I’m So Queer For… Trai La Trash
Trai La Trash may be known for her big hair and her over-the-top style, but it's her talent and charisma that steals the show. Professionally trained in voice and acting, she's made her way across the country as a star quality performer. Ms. Trash was created in a bar in Manhattan's Upper West Side and has since graced the cabaret circuit with her solo shows like So, Over The Rainbow! at NYC’s Duplex Cabaret. Currently residing in Eugene, Oregon, Ms. Trash has been profiled in magazines, movies, television, and via a featured spread in The New York Times fashion pages. She recently starred in the independent movie, Intersection.
Here are the seven things Trai La Trash is currently so queer for—plus complimentary song pairings that evoke these obsessions.
1. Calum Scott (“I Will Always Love You” by Dolly Parton)
I first heard of Calum Scott on YouTube when he was auditioning for Britain's Got Talent. His cover of singer Robyn's “Dancing On My Own” gave him a golden ticket from none other than Simon Cowell, of all people. I was instantly enthralled and hooked. Calum, a member of the LGBTQ+ community, has touched many with his golden voice. True Story: I fall asleep every night listening to his rendition of Adele's, “When We Were Young.” I've stalked him online and even attended his Bridges tour in Portland, Oregon at McMenamins Crystal Ballroom. I'm a proud member of the Calum Scott Fan Club.
2. ColdFire Brewing Company (“Save Water, Drink Beer” by Chris Young)
Living in the Pacific Northwest, I can’t turn around without running into a craft beer tasting room. My go to is always ColdFire Brewing. Whether you choose an IPA, sour, or pilsner you really can't go wrong with any of their libations, which are motivated by European brewing traditions and inspired by a Northwest aesthetic and ingredients. ColdFire brews small batches, working to refine the art propelled by generations of craftsmen.
3. Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (“Baby Got Back” by Sir Mix-A-Lot)
Throughout the first 12 seasons Christopher Meloni and his magical cantaloupes captured this fictionalized version of the New York Police Department. Now in its 24th season, Law & Order: SVU shows it has staying power. I've watched more than 500 original episodes—many two or three times thanks to constant reruns on TNT Network. After a decade away, Christopher has finally returned to reprise the detective role he originated, on his own show, Law & Order: Organized Crime. The crossover between the two shows makes this sequin lover giddy. When will Detective Elliot Stabler (Meloni) and Captain Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay) finally become a couple? The chemistry between the two makes me tune in just for that. Let's hope that this show doesn't disappear anytime soon, or my Thursday nights just won't be the same.
4. The Dolly Parton Baking Collection (“If I Knew You Were Comin’ I'd've Baked a Cake” by Ethel Merman)
Only Duncan Hines could get Dolly Parton to create a line of baking products—one that sells out before it even hits the stores. I loved them all, from Dolly's caramel turtle brownie to her buttermilk biscuits, from her banana cake to my personal favorite, the Southern-style coconut cake. I waited over three months for that one to become available, but it was definitely worth the wait. Or is that the weight? Don’t tell but I even purchased an extra box set, in case of emergencies. Click through to the Dolly Parton Baking Collection and sign up to hear more from Dolly, and to be among the first to learn of new promotions like this.
5.Jacobsen Salt Co. (“Light of the World” from Godspell)
Brad Leone stars in the Bon Appétit video channel It’s Alive. I watch the channel just to hear him say “water.” Brad introduced me to Jacobsen Salt Co., made from seawater pumped from Oregon's Netarts Bay, close to where The Goonies was filmed. Jacobsen Salt is now a staple in my lavish studio apartment kitchen, where you’ll find everything from kosher to white truffle-infused salt. I have yet to find one that disappoints. Look for the Pinot Noir Salt; I find it to be the perfect finishing salt on a chocolate truffle.
6. The Asher House (“Rescue Me” by Aretha Franklin)
Thank you, YouTube for bringing Papa Bear Lee Asher into my life. Not a night goes by that he's not with me in my bed, watching rescue videos. Such dirty minds! The Asher House is a non-profit sanctuary in Estacada, Oregon that rescues animals that have been discarded or unwanted, providing them with a life of comfort, love, and adventure.
7. Balloons (“Up, Up and Away” by Jimmy Webb)
Balloons, balloons, and more balloons! I've been training with master balloon artist Shannon Kilduff and Parties To Go to learn the art of creating balloon garlands and bouquets. Who knew that filling a balloon could be so… fulfilling? Owned by Vicki Edward and her daughter, this party and rental store has been a huge supporter of the LGBTQ+ community for close to 40 years. Q
You can find Trai La Trash performing regularly at Tavern on Main. To see where her next show might be, follow Trai La Trash on facebook.com/mstrailatrash or Instagram @trailatrash