June 28th marks Mexico City’s 30th annual gay pride march (and my first “pride” in Mexico City).
The march starts at the Angel de Independencia in the Zona Rosa and ends at the Zócalo, where free musical and theatrical performances will take place on the main stage. These shows were coordinated by lesbian activist Martha Cuevas. A full description of artistic events can be found (in Spanish) at http://eventoslgbt.blogspot.com/. The schedule is tentative, and I will update this post as I know more.
2:15–Avenida Q
Excerpts from the Mexican production of the hit musical, Avenue Q, currently staring openly gay former Rebelde member, Christian Chávez. I’m ashamed to say I’ve never seen the English or Spanish versions of this show, though I hear it’s fabulous.
2:30–Grupo Destino
2:45–Hijas de Safo (Saffo’s Daughters)
This trio of lady performers do a very campy song and dance routine, each parodying a lesbian or Mexican architype (a machota in a leather jacket, a cowgirl, Adelita…). The photo below does not do their live performance justice. For those who don’t speak Spanish, a lot of the jokes go by very quickly, but the visual theatricality is charming, even for those who can’t keep up. (I include myself in that last category.)
3:00–Foreños
I know nothing about this group, except what I read on the pride events blog (link above) and from their own website, but Foreños appears to be a gay, rachero boy band. Need I say more?
3:15–Las Reinas Chulas
This group of lesbian performers are based out of the Coyoacán performance venue El Vicio (formerly El Hábito). I have been meaning to go to one of their shows for the past two years, and shame on me for not yet doing so. I’ve only heard good things.
3:30–Regina Orozco
This comic singer is a gay icon in Mexico. Think Bette Midler, but with opera.
3:45–Oracio Franco
4:00–This time slot is reserved for “political discourse” which involves inviting gay activists and political figures to the stage. As of yet, no specific names have been offered.
4:15–Raquel Bigorra
4:30–Tito Vasconcelos
This gay actor and activist is a bit of a Mexico City legend. In addition to having a long career as an actor, perform, and theater teacher, Tito Vasconcelos is the entrepeneur behind the successful Cabaretito chain of gay clubs. Not only have his clubs been hard by the recent gentrification of the Zona Rosa, but Vasconcelos himself was arrested for trumped up charges, punishment for not playing along with police and city officials.
4:45–Sissa
I can’t seem to find a website for this performer, a drag artist and “sophisticated androgine” who has appeared in Rent (I’m assuming the Mexican production) and other musicals and dance performances. Anyone know more information?
5:05–Astrid Hadad
Another living legend. Her website gives this musician and performance artist a good taste of her style. (Also, I was fascinated by the design of her website.)
5:30–Susana Zabaleta
This rock singer will be crowned “queen” of this year’s pride celebration.
5:45–Ari Borovoy
6:00–Amandititita
Amandititita is a player in the current wave of what I would call Mexican electroclash (think Casio beats with more traditional Mexican instruments layered in, with rapping/shouting/singing vocals delivering bratty vocals on top of that). I have never seen her, but hear she puts on a good show.
Footage of the backstage of last year’s pride stage is posted below:
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TEWi4o7kn6E&hl=en]