Missadventures in Triesste Land

Hello everyone at CDH

First, let me wish everyone a happy, safe, and stylish finish to 2024. Personally, it's been quite a turbulent year. Earlier this year, one of our performers left us suddenly, and then in Summer, another dear friend and Triesste supporter did too. My work situation changed for the better, and that's a bright spot in an otherwise kind of sad scene.

One of my hopes for these small contributions to CHD is that they are at least a little amusing and also informative. This year marks 11 years as, basically, a 60-plus-year-old pop diva. It's a feeling that's hard to describe, having a room full of people who are along for the ride with you. But I'm here to tell you, it doesn't always go according to plan.

Recently, the show I used to perform with moved to Thursdays. That's impossible with my work schedule. Last year, I started performing with one of our sister shows, if that's the right word. Kings of Tokyo is, as the name implies, based around drag kings. They have been very kind and gracious to let Triesste join them as the “token girl” of the group.

We played a show on September 21st. Mostly, Triesste tends to be a friendly, girl-next-door type. This time, I chose to turn up the heat a little. I sang two songs; both were pretty sexy numbers. I wore a PVC skirt with a halter top, you can see it in the photo. But that meant no bra. A friend who moved back to the U.S. left me kind of a half-bra; it had adhesive flaps that were supposed to stick to the rib cage. Even though it was late September, it was still warm and humid. It quickly became obvious that the adhesive was not up to the job. The idea of adding silicone inserts was immediately cancelled. I thought it would be okay for two songs at least.

I went out to see a few of the other performances. Then I came back to the dressing room to check my makeup.

My arm brushed across my chest.

Wait a minute.

Oh crap.

WHERE ARE MY BOOBS?

I checked the dressing room. Not there. I had to find a black garment, in a dark club, before my performance. I wandered out toward the audience area. As I passed the sound booth, I saw a shape on the floor. There they were! but unlike my body, the adhesive liked the floor just fine. I had to pull with all my strength and when it pulled loose, there was a big ripping sound. Thank goodness someone was performing!

I made it through the songs okay; the audience feedback later was good.

Then it was time to pack up. One of my points about performance is, I need nails. It just makes everything feel complete. I use the plastic type and paint them myself. I have also been through a lot of nail glues. Most are just not strong enough. Another performer suggested using the local equivalent of Krazy glue. Well, that works. if anything, it works TOO well. Usually, when I'm ready to change they just pop off. Not this time. They weren't going anywhere unless my real nails went with them.

I didn't have a remover. It was getting late. So, screw it. I was going to meet some friends the next day. We all have birthdays in September, and they all know Triesste. I spent the next day in my town, with long pink fingernails. Inevitably, I had to make some purchases. I just tried to do it as quickly as possible.

This must all sound like one step ahead of a heart attack. Well basically it was, but it was also a wonderful weekend. Hopefully, I'll also be better prepared next time!