Drag queens to talk to teens at library

The Evanston Public Library’s Teen Gender and Sexuality Alliance will host two Chicago drag queens at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 11, at the library’s teen Loft.

Alexis Bevels and Muffy Fishbasket will talk about drag artistry, how they explore exaggerated versions of gender through art and how they have achieved success in the Chicago drag scene. Attendees will learn about the art and adventure of being a drag performer and how these performers have achieved success through passion and authenticity. 

The Gender and Sexuality Alliance was started in an attempt to reach out to teens with non-binary sexual and gender identities, or those who are questioning. 

“There really is no queer space in Evanston outside of the school’s gay/straight alliances,” says event organizer Kevin Kelley. “We want to provide that safe space for teens, and we’re letting them know that we are here for them.”

Muffy Fishbasket’s performance has been referred to as a mix of Madeline Kahn confusion and Mae West camp — which fits because she’s done her best to steal both of their acts.

She has trained in circus arts at the Actors Gymnasium and Trapeze School New York and performs regularly at The Call, Uptown Underground,  Campit Resort, Second City and the House of Blues as well as being a featured entertainer at Steppenwolf, NPR and a Headliner at Austin International Drag Fest.

Alexis Bevels is a scooter riding, roller skating, tap dancing and live singing performer who’s described as having a head of air and a heart of gold.