I will be the first to admit that there are times that Vivian, and even drag in general, frustrate me to no end. If they didn't, there wouldn't be a reason for me to blog. That being said, I know that if Vivian didn't exist, I would miss out on some amazing opportunities. As I have written countless times, drag queens often have the biggest hearts of anyone I know. They are always the first ones to step up for causes that they believe in and donate their time and support. I can say with great pride that Vivian is one of those queens. Vivian and I feel that it is extremely important to support and donate our time to charitable organizations.
One of those causes is the fight against cancer. Cancer is something that has affected both of us. Vivian has lost family members to this terrible disease, and her brother is currently fighting pancreatic cancer. My family has been haunted by cancer for as long as I can remember: I have lost my maternal grandmother, my paternal grandfather, and my father to cancer or complications caused by cancer.
So anytime we are presented with an opportunity to battle cancer, we jump at it. On Nov. 7, one of those opportunities will be unveiled in Columbus, Ohio, at Spinelli's Deli: a photo exhibit entitled "Survivors, Fighters, and Supporters." This exhibit will feature photos of individuals who have lost family members to cancer, supported family members through their battle with cancer, or personally kicked cancer's ass. Both Vivian and I are featured in the exhibit. The exhibit is the brain child of Joe Spinelli (owner of Spinelli's Deli), Vivian, and Frank Tuttle (photographer extraordinaire), and all proceeds from the exhibit will benefit the Kobacker House, a 24-bed inpatient hospice center. The exhibit will run through the end of the year.
It is at times like this that I can honestly say that I am proud to be a drag husband, and proud to be married to Vivian. If it weren't for her, I would not have these opportunities to give back and help make a difference in the lives of others. It also goes to show that drag is about whatever someone wants to make of it, and happily, so many queens and their supporters have decided to make drag about helping others and giving back to society. The Von Bs may not be the biggest or best-known drag couple there is, but we make the most out of every opportunity we are given. Plus, the Von Bs will not stop fighting cancer until we see it cured. It has taken too many family members and friends from us.
So if you are in the Columbus area, please stop by the opening, which takes place from 6 to 8 p.m. on Nov. 7. If you aren't in Columbus, please donate to or volunteer at your local cancer charity. Cancer has touched so many lives, and it is time that we stop it in its tracks.
To read more about the Von Bs' battle against cancer, read The Diary of a Drag Queen's Husband.