It seems the idea of a panel of entertainers riffing on our city’s oldest and most raggedy LGBTQ+ bar, while also exchanging scorching zingers about one another, is proving irresistible for many. Every ripped vinyl seat in the legendary cabaret is expected to be filled, because as of this morning, fewer than ten tickets remain for the Roast of Grey Fox.
All ticket sales benefit Pride St. Louis, and the timing of Anheuser-Busch ending its 30-year sponsorship of the organization garnered significant mainstream media attention for the event, which will include Tumara Mahorning’s first visit to the bar since she and Michelle McCauland secretly quit in the middle of a show fifteen years ago. Mahorning is expected to perform a tribute to the early days of the bar. Just today, Beyonce St. James, the reigning Miss Trans USA was added to the roster of performers.
Sept. 26, 1919 issue of the Modern View.
Erica Foxx, who last performed at the bar in 2016, has been researching the history of Grey Fox’s building, finding that it was a real meat market as far back as 1919.
The planning of the roast wasn’t without its hiccups. Some members of the trans community vehemently objected to the participation of Krista Versace‘s drag daughter Eve Versace, who argues that trans people should aspire to be “passable.” Versace voluntarily backed out of the event.
Eve Versace. Facebook.
“I’m probably the only person in this city who can headline a show on a Thursday, Friday and Saturday night, and still find a way to be too controversial for a roast,” Versace laughs. “What I’ll say is, as a drag performer of seven years and a post-op transsexual, if anyone wants to challenge my opinion or my stance on trans issues, I’m there, baby. I’ll meet you halfway. Game on. Nobody is gonna call me ‘transphobic’ or ‘misogynistic’ for saying that nonbinary people are not transgender. Like, is that not a fact? Are we just letting everybody do whatever they want now? Gold star and a cookie for everyone? I’m so sorry, but it’s not the same, especially when it comes to politics. I am trying to pass, live quietly and comfortably, and not draw attention to myself. And I’m being burnt at the stake for it.”
Versace expressed support for the bar and wished for a great event.
Two men who were ejected and banned from the Grey Fox after a 2022 racial incident called for a boycott. They randomly directed much of their fire at Diamond De Luxe, which seems to be a thing. Unsurprisingly, their boycott didn’t gain traction.
The evening is all about supporting Pride St. Louis, and even without tickets, you can still come out and enjoy the bar area and patio. Pride St. Louis will be selling their #45for45 pins, and there will be a raffle. You should be able to hear much of the show from the bar.
What happens on Saturday night is sure to be the talk of the town—and the topic of debate— for at least the next week. You may claim the last remaining tickets here.
The Grey Fox Stage is set for one scorcher of a roast.
