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Articles by Michael L Mongera
Naples Florida Pride Pushed Indoors
By Michael Mongera A development for Naples City Pride spells alleged trouble for pride festivals this year. The Naples Pride Nonprofit Organization received imposed restrictions upon the Pride Festival for the 2025 season. The restrictions include that Drag performances must be held indoors rather than outside, no one under 18 is allowed to attend, and security detail that bloats the cost for the event to over $30,000.
Packed and Lively Halloween Events from the Zone Dance Club
by Michael Mongera The Zone Dance enjoyed a lively Halloween celebration between October 27th, October 28th, and Halloween. The three-night celebration started on a Friday with a Diva's Performance hosted by Misty Michaels Kall, featuring the divas of Erie. Next came Saturday evening, featuring a dress to impress with a costume party contest. Prizes included $50, $75, and $100 to the three best customers registered.
Debbie Does Nationals Fundraiser
by Michael Mongera The current reigning Miss Erie, Debbie, is set to compete in the National Miss Comedy Queen pageant. This March, the pageant will feature 20 other drag artists competing for the title in Orlando, Florida. To help support her trip, a fundraising benefit will be held at The Zone, 133 W 18th St, Erie, PA. The event will be hosted by Debbie's drag mother, Vivian Vendetta Sinclaire, on Friday, February 24th.
Dragula Titans Brings a Fright to Shudder
by Michael Mongera Spooky season is upon us! The drag fright fest, otherwise known as The Boulet Brothers' Dragula has announced its new All Stars series, Dragula: Titans. Ten former contestants from the current four seasons of The Boulet Brothers' Dragula, are competing to be the world's first Drag Titan. These queens will duke it out in a special "underworld" set created only for these All Stars queens who showcase Drag, Filth, Glamour and Horror.
Miss Erie Pageant 2022
by Michael Mongera Debbie is crowned Miss Erie 2022 on August 19 at The Zone. Photo by Alex Sphon. And we have a winner! 2022 Miss Erie Pageant was held on August 19th and crowned native Erie drag performer, Debbie. The 2022 Miss Erie Pageant welcomed contestants, Debbie, Snarebear, Tammy Joe Hammertoe, and Alysin Wonderland, and were judged by the distinguished panel of talent, Michelle Michaels, Molli Jane Norman, Moe Ferrara, Patrick Hiller and Justin Kelso.
RuPaul's Drag Race Star Tatiana Sweeps the Zone
by Michael Mongera Tatianna, famous for her appearances on RuPaul’s Drag Race season 2 and RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars Season 2, brought the house down with a special appearance this past October 23rd. Drag enthusiasts far and wide flocked to the Zone to watch the highly anticipated drag shows, both set at 4:30 PM and 9 PM. The event was hosted by Rebecca Mae, along with special guests such as Luna Skye and current reigning Miss Erie, Indi Skies.
Rupaul’s Drag Race star Tatianna is Coming to The Zone Dance Club!
by Michael Mongera Famous drag queen Tatianna be appearing at The Zone Dance Club,133 W 18th St, Erie PA, on October 23rd, 2021! Tatianna appeared on RuPaul’s Drag Race season 2, and All Stars 2, the latter which she received runaway success. The event will be hosted by Rebecca Mae, along with special guests such as Luna Skye and Indie Skies. House cast queens such as Misty Michaels Kall, Priscilla Godzilla, Shea D’Heaux, and Pissi Gabune will also be performing.
We have a winner! 2021 Miss Erie Pageant Recap
by Michael Mongera The 2021 Miss Erie pageant was filled to the brim with local talent and a dazzling showcase. On September 10, patrons, and queens near and far flocked to the Zone Dance Club, 133 W 18th St, Erie PA, for the 20th annual Miss Erie pageant. Five queens competed for the coveted title and succeed the glamorous Rebecca Mae. This year’s theme was "Leather, Feathers, and Lace".
NW PA Pride Alliance Hosts Annual Picnic at Presque Isle
by Michael Mongera On August 14th, 2021, NW PA Pride Alliance held the 28th Annual Pride Picnic at Presque Isle. The event was located at the Rotary Pavilion, next to Beach 7. The LGBTQIA community of Erie was invited for a day of fun, friends, and food provided by the Pride Alliance. The event was also a part of 814 Day. A day dedicated to the city of Erie and the communities that make it possible.
Upcoming Events from the Zone Dance Club
by Michael Mongera These next few months are going to have show-stopping events at the Zone Dance Club! While a few months away, famous drag queen Tatianna will be appearing at the Zone Dance Club on October 23rd, 2021! Tatianna appeared on RuPaul's Drag Race season 2 and All Stars 2, the latter which she received runaway success. The event will be hosted by Rebecca Mae and special guests such as Luna Skye and Indie Skies.
Jamestown NY Pride, A Beginner's Perspective
by Michael Mongera - He/Him Michael Mongera with two friends at his first Pride event, in Jamestown NY Jamestown NY Pride kicked off at 9:30 AM, on Saturday June 12th. Numerous vendors took to Wintergarden Plaza and the Jamestown Public Market to celebrate Pride. As a first timer to a Pride event, it was reassuring to see enthusiastic crowds embrace the LGBTQIA community.
Erie Native Superstar Returns to The Zone
by Michael Mongera - He/Him On Friday, June 4th, the Zone Dance Club got a visitor from Glamatron 5000, and her name is Alaska. Erie native, and RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars 2 winner, Alaska Thunderfuck 5000, hosted a benefit show alongside Rebecca Mae for Erie's Zone Dance Club. Two separate shows were held during the evening. Each sold out within a day of the event's listing. The Zone saw a massive crowd for the two separate performances.
A Pride Flag of Progress
by Michael Mongera - He/Him The newly updated pride flag showcases the LGBTQIA's mission to include and represent the community. As a long-standing symbol of the LGBTQIA community, the Rainbow flag has seen many iterations to include all facets of our community. The newest rendition includes the intersex pride symbol. The intersex flag itself features a yellow channel with a purple circle to represent those who identify as intersex individuals.
New Events for the Zone Dance Club
by Michael Mongera Erie's number one gay bar is getting back into the groove, one sequin at a time. Amidst the seemingly tail end of an unprecedented pandemic, the Zone is bringing the queens out of quarantine, with two new events! Rebecca Mae is now hosting weekly shows called Fierce Friday's. Queens near and far will have the opportunity showcase a sickening performance and entertain the crowds. Showtimes will start every Friday at 10 PM. No cover will be required.
Pennsylvania Department of Aging Recognizes LGBTQ Seniors as "Population of Greatest Social Need"
by Michael Mongera A new directive has taken effect for Older Adult LGBTQ people. As of March 1st, the Pennsylvania Department of Aging (PDA) recognizes Older Adult LGBTQ people as "Greatest Social Need".
Lupe (2019 Film) - Movie Review
by Michael Mongera "Lupe" offers a unique look into a Cuban immigrant/kickboxer coming to terms with her gender identity amidst a frantic look for his missing sister. Rafael Abarran stars as Rafael, a masculine-presenting Cuban woman who has moved to New York to search for his missing sister, Lana. Along the way, she finds room to explore her burgeoning gender identity as a woman.
The Zone is Never a Drag
by Michael Mongera The Zone Dance Club is wading through lockdown restrictions with the help of RuPaul's Drag Race. Erie's flagship gay bar is open for business again. After a string of openings and closings due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the bar is experiencing a promising new year. The Zone has been holding viewing parties for weekly episodes of the new season of RuPaul's Drag Race season.
Film and Television
Away Isn't a Waste of Space by Nick Warren9/23/2020, 4:00 PM How the easy-to-love Netflix drama goes beyond its elevator pitch Queens of the North by Michael Mongera9/23/2020, 3:45 PM Canada's Drag Race Slays the Screen and Crowns a New Queen PEN15's Absurd Nostalgic Glory by Nick Warren9/23/2020, 3:30 PM The early 2000s period piece returns in full force despite limited episodes STATION!!!: Bill & Ted Face the Music is Both Excellent and Bogus by Forest Taylor9/23/2020, 2:58 PM Back to the...
20 Things You'll Understand If You Play Women's Lacrosse
Pavel Nayda is a Mercyhurst senior who is about to complete his degree in Information Technology; along with his two minors in Accounting Systems and Business Management. Nayda hails from Keiv, Ukraine. In the off-season, he enjoys soccer. This short interview gives you a glimpse of what inspires Nayda and his growth as a player since he joined the ACHA D1 team. MM: “When did you know you were interested in hockey? Also, what made you want to pursue it?” PN: “All of my family plays hockey.
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