It's 'Sharon Needles Day'—in Pittsburgh

It may be one small step for Sharon Needles, but it's one giant LEAP...for an aging industrial American city to proclaim a day in honor of a man who has gained notoriety for wearing dresses. Today, June 12, the Pittsburgh City Council presents Sharon Needles with an official proclamation declaring it "Sharon Needles Day in Pittsburgh" for her accomplishments as a LGBT public figure.

While the infamous (and sometimes spooky) drag performer has had some recent notoriety of a different sort, she has also inspired a cult following of fans who can't get enough of her unusual persona. And as you may recall, she did a mean Michele Bachmann impersonation on the "Frock the Vote" episode (pictured), showing us that her politico drag is just as real as her undead demeanor.

Read the full text of the proclamation below:

WHEREAS, Ms. Sharon Needles emerged in Iowa, but made her permanent home in the Bloomfield neighborhood of Pittsburgh, where she began her professional performing career as a Pittsburgh nightlife celebrity; and

WHEREAS, Sharon Needles is a staple of Pittsburgh's entertainment underground, a member of the Haus of Haunt - the creepiest performance troupe around, and an ambassador to the world as one of Pittsburgh's most glamorously ghoulish faces; and

WHEREAS, Sharon's performance and victory on Logo TV's nationally televised and widely popular television show "RuPaul's Drag Race" was yet another win for The City of Champions, one that draws attention to the accomplishments of one of Pittsburgh's often overlooked demographics; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Needles uses her performance and her art to push the envelope, intending to spark discussion that breaks down barriers created by discrimination, as well as stereotypical portrayals of members of the drag community; and

WHEREAS, through her success, Ms. Needles has demonstrated that, while being considered "different" may be difficult to endure during one's early years, there exists an opportunity to harness the most unique pieces of oneself to produce thought-provoking art and much-needed social dialogue appreciated by admirers across the country; and

WHEREAS, in accordance with Ms. Needles' words upon being crowned winner of RuPaul's competition, "This crown is for anyone who was picked on as a kid," and, similarly, the fact that Ms. Needles stands as an example of a fearless but humble artist, sharp-witted social critic, and just one example of the diverse range of citizens that Pittsburgh is proud to call its own; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby honor Sharon Needles for her fearless commitment to her craft, and does congratulate her on her achievement as champion of "RuPaul's Drag Race," through which she has gained widespread notoriety for herself and the City of Pittsburgh; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare Tuesday, June 12th, 2012 Sharon Needles Day in the City of Pittsburgh.
Sponsored by Council Member Patrick Dowd

Affirmed by Council President Darlene M. Harris
And Council Members Rev. Ricky Burgess, Bruce A. Kraus, R. Daniel Lavelle,
Corey O'Connor, William Peduto, Natalia Rudiak, and Theresa Kail-Smith

Darlene M. Harris Attest: Linda Johnson-Wasler
Council President Clerk of Council