Kimberly Firestine

Kimberly Firestine Dr. Joe Stahlman outside the Seneca Iroquois National Museum "Why do I have to ask more than once?" This question, prompted by Dr. Joe Stahlman -- a Tuscarora man who serves as director of the Seneca Nation Tribal Historical Preservation Office, the Seneca Iroquois National Museum and the Onöhsagwë:de' Cultural Center --  refers to the ongoing issue Native Americans face of having to constantly remind others they are not mascots or peoples of the past.

As the pandemic continues, the entertainment industry is struggling to keep afloat with constant shutdowns and some permanent closures of venues. The necessary COVID-19 mitigations have put a stop to most live events in the United States. Born and raised in Erie, Shea D'Heaux (Jemmerio Harper) – a fresh face in Erie's drag scene – is just starting her career and is hoping to soon be able to introduce herself to bigger stages.

Rebecca Mae (aka Tom Widdowson) has been performing professionally for three years. From hosting drag brunches at Bourbon Barrel to performing at the Zone Dance Club, there was no shortage of entertainment provided by her and other Erie queens to Erie's LGBTQIA+ community. The story hasn't been the same since Rebecca's last event in early 2020 at Resolution Night Club.