LA-native Samara Goodman writes, creates, and performs in total celebration of the unabashed, unchained, and unashamed. With a background in journalism and publishing, it was ultimately Samara’s obsession with drag and burlesque that led her to nightlife reporting. Since 2017, Samara has profiled dozens of artists and performers, capturing their distinct, often unacknowledged impact on queer culture. Considering her work to be archival, Samara documents the current, powerful, ever-fleeting queer consciousness.

RECENT WORK

Category is: High School History Day, Individual Performance. Appearing in the illusion of British Abolitionist William Wilberforce, she takes the stage (I like to imagine) in a sculpted honey-blonde bob. Her first time performing, 15 years old, she chews every word and spits out the competition. Thrilling. Not the last time she would do so. She’s come a long way since History Day. That’s our friend, Judy…

MY GOOD JUDY: Arkansas angel to lip sync assassin

QUEEN OUT (VERB): To behave in an overly flamboyant way; hilariously topical buddy comedy starring LA drag staples

When historic LA drag bar Redline suddenly announced it would be closing its doors after nine years in operation, socialites Annie Biotixx and Lorelei knew they had to find a never-before-seen way to showcase their love of drag, deep theater education, and dynamic duet. Inspired by real-life events and in a comedic act of resistance against the external forces causing queer spaces across the country to shutdown, the two wrote a variety show intended to be a farewell to their home bar.

A NEW SOFTCORE: Derek Viveiros’ “Möther’s Creme Diaries”

Halloween night. Downtown Los Angeles. A scary, sexy chill fills the air. We see Monica– your not-so-average, ditzy ex-housewife, desperate to sell her haunted estate. But, alas, nothing (and no one) comes so easily in the Diaries. Suddenly, our Monica is being filmed. And as the camcorder pans to our leading lady, she’s getting the LA handshake– a fist right up her ass…

MISS SUGARTANK: Avalon, through the mist

One night a month, drag’s fiercest and most fashionable walk among mortals, inviting fans, friends — drag aesthetes and amateurs — to step through the mist of Avalon and play in their world. For those weighed down by their desk jobs and caged by their cubicles, Sugartank is a return to the frivolous. Unabashed creativity and childlike wonder. It’s a taste of something sweet, once again. But just a taste, you don’t want to get a sugar rush.

I had only taken a few steps into Precinct — “Excuse me! Can I have a House of Love cocktail, straight up,” when spotted someone strange from across the bar. Squinting through her blinding light, I stood dazzled. Yes, by her beauty, but mostly by the indescribable nerve it took LA drag artist Bohenne Arreaux to bring a ginormous (incredibly flattering) flashbulb to the drag show. Nothing YUQ about good lighting…

I WANT HAUS (OF YUQ): Young Underpaid Queers in a crowded scene

What defines SoCal queer nightlife? Beyond our vocal fry and general disinterest, what defines our scene? Who is, like, sooo Cal!? Through my reporting on queer nightlife and the greater LGBTQ+ community, I have noticed a general lack of coverage of local drag scenes and their defining artists. “Who is, Like, Sooo Cal?” is a space for local performers and community members to explore regional talent and culture.

WHO IS LIKE SoooCAL?: Celebrating the best in SoCal queer nightlife

Through my reporting on Boston queer nightlife and the greater LGBTQ+ community, I have noticed a general lack of coverage on local drag scenes and the performers and culture that define queer New England. “What is Boston Drag?” is a space for local performers and community members to explore and understand their own regional culture and local talent. The following is a compilation of interviews completed over one year.

WHAT IS BOSTON DRAG: Celebrating the best in New England queer nightlife

WEEKNIGHT OUT: “Judy's Cabaret” and Dionysia's “Born This Day”

Considering Wednesday nights are perfect for sitting alone in my room, last week was a rarity for me. But with two new shows to cover in one night, I was excited to put down my knitting, my book, and my broom for a drag double feature of mother-monster proportions…