It's Gay Pride month in New York City and the sense of community and camaraderie can be felt all throughout it, no matter what borough you're in.
Whether you're a proud LGBT reveler or a loyal supporter of the community, there are plenty of reasons to go out and celebrate.
Among the most colorful and lively ways you can kick up your heels this month is at one of the city's many drag shows, which seem to be sprouting new ones every week from Brooklyn to the Bronx.
Though it's worth seeing just about any queen who has the balls to tuck theirs under a dress and put on a show, these are a few of the standouts that are more than worth the time - and the tips - for your evening out on the town.
1. Hardware (697 10th Avenue)
What better way to celebrate Gay Pride than with the time-honored and sacred art that the community holds so dear? That's right. We're talking about Broadway and show tunes. Each week at this Hell's Kitchen haunt is Broadway Mondays, an unabashed and unrelenting drag musical extravaganza.
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Hosted by the incomparably talented Sutton Lee Seymour, who gives live musical performances throughout the night, the party features music and videos from anything that's been on the Great White Way, as well as the unforgettable songs of Disney movies, put together by the exotic DJ Ohricky.
2. The West End (955 West End Avenue)
What's better than a drag show with an incredible queen? A drag show with two incredible queens. Take a trip uptown to The West End for Brita Filter and Terra Hyman's Thursday showcase, Haus of Mouth, where you just never know what these two unstoppable queens will pull out of their wigs.
Held in the intimate and soundproof cabaret room, the dynamic drag duo tackles everything from pop culture to politics in their no-holds-barred show. Whether it's Brita busting out her infamous cackling Ursula mix or Terra swinging from the ceiling, it's sure to be an in-your-face night you won't forget.
3. Industry (355 West 52nd Street)
As one of the longest running drag shows in NYC, if not the longest running, Queen at Industry sets the standard for a modern drag revue if it's to survive in the competitive urban showcase arena. Although the show starts at midnight, there's always a healthy turnout of loyal fans and newcomers alike.
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With a roster of more than notable queens like Holly Dae, Bootsie LeFaris, Pixie Aventura, Phi Phi O'Hara and Monet XChange, the dazzling numbers get better and better as the show goes on. There's a reason why it's been around for five years. So go and find out for yourself.
4. This n' That (108 North 8th Street - Brooklyn)
Brooklyn has become a place where you can find some of the most outrageous and creative forms of drag, such as last year's winner of the 2015 Coney Island Drag Race Pageant, the second coming of the legendary Divine, Zalika Parsons.
It's no surprise that Brooklyn bars are chock full of talent like hers.
Venture into This n' That in Williamsburg on the first night of each week for Mondays on Mondays with Ragamuffin, Ruby Roo and RuPaul's Drag Race Season 8 contestant Thorgy Thor.
A $5 cover gets you access to $2 Jell-O shots and a slew of shows that will knock your friggin' socks off.
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5. Boots and Saddle Drag Lounge (100A 7th Avenue South)
If you're going to be a self-proclaimed drag lounge, you better have the chops to back it up. Luckily, West Village favorite Boots and Saddle does much more than that. They have more drag weekly drag shows than any other venue in the city, and the talent is fierce to say the least.
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From the hysterical Tacky Tuesdays from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. with Ari Kiki, to the Sunday Liquid Brunch with Marti Gould Cummings from 2 to 4 p.m. to the brand new Go Fish with Ritzy Bitz on Thursdays from 10 to 12 p.m., there's bound to be a show going on just about any time you want to stop in for a cocktail.
6. Albatross (36-19 24th Avenue - Queens)
If you're looking more than a show, try your luck at Broke Ass Bingo on Tuesday nights, hosted by the almost always classy Beverly Leslie Sills in Astoria. The last bingo pot has reached a record-setting $140 dollars, which is nothing to sneeze at, especially when you get street cart Halal food every day.
The relaxed atmosphere, complete with pool table and the line of beers on tap, make for a chill night out, not to mention a casual atmosphere to unwind after a crazy work day. It's become Queen's flagship gay bar and for more than just the drinks; the drag is the borough's finest as well.
7. Therapy (348 West 52nd Street)
One of Hells Kitchen's most beloved gay bars, Therapy takes everything you want in a fabulous night out and turns it up a notch, or at least a decibel.
This bi-level behemoth doesn't only sport hot guys making stiff drinks, but a full kitchen that churns out some pretty impressive bar food.
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Come the weekend, be sure to make time for Slurp Sundays, hosted by showbiz spitfire Paige Turner whose live performances have earned her spotlight shows from the Laurie Beechman Theater all the way to Provincetown. It's a Sunday showcase of singing and surprises you don't want to miss. Slurp!
Check out Where & When to Catch All of the Pride Parades & Festivals This Month in NYC.
[Feature Image Courtesy Instagram]