We had the good fortune of connecting with Rita Bane and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rita, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My business began as a hobby, which quickly grew to become the small business I am now.

It was a combination of artistic fulfillment and the satisfaction of knowing that something I was doing was not only able to sustain me financially, but also giving others the chance to experience escapism from their lives and simply enjoy local entertainment with no pretext. To me, continuing the joy that many people experience when it comes to drag became the driving force of wanting to grow into something beyond a hobby or character.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I began my drag career in 2013 in Orlando, Florida.

During my time in Florida I experienced a lot of adversity. Homelessness, Addiction, Family rejection — these were all parts of my story that made my life incredibly difficult. Experiencing the Pulse tragedy in 2016 made me realize the importance of community and inspired me personally to grow and change the way I navigated my life, and my career. It ultimately set about some realizations that life was too short to not want to be the best version of myself.

Moving to Arizona in 2020, I really strived to apply those teachings, to change the way I put myself into the world. Practicing kindness, understanding, and giving empathy that ultimately isn’t given to many people in our community.

I want the world to know that every Saint has a past, and every sinner has a future. It’s never too late to be the best version of yourself and to not allow those attachments to your negative experiences dictate how you live your life.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Phoenix has an incredibly diverse nightlife scene and an incredible foodie community.

I’d begin our week at Fry Bread House on 7th Ave — it showcases some of the most delicious indigenous/native food in the valley.

Following that, I’d want to visit the Phoenix Botanical Garden and enjoy a lunch at Gertrude’s before showing them the beauty of Arizona’ native plants and art installations throughout the gardens by some of Arizona’s best and up-and-coming artists.

To kick off the nightlife visits — we’d go to “The Queer Arcana”, a weekly drag/performance art show hosted at Kobalt Bar which showcases some of Arizona’s best entertainers from a spectrum of drag styles and upbringings.

Quartz Bar on Van Buren would be a must. With some of the best artisanal cocktails and a superb ambiance, they continuously have some of the most unique monthly special events on a Wednesday in the downtown phoenix area. With themed cocktails, local cuisine, and an amazing time in their special area called “The Cave”.

On a Thursday, RipplePHX’s “LOTERIA” event at Thunderbird lounge is a must. Loteria is a “game show” style event where some of our best Latine performers get to play Loteria and other games (for free, I might add!) for the chance to win some incredible prizes, while providing free HIV services to our community. It showcases local vendors, some amazing food trucks (which rotate weekly!), and delicious cocktails by the Thunderbird bar staff.

On Friday, a visit to one of Phoenix’s oldest LGBT establishments would be in order by going to Charlie’s Phoenix! “Pipin’ Hot Fridays” by Piper M’Shay is one of my favorite shows to watch, featuring a rotating cast. After the show, dancing the night away and enjoying some delicious tacos by “Charlie’s Tacos”.

Saturday night wouldn’t be complete without a double feature! First, going to “FOLLIES” at Kobalt bar for their show at 7PM featuring some of the valley’s premiere entertainers, and then finishing it off with “The Barbra Seville Show” hosted by Barbra Seville at 10PM at the recently opened RoyalePHX!

To top off the week for a special brunch event, I’d want to show them the CB Live At Desert Ridge drag brunch show hosted by Espressa Grande, featuring some of the best themed drag brunches in the valley, it’s an amazing time to let your hair down and enjoy a show earlier in the day.

I think these spots encapsulate what our nightlife and LGBT community is all about — showcasing our local beauty and talents, and doing so while having an amazing time and atmosphere.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to give credit to two entities.

The first being the late Desiree Demornay, a mentor and friend who gave me many of my initial opportunities , who believed in my abilities and allowed me to bloom in a way that many others didn’t. Her legacy of kindness and professionalism is something I aspire to follow with everything I do as an entertainer and business. Rest in glory, Desiree.

The second is RipplePHX — Ripple is an HIV awareness and medical service that connect people in our community to resources for testing, treatment, case management, and more. The work I do with them is the most fulfilling part of drag to me — being able to help advance a cause that is so close to everyone in the world, and to do it with so much joy and grace. Without Ripple, I wouldn’t have grown to the person I am today.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ritabanestone/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RitaBaneStone

Image Credits
Scotty Kirby Photography for the personal photo. 🙂

RipplePHX for the Loteria photo.

The rest of the action/group shots do not need image credits, as they were taken by my phone.

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