Hot Metal Hardware... the beginning!

In August of 2010, an unlikely little bunch of genderqueer performers and allies in and around the Pittsburgh area came together with the common goal of traveling to Baltimore, MD for what they feared at the time could potentially be the last International Drag King community Extravaganza (IDKE XII).

As it turned out, there were some members of the local community that seemed eager for what they had to offer, which initially entailed queer women and trans men performing as drag kings. They managed to raise just under $3,000 in six weeks by producing two shows, and performing their acts of gender illusion for tips on the weekend.

It wasn't until this unlikely little bunch of genderqueer performers and allies were turning in their press information for the program that they realized they must name themselves. Many different names were tempting. After much thought and deliberation the troupe decided they wanted a name which was both intentionally specific to Pittsburgh, and ambiguous in terms of gender. Finally, after much ado, Hot Metal Hardware was born. Their presence at IDKE was strongly felt, and their performance was widely appreciated.

During the initial fundraising, HMH began producing a monthly show at HMH’s home base AKA Cattivo Bar. It didn’t take long before all members were producing shows and rotating equally between most roles of production from stage manager, emcee, performer, and producer. After that came the introduction of new members, and loss of old members. Finally, HMH decided to write bylaws to govern the somewhat fluid body of dynamic performers. With that came the writing of this brief history of Hot Metal Hardware, a gender performance troupe in Pittsburgh, PA since 2010.

Founding Hot Metal Hardware Members:Maycum Dizzy, Chance Encounters, JJ Cox, Orion Blaze Browne, Dylan Dickhersoon, Zak Havok, Christopher Crash, Sh ane FulDesires, J.K. Weezey, Evan Danger/Trista Von Tease, Josh Long, Lyndsey Sickler

Current 2021 Members: Luna La Creme, Mx. Universe, SER, Apothic Said, Shane FulDesires, Malcum Tent,  Adam DoEve,  Fatal Dreams, Revo Lution, Agnes Senga, Pony boy  Rose Maywood, Pitt NB ,  CJ Gatsby,     Lyndsey Sickler, Scarlet Feverson, Jack Ascot, Dark Thots,  Lextacy Lightning, Sardonix , Gimmiesomeflava, Avy Darling, Irris Drakos, Portia Lyn, Gabe Styles, Lady Quinn, Mario Murder/ Scary Mary, Shelbie Quinn, Hot Toddie


Other Past Members: Kitt Kavenaugh, Claudette Sheree, Johnny Valiant, Robin Banks, Bettie-Page Turner, Lyndsey Smith, Phoenix A. Rising,  Christopher Crash, Devon Orel, Costa Lottabucks
Deacon Frost, Babette La Femme, Ace Phoenix,Maycum Dizzi,  Lola La Femme,  Wednesday, Roxxie Thunder, Bella Dahlia,  Riley Encounters, Victoria Deseo, Charlee Monroe, Brandon Cox, Fitz Montgomery, Dalia Tent, Summer Frost, Vin Dictive, Moose Knuck, Archer DuBoi


Hot Metal Hardware officially formed on September 28th, 2010. This troupe is full of passionate, dedicated, and talented performers from all around Pittsburgh! Come and check us out!!