Tag Archives: queer berlin

A benefit for Berlin’s only Gay-Inclusive Rugby Team, the Berlin Bruisers!

Lola Rose at Violet Variete Benefit for Berlin Bruisers by Suzanne Forbes April 14 2019Sometime soon I’m gonna go draw the Berlin Bruisers actually playing rugby.Ben Meachum at Violet Variete Benefit for Berlin Bruisers by Suzanne Forbes April 12 2019

But first, I drew the fabulous performers at a benefit for the Bruisers, who are Berlin’s only gay-inclusive rugby team. The annual benefit is called Violet Varieté, and was held at epic queer nightclub and party space Schwuz. That’s beautiful Lola Rose, above!

On the left, comedian Ben Meachum, in his latex wrestling singlet 🙂

The event was hosted by legends of queer Berlin, Gieza Poke and Liliana Velásquez! Two of the hardest-working performers in town, they have contributed their talents to this fundraiser for years.

“I love to draw Liliana,” I said to her dear friend Fannie Headaek, “she has the elegant lines of a fighting swan.”Liliana Velasquez at Violet Variete Benefit for Berlin Bruisers by Suzanne Forbes April 10 2019

Does that make sense? I don’t know, but I stand by it! And check out co-host Gieza Poke!

Is Pansexual Pleasure Goddess Gieza’s outfit a yellow plaid bustier and plaid booty shorts topped with a yellow plaid cape with power shoulders and a yellow tam o’shanter fascinator? Yes, yes it is. Fucking amazing.Gieza Poke at Violet Variete Benefit for Berlin Bruisers by Suzanne Forbes April 12 2019

Also performing was The Darvish, an elegant neo-bellydancer.The Darwish at Violet Variete Benefit for Berlin Bruisers by Suzanne Forbes April 12 2019

Dunja, an incredible Guinness World Record setting hula hooper, (see below!) as Mia Wallace!Dunja at Violet Variete Benefit for Berlin Bruisers by Suzanne Forbes April 12 2019

And Evilyn Frantic, muse of Dr. Sketchys Berlin, who I have drawn many times before, but never while she was moving!Evilyn Frantic at Violet Variete Benefit for Berlin Bruisers by Suzanne Forbes April 13 2019

Plus Nana Schewitz, another local legend!

Nana Schewitz at Violet Variete Benefit for Berlin Bruisers by Suzanne Forbes April 12 2019Here’s some of the Bruisers in uniform, on the dance floor before the show!Berlin Bruisers at Violet Variete Schuz April 10 2019 by Suzanne Forbes

And here is Feline and Strange, with my beloved Friend-Muse-Patron Rah Hell on drums!Feline and Strange at Violet Variete Schuz April 10 2019 by Suzanne Forbes

Thanks to the Bruisers for inviting me! And always, my heartfelt gratitude to my Patrons, who crowdfund my documentary art project of a queer feminist intersectional lens on Berlin life! You can help, with any amount you like per month, a dollar or euro is great ?

My Patrons on Patreon give monthly financial support which allows me to make this free documentary art available for all to share.

And enjoy witnessing Dunja setting one of her hula hoop Guinness World Records!!!!

 

The Shimmy Shake Show at Ballhaus Berlin, with Scotty the Blue Bunny!

Scotty the Blue Bunny at Shimmy Shake Show Ballhaus Berlin March 24 2019 by Suzanne ForbesYou can never really get used to the sight of a very tall, loud, slightly drunk gay man in a glittering velvet bunny suit.

As often I as see, and draw, Scotty the Blue Bunny performing, there is still a pleasant frisson of shock at just how much blue bunny he is. Even in flats!

The beauty below is La Viola Vixen, mâitresse of Shimmy Shake School.

La Viola Vixen at Shimmy Shake Show Ballhaus Berlin March 24 2019 by Suzanne ForbesThis was my first time making it to the Shimmy Shake Show, which features students, graduates and teachers from Berlin burlesque school The Shimmy Shake School. It is held at the beautiful vintage venue Ballhaus Berlin, where I go multiple times a year for Dr. Sketchy’s Berlin.

You can call the bar to order a drink with the antique telephones on the tables, though the bar is always too busy to bring you a beverage when I’ve been there!

As you can see, the audience members were dressed for the show.Attendee at Shimmy Shake Show Ballhaus Berlin March 24 2019 by Suzanne Forbes

I was invited to draw at the show by Shimmy Shake teacher La Loba Lucía, who I became a mad fan of after I saw her perform at Extravagant Shambles. She is the most leonine, ferocious, superheroic burlesque performer I have seen so far. Drawings of her act coming soon!

Meanwhile, here is another instructor, Anja Pavlova, performing a ballet-like burlesque that had a rococo Rites-of-Spring feel!

Anja Pavlova at Shimmy Shake Show Ballhaus Berlin March 24 2019 by Suzanne ForbesAnd here is Cadbury Parfait, who produces Extravagant Shambles.

I have been invited to draw at Extravagant Shambles several times now and really love the crew.

Cadbury Parfait at Shimmy Shake Show Ballhaus Berlin March 30 2019 by Suzanne ForbesI also know Stella Von Fersen, seen below as a pearl emerging from satin oyster fans, from the Shambles.Stella von Fersen at Shimmy Shake Show Ballhaus Berlin March 24 2019 by Suzanne Forbes

There was a Neo-burlesque duet, below, that was passionate and lovely, Adèle Meta Morphosis is the dancer.Duet at Shimmy Shake Show Ballhaus Berlin March 24 2019 by Suzanne Forbes

And btw, check out Scott’s beautiful gay portrait sanctuary, Love Gay People, here.

Lots of love to my beautiful Patrons on Patreon, who make it possible for me to document Berlin’s queer intersectional burlesque scene and release the artwork free to all!