Pridefest in Milwaukee, Wis., started with rain and fog all day June 10, although there were plenty of rainbows to be found in this annual event. With bands and entertainment acts playing on eight stages, along with booth after booth of items to browse, there was plenty to do on this three-day excursion. Dance fans could boogie all day at pavilion designated for clubbers or brush up on their LGBT history in a separate museum.
RuPaul's drag queens from Logo TV provided intros from lip-syncing to comedy before the main event hit the stage. Mo'Nique's friend, Ivy, performed a rendition of her stand-up act before the Oscar-winning actress/comedian—looking much thinner—strutted out to the screaming crowd.
Mo'Nique said that she felt like "Diana Ross in Central Park in the Rain" before launching into a tirade on the Bible versus homosexuality. The comedian was clearly pro-LGBT, admiring her gay brothers for tackling anal sex. This was was a show for adults, with references to exploding blowjobs and a mouth that would make a sailor blush. She confessed that one of her young twins has a tendency to wear dresses and mentioned the support her family gives him.
She ended the show by performing a wedding ceremony marrying LGBT and drag-queen couples together on the stage; many onlookers had tears. For next year's festivities keep your eyes on www.pridefest.com .
Among the many other performers at Pridefest were LeAnn Rimes, Chely Wright, Salt-n-Pepa and gay Israeli singer Ivri Lider.
Text and pictures by Jerry Nunn
