On Nov. 23, the Afterglow Variety Show, in partnership with the Chicago Therapy Collective presented its first Trans Day Of Remembrance (TDOR) edition at the Bramble Theater Lofts, 5545 N. Clark St.
The show, which was produced by K.J. Whitehead, featured five queer and trans individuals performing music, spoken word/poetry and comedy in front of an appreciative audience. The tone of TDOR events in general is usually somber or quiet, but this version was steeped in off the wall humor, wistful lyricism and a bracing up-front attitude. The variety show bills itself as a safe and sober space.
The show began with Whitehead humorously skewering the 2024 presidential election, acknowledging that the results were a source of trauma for whole communities. Nora Lee followed with a freeform comedy routine that touched on Barbie, Joan of Arc, shopping at Aldi and Japanese history.
Nick Herrera’s poetry readings managed to touch on friendship, family—both biological and organic—and hope; the artist closed their set by saying they wanted to touch o, “queer joy as we go into this uncertain future.”
Comedian Ty Clay went in the opposite direction with a kinetic monologue that included pet jokes, Greek mythology, navigating non-binary fashion, Susan B. Anthony and Goth lust.
Hawke Osterhout brought the show back to earth with their delicate and complicated poetry, ending with a reality check: “There is a lot of trans suffering…but there is also so much joy.”
Vocalist Angel accompanied themself on guitar and offered quiet careful readings of Prince’s “Sometimes It Snows in April,” Jesse McCarthney’s “Beautiful Soul,” and Sade’s “By Your Side.” They finished the show with the self-penned “Cool With.”
Afterglow will return with a new show in January 2025.
