Yesterday’s Feast of Fools podcast with Peaches Christ inspired me to dig out some old Polaroids from my San Francisco days. Peaches, Marc and Fausto were discussing Phillip R. Ford’s sci-fi drag epic, “Vegas In Space” and I thought I’d share some photos of the director and stars of the film
I met Phillip R. Ford in the late 80s. He masterminded a drag troupe that consisted of Doris Fish, Miss X and Tippi and they were called Sluts a Go-Go. They put on manic skit comedy and produced these crazy drag productions of movies like “The Bad Seed” and “Valley of the Dolls”.
I think Phil Ford influenced me in ways that I never realized until this writing. He was an inspiring friend––a showman whose work I really admired. He created tawdry theatrical productions—and he got to hang out with glamorous drag queens. It represented a creative life with no shortage of fun. Phil is doing well and still lives in the Bay Area.

I was in awe of DORIS FISH. Something about her just exuded that, “I am a Star!”-quality. Maybe it was the Australian accent that sounded like old Hollywood to me or her blindingly white teeth. When I saw her in the SF Gay Pride Parade (I think ‘89), I had my camera with me and ran up to get this photo. And proving that I have always been stingy about giving photos away, I even refused Doris when she asked for one!

TIPPI was the sweatheart of the group. She was so cute and friendly…kind of like a pet. Visually she was like an out of control flapper trapped in the body of Shirley Temple. Her giddiness was contagious and you couldn’t help but love her.

I clearly saw these people as celebrities since I had them sign their Polaroids!