Lifestyle

Bianca Del Rio: My gay pride New York

Bianca Del Rio is one busy drag queen. Crowned in May as the winner of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” the 39-year-old has called Hell’s Kitchen home for five years. It’s convenient, since she performs at three neighborhood bars. This past week, she helped James Franco strip down to a jockstrap at the “Broadway Bares” event. Now, in celebration of Sunday’s NYC Pride parade, this is her New York.

Ritz Bar & Lounge, 369 W. 46th St., between Eighth and Ninth avenues

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“I’ve worked there Mondays for about seven years. One day they said, ‘come in early, because there’s a birthday party .’ It was for [trainer] Tracy Anderson. There was this entourage that came in — and there was this little blond head, and she sat down in a corner. Five minutes into [my show], I can’t help but say, ‘MADONNA’S IN THE CORNER.’ She’s kind of covering her face. I [said], ‘They’re gay, they love you, so accept it.’ ”

Alcone Company, 322 W. 49th St., between Eighth and Ninth avenues

Del Rio’s favorite things from Alcone.Tamara Beckwith

“Alcone is [for] my special stuff like my spirit gum [for wigs], my adhesive removers, my lashes — stuff that’s not necessarily ‘normal lady’ type. Recently a friend of mine sent me a text and was mad at me and said, ‘I just left Alcone. There’s no white eye liner, you bitch.’ I had gone in and apparently bought out the lot.”

Eastern Bloc, 505 E. Sixth St., between avenues A and B

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“I was working at Eastern Bloc, a very small bar. They didn’t have much of a stage, and they had one light. I remember yelling at the person to move the light over so it could be on me, and they weren’t paying attention. Then I found out the person was Alan Cumming. I think he’s friends with the owners, and my friend knew him and was like, ‘Hey, can you hold this light for the show?’ and he’s just such a normal, kind human being, he’s like, ‘Sure!’”

Lacey Costume Wigs, 318 W. 39th St. #10, between Eighth and Ninth avenues

“It’s a theatrical wig company, and it’s like three generations old — this amazing Jewish family runs it. They [supplied] a wig store in New Orleans that I frequented, and after a while they were like, ‘Look, queen. You can just call them directly.’ Because I was like, ‘Well, what about this? Does it come in that color?’ You can get any kind of wig you want, from a Scary Spice wig to a Monica Lewinsky wig to a Pippi Longstocking wig — all of it exists. I recently bought the Milli Vanilli dreads, which most people wouldn’t buy. They range from 20 dollars to 60 dollars. They’re not fancy — have you seen me?”

Planet Fitness, 423 W. 55th St., between Ninth and 10th avenues

(From left) Geronimo, Topher and David perform during Testosterone Thursday at Therapy.Astrid Stawiarz

“Have you walked around in heels? That’s a workout. But like all good gay men, I have a gym membership. If you end up going at 5 or 6 in the evening, you see everybody you’re going to see at the bar later tonight. They’re taking their selfies and clocking on Facebook that they’re at the gym.”

Therapy, 348 W. 52nd St., between Eighth and Ninth avenues

“When I’m [performing] there, it’s a male burlesque show called Testosterone Thursdays, and that doesn’t mean me. It means the other guys. Not only can you sit there and watch the show, you can also order food. That comes in handy when you’ve had that third drink, and you need some nachos. They’re molten lava on chips.”

Somewhere along the Pride parade route downtown, Christopher Street between Greenwich Avenue and Greenwich Street

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“My favorite year [of Pride] had to be the year that I wasn’t in drag, because I did not have to bear the heat with a wig on. I didn’t have to get up and shave. I could sweat as a man, which is a lot easier. I was downtown with some friends, and we went to the parade, which I’d never done, because usually I was involved. Oh god. Do you realize how much liquor I had that day? If you pick a corner, I’ll say I was there.”