TOP 5 LISBON GAY CHOICES

Can you believe it’s almost a year since we’ve been in Lockdown? Holy Moly, how time flies over here. When did we think 2020 was going to be THE YEAR? By now, the joke can tell it itself. And I think it’s time for me to tell you a bit more about the old habits and bring that little piece of nostalgia back.

There was this one night when this all happened, and yes, this is the tea honey, I wanted to feel that old gay fantasy on touring the day-and-night queer routine. Never knew I was ever going to write about this, but here it goes.

Picture it: Throwback to August 2019, a hot summer day, and I said to myself: “Let’s do it gal”, and I put on my makeup to go to Drag Taste. By then we were doing the Drag Queen Cooking Class, where we put our guests on drag and cook together this feast of 7 Portuguese traditional meals and we have fun all evening, from 6 pm to 11 pm, performing and laughing, eating and drinking loads, and I had already drunk a bit too much of sangria and I was in the mood to go out and party all night. If I only knew how this ended, I’d have done it again plenty more times. By the time the party ended, I was in an urge for a huge cocktail, so I got myself on a uber and drove myself to Bairro Alto, where all the Lisbon night begins, and directed myself to Friends Bairro Alto, a local gay bar (really famous indeed), where all the pop music plays, alongside with Brazilian funk, reggaeton, well, you’re getting the point. And I saw my gals there and went for a couple of drinks. And when I say a couple I mean a LOT. I danced for a while with this hot Aussie, and I suddenly was invited to go on vacations to Queensland, in a matter of seconds. I turned my back and never saw him again. I expected this would last longer, honestly.

Nonetheless, my gals said: let’s have a shot. And I completely forgot about the land down under sweetheart and we went straight to Pride Burlesque Bar to have some tequila and absinthe strikes down our stomachs, and let me tell you that were probably the best shots I’ve ever drunk in my life, or maybe I was just starstruck with the barman. I really can’t picture it now.

Straight to 40 e 1, really a nice vintage pub, I was feeling my teddy boy fantasy, I immediately asked for a Bacardi Mojito. I had to split it with my best squirrel that went with me because that was HUGE, but well, the bigger the better. I was just stopping by for a drink but I found an old college friend and we spent the whole time talking about our junior year, what we did and what we went through, and let me tell you, time flies and I don’t if it was already the drinks or I was having too much fun, but I couldn’t stop laughing thinking about those old days. Gave me some nostalgia, I confess, before I started doing drag I was a real party boy. WHY AM I LYING? I STILL AM. So let’s get the party started.

I was checking my phone when I suddenly saw that it was almost time for the Finalmente Show. And I said: “We need to go NOW”. I grew up on Finalmente. I was born there, in 2016, with a party city wig and chunky heels, and I lived my “Cher – Believe” fantasy. Oh, yes, I’m talking about myself and I didn’t even tell you what it was. It’s the oldest gay bar in town, fulfilled with Portuguese drag legends. If you’re up to pageant drag, the classic shows, very very very Spanish and french inspired, they’re THE BEST in the business, doing it for more than 40 years. I sat on the front row and of course, in the end, they called me on stage and started reading me for FILTH. It was hilarious, I still remember that one of the queens, Deborah de Krystall performed Ese Hombre by Rocio Jurado and I fell in love everytime I saw her doing it!

And if you think that this is it for the Lisbon night, you’re house down boots WRONG. There was still time to go to the oldest gay disco in town, TRUMPS CLUB LISBON, actually to see my drag draughter perform, and it was a Lady Gaga night, so I really had to go there! There are two dance floors in that disco, one for pop music and drag shows, and another one for the house lover gals. Iconic, Phenomenal and over the top! Trust me, I mean it! 

Back in the day i used to perform in Posh Club Lisbon, also a gay disco in Lisbon, with LOADS of brazilian funk and pop, and when i say those nights were full of GAGS and nonstop shows, I MEAN IT. My goodness, how I miss that. But better days will come, I ASSURE YOU.

I know that this seems all made-up so you can know all those places in Lisbon, but this actually happened. If I’m going to tell you how i arrived home? I guess not. Not because I don’t want to tell you, but actually because I can’t even remember.  

But one thing that still is on my mind all the time is the music. How I miss dancing. But right now I’m going to dance straight to bed and sleep, brush my teeth, by the way, I’ve been using that charcoal toothpaste and it’s actually phenomenal indeed, I went SHOOK with the results, totally approved.

ComebackP – Arraial

Arraial Drag – Pink Sardáines

Here in Portugal, most of all during summer, there are lots of Popular and Traditional celebrations going on, all of them outside. They are usually filled with aromas of grilled fish, barbecue steak and lots of beer, sangria and wine, with folklore music raving the skies and screams of happiness everywhere.

 

Now, imagine, instead of having Mr. Zé grilling Sardines and filling wine glasses, fabulous, outstanding and powerful Drag Queens, with an apron yelling “FRESH SARDÁINES, READY!” But not a regular sardine, instead, pink “sardáines”.

 

And all of a sudden, a choreographed flash mob with dozens of Queens and fireworks came from nowhere to make the party even bigger, welcome to the Arraial Drag, a Lisbon typical Tradition, but, with a fabulous Twist!

ComebackP – JAM Bar

Drag JAM Bar

You will be greeted by fabulous Drag Queens, in a new and renovated with extra glitter Nucleo A70 giant room. The Queens will take you to your seat, while music is playing and Mimosas are flowing. While you wait for the show to start, a “strange” but comic performance will take place.

 

While the delicious food is served, get ready for an immersive surprise and be greeted by your host, the biggest grandma in the WORLD, Teresa Al Dente.

 

From now on, 2 hours of non-stop breathtaking Live Performances. Aerial acrobats, fabulous Drag Queens performing stunning choreographies, magical and comic numbers. Furthermore, live music, drummers and guitar players will make you feel in a Cirque du Soleil style show, full of pyrotechnic effects and lights you will never forget.

ComebackP – Popup Bingo

Crazy Drag Bingo

Surrounded by music in the bar, and fabulous Drag Queens everywhere, our Online Bingo has moved from Virtual to in-person, for this special date!

 

The cards will be delivered to those who want to participate, and the fun will keep on keeping on! We will have two rounds of Bingo, and a lot of excitement for two hours non-stop.

 

With the special presence of Favela Lacroix, there you will definitely have a lot of fun.You will sing and celebrate, with lots of surprises we are preparing. And, of course, we decided to do it in the bar because, the more you drink, the prettier you look!

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STDs are a Drag

I just can’t stop thinking about the video we made for GAT Portugal and AIDS Healthcare Foundation, I really can’t. It is impeccably done.

CHECK THE VIDEO HERE

 

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And why? Well, it may be for the incredible performances or how the message was spread. Maybe it’s both. Because it is actually a very important matter.

Facing a worldwide pandemic for almost 1 year now, when the world is in a lockdown, where there are people dying everyday from this virus, we still have a whole bunch of diseases and health issues. A lot more. And STDs are actually a hell of a drag, especially in these times we have been facing lately indeed.

The hospitals are full, some are overwhelmed, and there’s no room nor facilities to aid everyone injured. It’s sad. Indeed it is. It is almost unforgivable if you catch an STD, or a cough nowadays, to be honest. The queues are huge and for some people that might be unfortunately unlucky. But that can change. It really can. Or at least, we can stop the spreading.

And I am talking about prevention and protection. Safe sex. That’s what I am talking about. 

image2 okAnd why? Well, I guess we both know the answer gal. You can avoid infections such as chlamydia, gonorrea, sifilis, HIV and much more. These kinds of diseases attach to your body and they start by weakening your body, they make you feel uncomfortable, they make you sick… and, as for HIV, it is going to attach to you for the rest of your life. Of course there’s a treatment, there’s a way to keep your body fighting against them, to eradicate or heal!

As my good old mom used to tell me: “Antes prevenir que remediar”, that basically translates to: “it’s better to be safe than sorry”.

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As you know, or if you don’t, now you do, I live in Lisbon, Portugal, where we are located, and since I moved here, when I was 17, all of my friends used to tell me: If you want to do a free check-up on STDs, totally confidential, highly recommended and clean venue, go to CheckPoint LX. And since 2014, I am pleased to go there, they always treat me right, they are clean, professionals and above all, they are humans that understand our fears and mistakes. Before any test, it is asked a small inquiry, about our sex life, our sexual habits and partners. First time I went there I was so afraid, I didn’t know what to expect, but, by now it’s just a regular check up that I am able to do, and I feel so respected and responsible for doing it. They do not mind telling you all the goods and bads about an active sex life. And you will be taught as well how to properly use a condom, and if you will, they’ll explain all about the STDs. If I had to rate from 0-10 it would be a SHABLAM 20. 

But, above all, for now, wash your hands, use your face mask, avoid meeting people. Protect yourself so you can protect somebody else. Play safe kiddos!

 

Yours truly,
Cher No-Billz

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Let’s Get Physical (after a cup of coffee)

I’m too tired.” “It’s too late.” “It’s cold.” “We’re in a pandemic, I can’t go to the gym!”
Oh, Tiffany, get over with it!
Come on, and what if I tell you that there’s no need to leave the comfort of your house, that you can stay there, comfortable, and learn the best tricks with drag queens from Drag Taste? Cool, yes? I know!!!
 
From motivational training, to a variety of yoga exercises, challenging games, loads of fun and it’s a perfect way to maintain your training routines.
Learn exclusive healthy recipes and good old snacks, alongside with the best drinks that will enhance your productivity at work and let me tell you, they are SO tasty!
 
Spending the whole day sitting on a chair working? Your neck is constantly hurt? You think those pants are not fitting the way they used to? We got the solution for you! (Honestly, I just wanted to sound like a commercial gal, and I think I did it pretty well, didn’t I?).
 
No more chit chat, let’s get into it! And no, it’s not going to be boring!
 
I know that for most of you, shopping used to be your Cardio routine, but things are about to change. Never in a million years I’d think that drag queens could teach phenomenal ways to enhance your performance. I literally couldn’t believe it. I’m one of the gals that sits on the couch for a Sex and the City marathon with botomless mimosas, I admit, it’s the Tea. But they actually changed my mind and showed me funny ways to stay in shape.
 
Believe me or not, I am able to workout with my nails on, I actually learned how to make homemade acrylic gel extensions. Maybe one day I’ll teach you, it’s not that hard, and well, now they look amazing, but girl, when I started… not even going to talk about it…
 
I hope you got what I said, so now, get your glamazon training outfit, put on the sparkle, the jush, the shananigans, and please, pretty please, Stream #Physical by Dua Lipa.