- La Chica Boom

La Chica Boom is a
performance artist,
ecdysiast, and
community organizer
that explores Chicano
iconography, issues
of race, gender and
sexuality. Through
the practice of ethnic
drag, alternative
dance, theatre,
performance art,
neo-burlesque and
clowning, La Chica
Boom provides a biting
satire that points to
contemporary and
historical escándalos.
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What was your first perfomance like?
My first performance as La Chica Boom was
about 7 or 8 years ago at a small, hole-in-thewall theatre in downtown Seattle called, The
Jewel Box Theater.
I was really nervous about performing, because
I wasn’t sure who would be in the audience, perhaps one of my co-workers, somebody I had assisted in my day job as an anti-rape advocate, my
ex-girlfriend(s) or one of their ex-girlfriends…
you get the point. I performed an act with a
group of other newbies to “Meeting in the Ladies Room” by Klymaxx. It was hilarious and
unabashedly queer! The act was more theatrical
than burlesque; it took place in the bathroom
where a bunch of femmes used physical theater
to show the audience how to pee standing up.
Yes! You can actually do that! It’s too complicated to talk about here, but if you see me on
the street ask me – I’ll show you! Sin vergüensa!
What have you learned in your years performing?
I have learned that it’s hard to find other neoburlesque performers who are of color! But I
think someone said it best (maybe it was my
mom) when she said, “Do it yourself, Cabrona!”
So I did! In 2007, I produced and directed the
debut of Kaleidoscope, An Annual National People of Color Cabaret Weekend in Seattle, and it
sold out that year and the following years!
Kaleidoscope has blossomed into a very successful show, selling out in Seattle and at the
Brava Theater in San Francisco. The show features performers of color in all their glory from
Tucson, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Detroit,
New York, Vancouver B.C., Mexico and Venezuela! It is truly chingón! With the help of many
volunteers and financial community support, I
am able to fundraise to produce this amazing
annual event. This year we were lucky enough
to co-host our educational symposium with UC
Berkeley’s Center for Race and Gender. Academic queer powerhouses of color such as Amira
Jarmakani, Jayna Brown, Juana Maria Rodriguez and so many more will be discussing the
historical links of minstrelsy, burlesque, and
the logics of white supremacy in performance.
These are topics that I love and have researched
over the years, particularly within my graduate
studies. I appreciate everyone coming together
to discuss race representation, racism and burlesque, finally! The show also honors performers of color from the past, especially since these
burlesque performers of color are often forgotten
Photo by Brian Buck
“ I fist
pinatas as
the Dominatrix
of the Barrio, jack
off on tacos made of
my own panties, poke
fun at anthropologists
on safari, and say fuck
you with my “token” act.”
Aorta // environment issue
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Phootgraphy by Johny Crash
page 32
“ I impersonate
La Virgen de
Guadalupe as a
cybersex goddess
who gives birth
to the clitoral
orgasm before
the audience to
prove that she
gave birth to
something much
more important
than Jesus.”
or ignored by the neo-burlesque movement.
Know any good cures for nerves?
A good cure for nerves is creating easy but
helpful mantras. Mine is, “I am the shit and
no one, no one can fuck with me!” I proceed to take a swig of your cheap red wine
and go forth with my fabulousness. Try it!
Your performances have been really
varied, from sticking your hand up a
donkey pinata’s ass, to drool-inducing
burlesque. Do you have a favorite performance?
Yes, my performances are varied from bur-
lesque to wacked-out performance art. I
fist pinatas as the Dominatrix of the Barrio, jack off on tacos made of my own panties, poke fun at anthropologists ‘on safari’
and say fuck you with my “token” act. I
also perform classic acts that are fun. My
favorite act is my Virgen de Guadalupe act.
I impersonate La Virgen de Guadalupe as
a cybersex goddess who gives birth to the
clitoral orgasm before the audience to prove
that she gave birth to something much more
important than Jesus. Ya, it’s true, I am
weird.... and now I would like to thank my
old church (once again), La Iglesia de San
Francisco De Asís in El Paso, Texas. Thank
you for making me a wonderfully crazy and
absurd queer.
Oh, I also love my Tortillera act. Tortillera
is a slang term for lesbian used in Mexico.
Let’s practice! Chica Boom is a big fat ol’
Tortillera! This act is my big “F#@k You!”
to all the people who have ever thought of
me in relation to Mexican food. I can’t stand
it when people of color are described with
ethnic foods! This act allows the audience
to see what happens in the back of the restaurant/taco truck when you buy tacos!
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As a queer Latina myself, I am always excited to see marimachas owning their sexuality and creativity. Have
you connected with similar and supportive communities
in the US? Have you / are you interested in finding similar
communities in Latin America?
Phootgraphy by Johny Crash
I have connected with many amazing people in the US, but my
most cherished relationship is the one I have with INCITE!
women and trans folks. INCITE! is a national activist organization of radical feminists of color advancing a movement to end
violence against women of color and our communities through
direct action, critical dialogue and grassroots organizing. I love
this national community of radical people of color - they are my
family and friends! Please check out www.incite-national.org
and donate!
I have made friends with some marimachas over in Mexico City,
but I have yet to perform with them. Perhaps this year!
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