Bevin Branlandingham knows how to throw a party. She brings together a mix of Brooklyn’s finest: a slew of performers celebrating the essence of queer, a dash of DJ’s spinning beats and an attitude that makes everyone want to dance, hug and kiss all night long. Add a lil sugar and spice and out comes Rebel Cupcake– a monthly themed dance party and show for flamboyant queers of all shapes and flavors. Speaking of flavors, did you try the cupcakes?

This months party, themed ‘Cupcakes on the Beach’ at Sugarland in Williamsburg, showcased the poetry talents of Kit Yan, whose romantic rhymes would make any man or woman swoon. ‘I’m slightly romantic,’ he said and then laughed. His ability to describe the details of intimate moments transcended, the entire audience silently smiled and shook off goosebumps, reminiscing about the last time they shared a night with a lover. ‘As a trans person I have lately been more conscious of romantic interactions and how gender plays into them,’ he said.

Poet and activist Leah Lakshmi explored themes of race and sexuality in a series of no nonsense slams that had audience members heads nodding and laughing in agreement. Bambi Galore tickled more than just tummies as the buxom blonde jumped on stage and began shaving her legs, then her face (carefully) and ending with a strip tease of epic proportions. No stranger to the stage, Bambi says that performing for women is a give and take of energy that is more pure and joyous for her. “I love performing and possibly turning on an audience that turns me on.  I love women of all shapes and styles and being able to love myself in front of them is great,” she said.

Amateur performers Terry Ferreria and Lauren Gulbrandsen competed in a ‘Butch Off’ regulated by resident pixie Lara Maldjian where they tried to show each other up in strength, talent and suavity but ended in a very friendly draw when both butches bared all for the fanatic crowd.

Bevin succeeds in her attempt to create an open forum where people of all shapes, colors and flavors can hang out and celebrate sexual uniqueness and freedom. Not to mention the drink specials! It’s a damn good time.

Words by Courtney Dudley