For nearly the last two years, Sunday nights at Hamburger Mary’s has featured entertainment by SoCal’s Electro Pop Princess, Millena Hidaway D-Lite. From 8:30 to 10 PM, she and a cadre of costumed characters provide all ages fun, and for free! At the the tender age of 26, she’s worked up quite the resume.
“I have worked my way through various clubs around Southern California,” Millena explained, “from the Inland Empire to the OC to West Hollywood to Long Beach and Palm Springs. I’ve even been on TMZ and good Day L.A.
“I was raised in Baldwin Park. It was tough because I was labeled as the gay kid after my freshman year of High School. The bullying got so bad that I had to go into home study for my own protection. Then, after High School, I discovered drag which gave me back my confidence.
“I saw my first drag show, and was so inspired that I bought myself a wig and started dancing around my house. I found out that there was a local drag competition down the street. I joined, and won many times. I got my big break and was given my first show.”
Millena describes her show, “WERK” A KIllEr DrAg RevuE, as diverse.
“We have drag entertainers, impersonators like the #1 Michael Jackson in California, and TV celebrities from RuPaul’s Drag Race. We also have trans-gender entertainers. My show is all ages, and and very family friendly.”
Millena says that drag is more than just dressing like a woman.
“As a drag entertainer, you can be whoever you want. I change my persona alot, but I’m also a Gemini! [laughs] I can be beautiful one day, and the complete opposite the next. I even do Zombie impersonations.”
Drag entertainment often involves performers lip-syncing words to popular songs so, understandably, music selection is very important.
“I do mainstream EDM (Electro Dance Music) which is getting very popular. I am also mainstream at the same time. I can do it all because, if you’re gonna entertain, you have to be well-rounded.”
Millena’s roommate, DJ Von Johnnie, won the 3M Long Beach Gay Pride contest last year, and has been serving as the 2013 Imperial Crown Prince for the Imperial Court of Long Beach. This has inspired her to run, this year, for Miss Gay Long Beach.
“It is my first pageant-type contest. I’m running with some of my best friends, which makes it so fun. I love it because all the money we raise goes to an amazing organisation. I love charity, and I’m always willing to help for a cause, so I’ve been going to all my local bars asking for donations. The girl who raises the most money for the cause wins it, which makes me so very motivated.”
The winners will be announced at Hamburger Mary’s on Saturday, May 4th. The doors open at 5 PM, and the winner will be selected solely on the donations raised. Funds raised go to support local charities. Contestants will be featured in a pageant showcase, featuring casual and formal wear. Millena’s been working on her speech.
“Well, Hello Long Beach! I am Millena Hidaway D-lite. I am running for Miss Gay Long Beach because I feel I am the right girl to uphold the title. If I win this it gives me more ability to help out the community which I love being a part of.”
Millena has found a better life in Long Beach.
“I feel more accepted, and I have met so many new friends in my life that give me strength. This is an amazing community, and I can see me here for the rest of my life.”
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Millena and Von Jonnie will be at the Long Beach Pride dance stage, DJing as The Von Hidaways, on Saturday, May 18th, from 2 to 4 PM.
Learn more about Millena Hidaway D-lite.
Learn more about Hamburger Mary’s.
Learn more about WERK.
Learn more about DJ Von Jonnie.
Learn more about the Imperial Court of Long Beach.
Learn more about Long Beach Lesbian Gay Pride.
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