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Issue one: Contents Peaches
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You don't get much glamour in this compilation, what you do get is a well-crafted profile of little known musician, drug addict and sometimes drag queen, Robert Dickerson - otherwise known as Benjamin.
Benjamin's introduction to drag came at an early age, he talks of dressing at the age of 8 and getting caught by his grandparents who went right off to tell his mother. He also talks about his first performance on stage when the bar was raided and he was arrested wearing a tutu and only one shoe. We go out into the neighbourhood and meet Benjamin's less than conventional neighbours with whom he clearly shares an affinity. Later he also discusses the problems of living with AIDS and his guilt at being an open homosexual who is less willing to be open about his HIV status. One of the highlights of Benjamin's career was meeting Patti Smith and getting a job as her support act. Her track Death Singing from the Peace and Noise album was written as a tribute to him and is performed at the end of the film following his death. A powerful and engaging account of a man who stayed true to his vision and approached the world with candour and charm.
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Set
around Benjamin's hometown in Cabbagetown, Altanta, the film shows
him discussing his childhood, his introduction to performing and
his battle with AIDS. You also get a variety of clips of him making
music with his band Smoke.