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Queer performance troupe, the GangStars, have found their paradise in BrizVegas. Shirleene Robinson spoke to GangStar godfather, RockHard. 
The weather might be getting cooler but Brisbane’s favourite queer performance troupe, The GangStars, are keeping things hot at their monthly BrizVegas shows upstairs at the Wickham Hotel.
Well-known entertainers on our queer scene, the GangStars have spiced up many other venues, with their unique stage shows and roving performances at Tropical Fruits, Big Gay Day, Pride Fair Day, Scarlet, TABOO, Shibar, Sticky Lips, Tuxes & Tiaras, Random, Feathers and also at private functions.
GangStars founder Dita, who plays the popular drag king RockHard amongst other characters, was previously one of the founders of the Twang Gang, which used to perform in many of Brisbane’s queer venues.
Fondly remembered by many, the Twang Gang gave many queer Brisbane performers their first opportunity to perform on stage.
Tragically, a fire in 2006 destroyed many of the computer files and records that were central to the Twang Gang’s performances. At that point, Dita and the Gang decided that it was time to retire the Twang Gang and move in a different direction.
In one of those wonderful twists of fate, after Dita said goodbye to the Twang Gang, she fell in love with Jo, better known to some as ElektraFying.
Jo and Dita have since founded GangStars Entertainment, the umbrella business for The GangStars [performers], DJ Vouz, GangStars ShoeBiz, LezVegas, Kind-A-Karaoke, De-Tension Muscle Release Therapy and BrizVegas.
The GangStars also include many other core characters. Apart from Rock and Elektra, at a BrizVegas show you will see Brisbane’s best-known DragKings: Tricky, Lil’ Romeo, BonnApiteet, AlDente, and Faux-Queens MysteryBound, BoomBang, MitzeeBurger and MarearStinky.
They can also call upon many other emerging performers for larger events and are always on the lookout for new recruits.
Performances by the GangStars feature elements of dance, drag, comedy, theatre, fashion, music, mime, circus and more.
The night we visited, there were also several different performers, DJs and even a stripper on stage, as entrants of the StarStruck talent quest.
Overall though, the GangStars put together shows with enough versatility to keep the audience uplifted and energetic, and this was definitely the case on the night we visited.
Dita tells us that she enjoys putting together shows with the other GangStars and hiring other professional entertainers to highlight the diversity of the queer scene.
She’s keen to feature both male and female performers, and loves crossing boundaries of gender and sexuality in the shows.
Things can also definitely get raunchy with the occasional pole-dancer attracting a lot of attention from the crowd.
In fact, Dita told us that she is keen to promote GangStars shows as being for LGBTKQS [gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans, kinky, queer and straight] people.
“Basically, the GangStars want to promote an atmosphere in which everyone feels welcome and able to enjoy a night of great entertainment,” she said.
Currently, Jo and Dita are putting a lot of work into organising Gangster’s Paradise on May 10 and their up-and-coming annual event, LezVegas5, which will be held on Sunday, June 8.
This event is “definitely not to be missed”, she says.
The GangStars perform regularly at BrizVegas, held upstairs at the Wickham on the second Saturday of each month. Go along for a great night out!
Visit the GangStars at twanggang.org.au/GangStars or myspace.com/brizvegas_gangstars.
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