The Sunday Night Shuga Shaq: A Sanctuary of Self-Expression
"The church for the outcasts." is how founder and executive producer Goddess Briq House describes the Sunday Night Shuga Shaq (Photo: Jordan Somers)
By Omari Salisbury
It is the second Sunday of the month in Seattle's historic International District at the Theater Off Jackson. A very unique and lively event that has fostered community, healing, and artistic expression for over 12 years is about to begin.
Stepping into the Shuga Shaq is like entering a pulsating haven of self-expression. The atmosphere is alive with the rhythm of good music and the sight of smiling faces adorned in a kaleidoscope of unique and expressive outfits. Attendees, liberated from societal constraints, engage in open and affectionate interactions. Whether it's through dancing, deep conversations, or simply basking in the collective energy, one thing for sure is that the Shuga Shaq is lit!
Founder and executive producer Goddess Briq House describes the Shuga Shaq as "the church for the outcasts." It is a monthly burlesque and drag revue that goes far beyond mere entertainment. It's a space where people can connect and express themselves freely without fear of judgment or discrimination.
A Meticulous Production
The Sunday Night Shuga Shaq, boasting a cast of around eight performers, is carefully curated by Goddess Briq House. While Goddess primarily serves as the host, guiding the audience through an evening of joy, discovery, and pleasure, she occasionally graces the stage with her performances.
Goddess's associate producer, Sin de La Rosa, is her right-hand person, ensuring the show's smooth execution. According to Goddess, the production is a labor of love, requiring meticulous planning and attention to detail, reflecting their dedication to providing a high-quality and inclusive experience for both performers and audience members.
A Space for Authentic Expression
"You are going to walk into a room full of love and expression in all its forms," Goddess explains. "There's a lot of free people there who are expressing themselves and loving on themselves and loving on one another."
The Shuga Shaq is intentionally curated to showcase a diverse range of performers representing all shapes, sizes, shades, genders, and abilities. This commitment to inclusivity ensures that everyone who walks through the door feels seen and celebrated.
A Legacy of Black and Brown Artistry
Burlesque, often misunderstood as a purely white art form, has deep roots in Black and Brown communities. Goddess is passionate about reclaiming this history and providing a platform for Black and Brown artists to shine.
Black women in the United States go back to the art form's early roots in this nation, and according to Goddess, “It's always been. Every indigenous culture you can find around the world has always expressed themselves and their experiences through dance. Sensuality can be, and is, an important part of that expression.”
More than just a stage, the Shuga Shaq is a source of income and empowerment for performers who often face discrimination and limited opportunities elsewhere.
"It is one of my biggest flexes, how many Black and Brown artists I have been able to pay over my years of work," Goddess shares. "It's an honor, and it's really special for people to be at Shuga Shaq. It's on their list of things they want to accomplish in their career because it is a pivotal space."
The Shuga Shaq is intentionally curated to showcase a diverse array of Black performers. It's a space where Blackness in all its forms is honored and uplifted.
"Our mission is to make sure that everyone who comes to the Shuga Shaq feels seen and celebrated," Goddess emphasizes. "It's not always common for Black and Brown people, especially Black and Brown queer people, to see the kind of representation that we yearn for in theater and on stage. We're changing that narrative."
A Place of Healing and Community
Beyond the dazzling performances and animated atmosphere, the Shuga Shaq offers a deeper space for healing and connection.
"It's a healing space before it's anything else," says Goddess. "We don't hide from grief. We don't pretend like it's not there. We talk about grieving... because the thing about Black and Brown people is that we don't have the luxury of grieving and just grieving."
Goddess emphasizes that Black people often face unique challenges and pressures in mainstream spaces. The Shuga Shaq provides a counterpoint, allowing Black folks to freely express themselves, celebrate their identities, and connect with their community without fear of judgment or censorship. Importantly, it offers a space for agency within a society that frequently does not affirm their experiences.
A Vision for the Future, Rooted in Community
As the Shuga Shaq embarks on its next chapter, Goddess envisions a future where the community plays an even more active role in sustaining this vital space.
"We're always open to new ideas and collaborations," she says. "We want the Shuga Shaq to thrive for generations to come, and that's only possible with the support and involvement of the community."
To ensure the longevity and vibrancy of this beloved space, Goddess and the Shuga Shaq team will be taking a hiatus for the next few months. This intentional pause will allow for rest, reflection, and strategic planning for an even more impactful return in early 2025. During this time, the team will focus on developing new avenues for community support and engagement, ensuring that the Shuga Shaq’s future is deeply rooted in collective care and participation.
As Goddess and her team continue to cultivate this space of love, liberation, and unapologetic Black joy, they extend an invitation to all who seek a place of belonging to join them upon their return, refreshed and ready to celebrate even more vibrantly.
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