Odious Ari: West Hollywood’s first drag king laureate and their local picks

The useful part

West Hollywood's first drag king laureate, Odious Ari, gives us their city highlights. GayCities Gay Los Angeles Bars & Clubs Restaurants Bathhouses Hotels Shops Arts Gyms Beaches History Articles Odious Ari (Photo: It followed San Francisco, which elected its first Drag Laureate (D'Arcy Dollinger) a few months earlier.

How it works

• "My drag persona is a 103-year-old Vaudevillian, and he is like a mascot of West Hollywood, representing their support of drag culture, playing songs, emceeing, and advocating for Vaudevillian rights." How...
• West Hollywood's City Arts and Cultural Affairs Commission was involved in the selection process, and the city chose drag queen Pickle in 2023.
• Supplied) "I have been performing as my drag character at various events produced by the City of West Hollywood for about 15 years," Ari told GayCities.
• "They have an absolutely amazing arts department, and I am a grateful recipient of many opportunities and resources to perform.
• View this post on Instagram A post shared by WeHo Rainbow District (@rainbowdistrictweho).

What to take from it

"I get to perform up to 15 times a year at West Hollywood events, and I also can propose projects and events," Ari told GayCities. I am not a usual suspect, maybe, as I don't perform traditional drag numbers—I don't lipsync and dance. I write songs and music, so most of my performances have some element of original music.

Example or evidence

• Revolver is another one that is smaller, and you never know what you're going to get in a good way.
• If you want bigger names, then try Beaches Tropicana." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Beaches Tropicana (@beachestropicanaweho).
• View this post on Instagram A post shared by Guisados (@guisados) Go to Irv's Burgers for a burger, shake, or hot dog.
• It is a walk-up restaurant with an interesting history that goes back to 1946.

Details worth keeping

Supplied) Did you know West Hollywood has a Drag Laureate? The city council elected its first individual to the role in June 2023. Hollywood and raise awareness of drag culture.

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• Hesaiddallas: If you love a good drag showdown, the next few days have your name written all over them.