Man Crush Monday: 12 Philly Dudes Bev Would Like to Find Under Her Mistletoe

By Josh Middleton· 12/22/2014, 4:35 p.m.

Every week, Philly gay gents share their local picks for Man Crush Monday. Today, Philly drag queen—and Jesus’s homegirl–Bev.

Bev

Philadelphia: The City of Brotherly Love ... and Drag Queens. Everywhere you turn it seems another drag queen is claiming a new daughter, or sister, or enemy. Like rabbits, we tend to multiply while you're not even looking. What these baby queens don't realize is that the Drag World can be a treacherous place. You need a big handsome man by your side! Someone to carry your stuff, get you a cocktail, occasionally set (or be) a prop in your number. You need a Drag Husband! Here, 12 local men who would fit the bill just fine ...

Kolby Kent Nelson

I met this gent at Drag Wars last cycle and he's the perfect drag arm candy! He's cute, funny, a drag fan, and he's going to med school! This one's gonna be a doctor, girls! Snap him up while you can! Warning though, this former Mormon has seen none of the movies or TV shows you will reference ... so just have him sit there and look pretty.

Kirk Beres

He's handsome, sassy, and he'll keep your mom company before the show. Seriously that's how we met. I found this sweetheart of a guy chatting up my mom over a glass of white zin (because what else do moms drink?!) before one of my first shows in Philly. She was by herself and he changed that. He may not remember that simple gesture but I will. Warning: I recently painted his face for the Philly Beauty Ball and he was feeling his fantasy that night. He now refers to me as his drag mother. Oy.

Joey LaSpina

The hooker ... mean hooper with a heart of gold. I met this talented lad when he joined Bearlesque, and he's quickly become one of my favorite performers to use in my shows. He recently was voted Mr. Congeniality in the Mr. Everything competition and he deserved it. I don't want to brag, but he did make it back into the competition (after being prematurely booted) by doing a number dressed as me. A little nepotism never hurt anyone.

Sonny Tiwari

The amount of crap this lovable guy puts up with from me makes him a saint. My Drag Wars drag hubby when my real husband is away always seems to know when mama needs a cocktail, and he's always willing to hold my purse. I love you Sonny ... now get me a Brooklyn Peach and a Diet Coke.

Ryan Wyrofsky

One of my newest friends, he's quickly become one of my favorites. He's smart, talented (this boy can sang) and always willing to help with whatever you need. Plus he's a theater nerd, and that gets extra points in my book. Recently he's started to dabble in drag here and there. For being a newbie he put on one hell of a show at my last Bitchfest. (We just need to work on that drag name boo.)

Matt Riccioti

The general manager of Voyeur, I owe a lot to this guy. He's always been supportive, given me amazing opportunities as a performer and will help you in whatever way he can. Plus he's got an amazing sparkly hoody that I hope he someday bequeaths to me. (Hint, hint!)

Bee Reed

Yes, I included a lady on my list, but she's a lesbian so that half-counts, right? The Editor in Chief of Drag Official News, this lady is always there with me to dish out the sass. I dare say we've gotten so close that we can communicate shade through a single glance ... and I love that.

Connor Michalchuk

The Ginge on a Binge, he's literally my evil red-headed next door neighbor (we're roommates). I met Connor at the first Bearlesque and he was gracious enough to include me as their sole permanent drag cast member since then. We grew close and now we're so close I trust him with my shit when I'm not home.

Brandon Robert Barlieb

Damn there's a lot of red heads on this list! My partner in nosey neighbor-ness, Brandon was one of the first people I met when I started down my Philly Drag path. He's supported me from the beginning and he'll always make it to a show if he can. He loves drag queens and he's a hell of a promoter. He also gives back, having recently co-produced Code Red, which raised $5000 for AIDS charities.

Josh Schonewolf

My partner in crime! Not to get sappy but I owe a lot of my drag success in Philly to this guy. He gave me my first solo show: Bev's Bitchfest and together we've turned it into something I'm very proud of. He loves supporting new talent and providing platforms for everyone to showcase that talent. Plus, I can always count on a cackle from the back of the house when Josh is in the room.

Matthew Ryan Morrell

Even though a lot of other drag queens have tried stealing him from me (I'm looking at you, Mimi Imfurst) Matthew will always be my No. 1 drag hubby. He was my Sandy Frink (in a Romy and Michelle number), my Vili Fualaau (in a Mary Kay Letourneau child porn number) and my Jesus (in a very irreverent Easter number). Matthew is one of the sweetest, funniest, most genuine people I've ever met. I'm happy that this crazy drag thing made him one of my best friends.

Luke Grooms

Of course I had to put my real-life hubby at the top of the list. He's supported me since day one, is okay with my drag taking over our bed room—and our social life—and if you need to be laced into a corset, he's the one to call. A heart as big as his voice (which is amazing, y'all should YouTube him), I'm happy to have him with me on this crazy adventure.

Submit your Man Crush Monday!

Here are the rules: (1) Name five to 10 guys you’re crushing on, and tell us why they have your heart aflutter (2) You and all men involved have to be from Philadelphia (3) Email your crushes to jmiddleton@phillymag.com.

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