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Joe Wadlington

@joewadlington

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Writer, Artist, and Drag Queen
Check out my writing in the bio link, my literary show @happyendings.show, and my drag @jubileedrag
📍TN > SF

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I have so many really special events in the next few weeks!

This Saturday we’re goin DARK at the @studsf with the folksy, gothic ballads that Dolly liked to call her “old sad-ass songs”

Sunday, we’re gonna find out who the real daddy is? At the penultimate @daytimerealness hosted by @shehaslayers.

On October 1st, I’m honored to be competing in the @monstershowsf’s first ALL STARS pageant with some of my closest drag-friends and performers that I’ve drag-grown-up alongside. Truly a special night!

Then I’m back to the @edgebarsf to honor Dolly good and proper at their tribute show.

Our October @happyendings.show’s theme is “Attics, Basements, and Storage Units” and I’m going to read a new piece about my family’s best junk.

On October 21st, @london.pinkney has curated a fantastic line-up for a show of all fourth-wall-breaking, audience-interacting pieces at @decenteredarts

Then comes the Bay Area lit scene’s biggest night: @litquake’s LitCrawl. Happy Endings is in the third phase at the same venue as the after party. So it couldn’t be clearer that they want us to start the party! by @joewadlington

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a month ago

Growing up in the Smoky Mountains meant that Dolly, her philanthropy, talent, and joy was environmental. Schools & church groups went to Dollywood every year (meaning I’ve ridden the Blazin’ Fury easily 50 times). We got books. She was on every radio.
In a world where celebrities hid their small town roots as soon as a bigger city called, Dolly was PROUD to be one of us. And she was loving and patient enough to let the rest of the world catch up on how special being from the Smokies was and is.
When I realized I was gay and, much more so, when I started doing drag, it deepened by relationship to Dolly. I always knew Dolly would LOVE what I was doing even when I wasn’t getting that love from others. I knew she’d /get/ it. And I frequently use my idea of her to make a decision. (Which fringe would Dolly like more?)
I never met her. But I know I’m not alone in psychically consulting Dolly. Now, I guess, those questions will be more like prayers.
So in 2024 I was in absolute disbelief when I got to take the Oasis stage playing her character from “9 to 5”. it was the boldest thing I’d even done. And it was incredible! We had 12 sold out shows and 12 standing ovations. I adore everyone on that cast. it was a truly special (and successful!) production. Now I want to do even bolder things And it all got started just cause we all love Dolly so darn much.
Which brings me to this big hole in the world’s heart.
Despite all evidence to the contrary, Ms. Parton was mortal. 80 years is a long time and she used every damn minute of it. Because she was such a light it’s easy to want her around for another century. And she certainly had enough dreams, love, and schemes to fill that time. But I can’t help but be a bit relieved for her as well. She got to go exactly as she’d always wanted: after accomplishing every one of her dreams, after turning the economy in her town around, after donating hundreds of millions of books, and while still working hard, looking gorgeous, and keeping her legacy intact.
Dolly always seemed like she was operating from a higher spiritual plain. And now she is.
Now it’s our turn to be kind, generous, non judgemental, and gorgeous. Let’s make her proud. by @joewadlington

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2 months ago

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3 months ago

What a month! Feel like I had two Junes in my June 😍😊🫠 by @joewadlington

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3 months ago

Apocalypse? No.
Come by Solar Punk Farms on July 19 for readings by five local authors writing stories for a future.
🌞
1pm in Guerneville, an hour and a half north of San Francisco in gorgeous wine & redwood country, 15015 Armstrong Woods Road. Enjoy local bites and a tour of the farm, as well as book signings by the authors. $30 suggested donation (pay what you can!)
🌞
Featuring:
Spencer Scott @spencer.r.scott
Joe Wadlington @joewadlington
T. K. Rex @tkrex_writes
Khan Wong @khanwongauthor
Zoe Young @zoeoyoung
🌞
With a shoutout to @grist who helped get a few of us here (give them a follow) and @treefolkoakland who are planning to bring some wildcrafted California bay nut snacks! 🌿 taken in Solar Punk Farms by @joewadlington

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4 months ago

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4 months ago

Tuesday! May 12th!
Happy Endings: It Takes a Village
☀️
It really do take a village: weird neighbors, small businesses, chosen family, child care, best friends, cleaners, builders, cookers, and somebody to get there early unlock the place and set up all the chairs.

We’re featuring stories, poems, and perspective on building a communal, connected life.

Bring your whole village! It’s the happiest we’ve ever been.

🌎

Featuring:
@batmeld
@jessmunday_writes
@jasonbayani
@preetivangani
@baruchporrashernandez

💝

Tuesday, May 12th, 7:30-9
Make Out Room
$10-15, NOTAFLOF taken in Make-Out Room by @joewadlington

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5 months ago

March 2026: Lewks, books, and filming beloveds while they’re eating by @joewadlington

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6 months ago

Submissions due on Sunday!
Details for director applications and scripts are in my bio.
We can’t wait to see what you’ll create. taken in San Francisco, California by @joewadlington

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7 months ago

Febahberry ‘26 by @joewadlington

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7 months ago

My next big, creative project!

Play Space is a new, one-act play festival. It will feature never-before-staged 15-25 minute plays by Bay Area playwrights, brought to life by Bay Area directors, starring Bay Area actors.

Play Space (and its selected plays) will run at @eclecticboxsf for four nights, June 11th-14th.

But first! We need scripts and director applications. (And keep your eyes peeled, actors, we’ll be calling for y’all next). Check the linktree in my bio for all the info you need about submitting to Play Space. Any questions? Just DM me.
We can’t wait to see what you’ll create. taken in Eclectic Box SF by @joewadlington

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8 months ago

Update from your favorite newly-minimalist drag queen. THANK YOU. I’ve gotten so much support. I’m blown away. And now, more than ever, energized to make some good art! taken in San Francisco, California by @joewadlington

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9 months ago