill, that he started his persona and show... and in the last decade he no longer inhabited his real name and self at least in public , and forged an individual name for himself. To me Murray was always a stand out. He's a performer with a full act-not just someone who can deliver a lip-synch number. The audience is in on the joke that Murray is actually female, but his character is so charming that his personality and sctick overrides his sexual identity.  Like so many other performers Murray has not taken to the stage with the pandemic and has been affected by this like so many other drag counterparts, but has started doing some shows on his Instagram live. Gods knows we can all use a bit of Murry Hill in our life.