Overheard in Orlando: Bearded lady, honoring Paris, BlueStar and Central Florida softball changes

Meet the Bearded Lady!
Who says a drag queens can’t participate in Movember? Local entertainer and bartender Addison Taylor is foregoing the typical hairless painted-face look of most drag entertainers, and she’s been sporting a full beard since the start of November.

Movember, also known as No-Shave November, was conceived in 2004 in Australia and New Zealand as a way to raise awareness and funds for men’s health, such as testicular and prostate cancer. It quickly grew fame over the years making No-Shave November an annual event where most men don a beard or mustache.

These men’s health concerns haven’t directly affected Addison, but Addison wanted to participate in this month’s Movember, because it promotes men to get regular health screenings. According to Addison, this is the first time she’s stopped shaving in the last 13 years. Addison was curious about what she would look like with a beard, and so far the response has been quite positive. Big, bald, bearded and serving up full on Bearded Lady Fish Realness – Addison is halfway to her $500 goal to raise money for Movember. If you wish to assist Addison, visit her Movember Foundation page.

Red, White and United
The terrorist attacks on Paris on Friday, Nov. 13, meant to frighten and divide have had the reverse effect as the world came together both on social media and in the real world. To display their thoughts and hopes for recovery, many iconic landmarks were lit in “drapeau tricolore,” the colors of the French flag.

Many Orlando sites were part of this display as well – the giant Orlando Eye on International Drive was lit up over the weekend, as were many downtown Orlando locations, such as the spire at the Orlando Amway Center.

Meanwhile, on Disney property, where we typically escape reality through magic, the Eiffel Tower in the French pavilion was also lit in the colors. Other stories made the rounds of park guests offering thoughts of condolences and even giving the cast members from France working at the pavilion flowers in the show of their support. Nous sommes unis.

Mad about Blue
At the drag pageant Miss Glamorous Newcomer, hosted at Pulse Orlando, dancing lady of the night BlueStar was honored as the humanitarian of the year.

And rightfully so! Blue is a total package of business woman and talent (dancer, singer, actor, choreographer) neatly backed in her energetic dancer’s frame. Despite being one of the hardest working local performers, Blue often donates her time and fame to many causes. The honor came with a special surprise from Chicago, as Blue’s drag-mother, transgender entertainer and model Mimi Marks made an appearance to celebrate the night.

There’s No Crying in Softball:
After five years on base as commissioner of the Central Florida Softball League, Richard Harem is leaving his position. “While a little sad, I also feel a sense of pride and relief. In looking back over my term I am extremely proud of what all was accomplished,” Harem said in a Facebook post on Nov. 16. Among other hits, the league has won championships in both the NAGAAA and ASANA World Series and hosted the ASANA in Altamonte Springs in October. It’s also won the Watermark WAVE award for best LGBT sports organization every year. But Harem’s departure shouldn’t be too much of a curveball for the league, which he says is in great shape financially. His leadership was a home run, but it’s time for a new face to be on deck. Long-term CFSL member Wes Hodges will fill Harem’s place. This change allows for some well-deserved time off for Harem. “Please remember to remove me from your complaint emails to the board!” he said.

More in Overheard

See More