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Made in Queens. A film about Mirkala Crystal by Joseph VanHarken

While a student at Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism, Dawn Weiner, Nicole Still and I, Joseph VanHarken shot, produced and edited a film about Mirkala Crystal, a Puerto Rican drag queen who celebrated three years of consistent, successful performances at Manhattan's legendary gay bar The Stonewall Inn. Gaining intimate access to Mirkala's life as Steve, we showed how a normal gay Queens resident changes himself into an award-winning female impersonator. The film won the John M. Patterson Documentary Television Award. To view the transformation scene in mp4 format, please click below. You will need either QuickTime or Real Player.

>Be patient with the downloads<

The Movie and videos >made in queens> The Transformation HERE 

Wednesdays nights At No Parking Bar

Another hint at the extension the gay friendly territories towards northern Manhattan, No Parking is an ultra sleek and classy gay bar located in Washington Heights, at 177th street. Miles away from the somehow standardized Chelsea bar scene, this lounge draws a multi-ethnic crowd coming from Harlem, the Bronx and also Downtown Manhattan. It is a great place to hang out in this lovely neighborhood, enjoy some good drinks in a laid-back atmosphere, spiced up by some hot and freaky go-go boys showing it off on the bar. The beginning of the evening is usually quiet and low-key, with the DJ playing Spanish or hip-hop music. It sets the perfect tone to unwind and enjoy 2-for-1 Happy Hour (from 7pm to 9pm). As the night progress, the crowds build in and the DJ mixes in more up-tempo beats, throwing down some house tunes and reggaeton.
Fridays are a great night to hang out at No Parking. The place gets very busy after midnight, and on Saturdays, it can be totally jam-packed. The diverse and multi-ethnic crowd comes with an upbeat, friendly and all inclusive attitude, bringing an unmistakable flavor to this neighborhood nightspot. - Queen of New York

No Parking Bar is Washington Heights premier gay bar. With HOT Go Go boys Wednesday thru Sunday and drink specials nightly, you need to find this alternative space
Wednesday night features the Amazin' Latin Diva Mirkala Crystal with the only game show in upper Manhattan. Showtime 10pm. Oh yes! She also performs. Her show is worth the trip uptown.. This diva is a refreshing star and she's very charismatic. WOW.

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