2019 Issue 5 Sep/Oct - Focus Mid-Tenn Magazine
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to have a place to go and be comfortable<br />
and open about who they are around other<br />
people like them.”<br />
She started a queer centered performance<br />
space but had to close it after five years<br />
after a family tragedy. She hopes to see a<br />
queer bar open in Murfreesboro in the near<br />
future because there is a definite need for a<br />
queer-specific space.<br />
IONA is not only the emcee for Boro Pride,<br />
but she also hosts monthly and bi-monthly<br />
drag shows and does Murfreesboro Drag<br />
Queen Story Hour. Being non-binary as<br />
well as having a partner who is trans, she is<br />
very thoughtful about how she structures<br />
and books her shows. Boro Pride has<br />
different performers each year, and as she<br />
casts performers, she intentionally casts<br />
more than just cis male drag queens. Her<br />
thoughtfulness for creating open and safe<br />
queer spaces for everyone exudes through<br />
all of her work.<br />
Throughout her life and career, IONA has<br />
prioritized her family and advocating for<br />
her queer community. “My life is all about<br />
giving to other people. I love hanging out<br />
with people I work and perform with. I get<br />
that joy in return for sure, there’s so much<br />
validation and joy in what I do. We’re a<br />
chosen family out here, we have a beautiful<br />
camaraderie and enjoy what we do. We’re<br />
grateful for these opportunities in <strong>Mid</strong>dle<br />
<strong>Tenn</strong>essee, even when we have to make<br />
them ourselves.”<br />
IONA hosts a show at Boro Bar and Grill<br />
the first Saturday of every month. Her open<br />
stage night is the last Wednesday of the<br />
month, also at Boro Bar and Grill. She also<br />
hosts shows at Spinelli’s Pizza the second<br />
and fourth Friday’s of the month. Drag<br />
Queen Story Hour’s schedule is dependent<br />
on Technology Engagement Center and<br />
happens once a month. Come see her at<br />
Boro Pride and her regular shows!<br />
IONA has been a strong leader and<br />
community organizer for decades in <strong>Mid</strong>dle<br />
<strong>Tenn</strong>essee, and she deserves that same love<br />
shown to her. Her house recently burned<br />
down, and many people in her community<br />
started a Facebook fundraiser to help her<br />
get off her feet again. Please consider<br />
contributing! https://bit.ly/2YZubd9<br />
MORE INFORMATION<br />
Boro Pride is 5 to 10 p.m. <strong>Sep</strong>t. 7 on the square<br />
in downtown Murfreesboro. Find IONA online<br />
at facebook.com/ionatheonlyone.<br />
Be<br />
PrEPared.<br />
Learn more about<br />
HIV prevention at<br />
Planned Parenthood.<br />
866.711.1717<br />
PlannedParenthood.org/<strong>Tenn</strong>essee<br />
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SUCCESS / SEP+OCT <strong>2019</strong> / focusmidtenn.com / Page 29