GRANDE DAME...IN MEMORY, MISS BISCUIT

I know what your thinking. With a name like Miss Biscuit she is just bound to be a riot.

 

 And you would be correct, that she was. It is with heartfelt sorrow to the local drag community and those in other parts of Pennsylvania that I got word just today this institution of Harrisburg passed away. Miss Biscuit had been putting a brave fight to illness for some time. I thought it fitting to change my other choice for today...to Biscuit. Anyone who met Biscuit or knew her ,would tell you she loved life and lived every minute. She was full of life and herself....always a prankster, smart mouth, could get a foul mouth, and had a sense of humor bigger than Harrisburg itself. When she  emceed a show as hostess, you just knew hilarity would ensue, and the show would take a right turn, and her performances were often very funny, usually picking good standards, country ditties, and even performed a full production once of the song Lil' Bitty Pissant Country Place from the Best Little Whore House, where she portrayed Mona Stangley. Probably very appropriate for that whore. As funny as she was, she was always one to count on for any show to raise money, and probably tens of thousands she did, for various charities. She hosted the gay bingo night, her own shows, and did much with the Harrisburg Pride committee. What I liked best about her besides her personality, was she didn't take drag so serious and get caught up in the pageant drama. She was what a true queen should be and do. When I existed doing drag on a regular basis, I passed some wigs and some of my huge baubles on to her. Some of my ear rings weighed what bookends did, so I knew she could pull them off. And what a foul dirty mouth she could get too. She was quite the handful. Like the Mistress, she was fond of the men. I can remember one night, she made us all clear out of the bar, so her and a gentleman could use the pool table!!!!!  Biscuit is also responsible for my love of the South American Mens!!!! At a after party she had one night, she pushed me into the arms of Pablo, from Argentina. I couldn't tell you fours things he said in his swayed back accent, but trust me gurls, A LOVLEY TIME WAS HAD. Ever since then I have loved Peruvian, Brazilian, Argentina, Dominican, Colombian, you name it!  Thank you Biscuit! And boy.....could that bitch drink!!!!!! I can remember us doing shots on night...shot for shot. Course I was doing lemon drops...she- either whiskey or tequila. or some nights both!!!! My sister Mame, aka David Dust, probably gave me my education in drinking though, but Biscuit could match me all night- drink for drink. But deep down Biscuit was everybody's friend, was open and welcoming to everybody, and was an awfully nice and sweet person. Now she may rest next to her partner Flo Hymen, up on that great stage, as the Lady of the Club takes her exit.

 

Good night dear.

Grande Dame of the Week

Harrisburg's pride and joy, the hilarious Miss Biscuit!



Miss Biscuit is a wonderfully entertaining queen who just happens to be from my hometown of Harrisburg ,Pennsylvania. On our trip recently to Harrisburg, Miss Biscuit WAS the gay pride parade. She looked spectacular with her red flame gown and entourage of boys. Miss Biscuit has been a fixture in town for quite some time now and is probably, I'd say one of two Grande Dames in the Burg. She always has a highly entertaining show, filled with wonderful numbers, lots of humor, and one hell of a good emcee. And she doesn't take herself seriously, she is there to have a good time like everyone else. And she does it all for the good. Biscuit is always in for any show that will benefit some kind of charity or to support other queens with their endeavors. It was a huge loss when Biscuit announced she was moving to Florida years ago. The drags threw her one hell of a good-bye show, and the Mistress parted with her favorite earrings as a good bye gift to her. But Biscuit came back to Harrisburg a couple years later and has remained ever since. And has she come a long way. What a beauty and a heart of gold! Harrisburg is lucky to have a diva like Biscuit! Biscuit can be seen in various shows around town and on Wednesdays at the 704 Strawberry Cafe for gay bingo night! We love ya girl!

And the Ladies of the Club

The other day I was talking to a friend of mine from my hometown of Harrisburg,and a drag queens name came up. So, we cackled about all the drag queens we knew over the years. Harrisburg in the past has always been a big drag town. The queens there were always very close knit and like a group of sisters. Whether you were in the pageants or just a scenester queen,they welcomed you with open arms. Together they also formed one powerful money machine ,raising money for all kinds of charities. Many of the queens I knew have since moved on to other cities since they became more popular, but a couple remain in Harrisburg. I always considered myself open minded,and was lucky to know all these divas. While I was only a drag personality,I can appreciate what goes into the artform of the transformation. I give it up to these girls for all there hard work and talent over the years for what they have done for our communities. I know a few people who don't like drag, but I find it just adds another dose of spice to the community and the night life. Without variety, life would be just boring! So I honor Harrisburg's Ladies of the Club!

Dame Glenda-Glenda is probably currently the most popular queen in Harrisburg right now. She is also the winner of miss congeniality and is always so gracious and friendly to everyone. Your always greeted with a smile when she sees you. Every time when I'm home to visit she always stops to say Hi. Glenda is also quite a performer and is famous for her cartwheels! She has also been a pillar in the gay community raising over $400,000 since on the scene for all kinds of charities, AIDS research,and Pride Festival funds.I love Philly night life,but when were out here it just isn't the same without Glenda here. She definitely adds spice to the bars and clubs of Harrisburg!


Miss Biscuit-I can't remember when Biscuit arrived on the scene. She has been around some time now and is very popular with her humor,jokes and antics during the shows. She came in the scene through Michelle Leigh Sterling. Biscuit's image has under gone many "looks" and is now fine tuned into the beauty before you. She started out emceeing the shows and is now one hilarious entertainer. She is also one of the bar tenders at the neighborhood bar The Strawberry Cafe,where she serves up cock-a-tails with a bunch of laughs and as put on many a show for gay related charities,Toys for Tots,and funds for the annual Pride Festival. She is one of my favorites.






Michelle Leigh Sterling- Michelle is someone who I get to see from time to time and has also been in the scene for quite awhile. Michelle has come a long way baby,and is now one of the well known divas of Harrisburg,although she is not there regularly. Michelle gives a powerhouse performance and her costumes are all handmade,by hand.Like the others, she was also a pass Miss Harrisburg and Pennsylvania and has won a ton of other titles under her belt and now is "coaching" future queens for the pageant circuit. Michelle has also made a name for herself in Maryland and Florida.



Ito Lame'-Ito is probably the Grande Diva of Harrisburg. She has been around since I came out in 91' and has been entertaining the Harrisburg scene since 1989. In 1992 she won the title of Miss Gay Pennsylvania,one of the first in the state. She is very well known in the Harrisburg scene with the gay and straight communities. She has been to state dinners,political fundraisers,and is seen all over town at clubs, restaurants,and the popular haunts as Ito. She is one of the best hair stylist in the area and has a who's who client list for her salon. She also has done many show to benefit local Aids and other related LGBT-charities. She is also one of the friendliest people you'll ever meet. I can remember her talking to everyone in the club just to see how there doing. She is always cool and elegant in and out of the club. And boy,as she thrown many good parties. She is definitely the hostess with the mostess!




Starr Powers- Brad has been doing illusion as Starr Powers for close to 16 years and recently resigned from the drag scene. In the day Starr put on a hell of a show. His costumes were over the top,like showgirl proportions. Starr was also Miss Gay Harrisburg, Miss Gay Pennsylvania, and Miss DC among other titles. And Starr was always there for everyone and very well liked. He used to do a very funny skit as Lucille Ball and looked just like her. Brad is still in Harrisburg and bar tends at a popular neighborhood bar-Strawberry Cafe. When I visit home I usually get to see him which is always fun.



Poison- Poison is one beautiful queen,and can she tear a stage up. Poison has been around some time and still performs at charity benefits and Harrisburg's Pride Festival. She has also held many titles in and around town. Poison is also a accomplished choreographer and can do a hell of a routine! Simply beautiful.



Champagne Douglas was always one of my favorite girls in Harrisburg. She lives in Baltimore ,but entertained in Harrisburg for years back then. She is very talented and now designs gowns for queens running for Miss Gay America's going to the pageants.



Last but not least is Ingenue! I met her in 2000. She hit the floor running and was always good for a party or two. Unfortunately she wasn't in Harrisburg long. She moved to Baltimore where she went on to be Miss Gay Maryland and has been entertaining ever since!