TWO SISTERS

Sad news as two more Queens head off and up to entertain in Fabulon.

Gina Germaine, one's of NYC's most outrageous club denizens throughout the 80's and 90's has headed off to Fabulon.  I don't know exactly when she hit the town, but I do know at almost 7' she was all glamourpuss. I can recall seeing her at on the scene when I visited NYC quite often to hit the town with my good friend and sister , David Dust. Gina was one of Sally's Hideaway's stars, where we saw her alongside the likes of Dorian Corey, Carmen and Monica Xtravaganza, Octavia St Laurent and Consuela Comsetica. Once, I recall we were out and wound up at some straight party where they were holding a Ivana Trump look-a-alike runway show. Gina with her French twist and bangs won the category easily. She toured all the time with Suzanne Bartsch. Gina loved her furs and designer duds. I don't recall her ever not glammed up. She was also funny as hell and put on quite a show in her business attire once at the Green Room. Gina's signature number to lip synch to was Phoebe Snow's sultry Teach Me Tonight. The thing was Gina always dressed and lived as a woman even before a transition. And over the top. She lived her life on her own terms, with no regrets and very loudly...decades before trans people were more accepted.

And joining Gina this week is also the fabulous Agosto Machado. Another big loss for NYC's avant-garde set.

Alway illusive about his age, he grew up in an orphanage and cut his teeth in the 1950's as a street kid in Greenwich Village. From there he fully immersed himself in NYC'S downtown scene along with the like of Holly Woodlawn, Candy Darling and other creatures of the night. As time went on, Agosto became a drag elder, continuing to collaborate on creative projects and sharing mementos of the past. One of his amazing shrines that he designed and dedicated to gone but not forgotten friends is currently part of the Whitney Museum's biennial. Agosto was a contemporary of drag legend Ethyl, the Andy Warhol set fixture and was even voted in as a NYC member of the sensational San Francisco drag troupe, The Cockett's I featured here before. Agosto was also a street queen who socialized with Marsha P Johnson, and as an activist, Agosto joined forces with Sylvia Rivera, Marsha and more in the GAA. This was before pre-Stonewall honey. Much later in recent years, the art world took note of his legacy, and he was included in several fancy exhibitions of his style, art and activism. I recall seeing him once enjoying a drink in the Village at Julius's. At the time had no idea who he was but enjoyed the then story and exchange we had. David Dust had to fill me in on just who he was. He even attended two of David Dust's gay pride house parties in the 90's which would be packed in like a sardine can. So when an older queen wants to talk to you youngin's listen up!! You just may learn a thing and talk to history. Agosto Machado certainly made his mark for generations. And in drag circles, Agosto has always been described in hushed tones of reverence.

Rest in peace Sisters