RubiNewsday – Year in Review
'24 Year In Review
RubiNewsday
In My Opinion…from the Editor of RN.
Melancholy. Hopeful. Confused. All the emotions we face going forward with an uncertainty in our society. Looking back through the old RubiNewsdays as we hit 40 years…I think it is important to realize we have been in these gray places before. We have faced bigger demons. We have looked at a world that didn’t reflect our own. We have been forced to adhere to the way things are … only to make change. And we will again.
Rubi represents hope for so many. Laughter, our strongest weapon. Family, our strongest refuge. Let’s all lean in….lean in to those that understand …. We got this! WE GOT THIS!
For long-term RubiFans, there was no one more fun to watch than Francine DuBois. Considered the start of this group, Frenchie takes us back…and forth, in her interview.
What memories (2 or 3) from the original RubiStage have lingered with you this long?
The night the police came during my number…literally instant classic. Seeing hose-head the first time. And Dana doing Karen Carpenter with spaghetti and a vomit bucket. OMG.
What made the RubiStage so iconic and so special?
The ongoing connection with other Rubi Girls and how we just wanted to have fun.
There were many pageants, shows, performances…and each had a name/or different decor…can you remember any?
The Rubi Girls competition when I represented China. I still don’t remember what I used for makeup but loved the shoes that were HANDMADE. Ghastly! And of course Tara Misu’s Hollywood sign number. What talent!
The shows began 40 years ago….why do you think Rubi still brings in 700 people at some performances?
It’s the “scagdrag” nature and of course Dana’s leadership, both as emcee and behind the scenes.
What was one of your worst numbers?
There was one song where Francine was so drunk that she didn’t remember the song or how she got through it. This probably happened more than once by the way.
Who do you miss from the ‘old days’ that you would definitely love to see perform today?
Who did Janet Jackson with all the songs? I can’t believe I can’t remember her name! Tom Diamond? (He’s referring to Maureen Biology, AKA Wyllo)
There were some controversial moments on the stage as well….any come to mind?
Any time Dana opened her mouth and offended someone! I LOVED it when the audience loudly moaned or gasped.
There is such talk about the Rubi Sisterhood, even years after departing….why and what is that?
For me, it continues to be the sense of family. The three other founding Mothers will always have a place in my heart. These relationships can’t be duplicated – I haven’t developed any new relationships that come close to them.
Many ‘girls’ set foot on the Rubistage….but you remain iconic. What does that mean to you????
That I am a part of Rubi’s creation, ongoing presence and growth. I couldn’t be more proud.
We at the RubiNewsday thank Francine for everything. What a gem!
RubiRides provides the ultimate look back at the Girls’ History!
When the Rubi Girls received the RubiBus, it wasn’t long until they began thinking…how can it help us with our mission of making things better for other people. Just like that….a Rubi Tour, of sorts, featuring the places that made Rubi a hit in the area. The ride takes folks around the city ‘We have performed one very block in this town.’ quipped Ileasa Plymouth, and she ain’t wrong. The tour, which kicked off in Jaunary, is now a raffle prize with proceeds going to the RubiScholarship. The ride, 1 hour in length, comes full of fun stories, multiple sites, and a Q&A about the girls in general. For more info about a ride, visit our website in February.
The 2025 Season begins to take Shape!
One of the most exciting parts of being a Rubi Girl is seeing where the season will take them. So far, the Girls have a few gigs lined up and many more asks to file through. Here is a brief look at what’s coming:
- March 1 – Ohio Northern University
- April 13 – Kittens and Queens (TBA)
- June 6/7 – Dayton Pride
- July 11-14 – the Dunes, Saugatuck
- July 19 – Yellow Springs
- July 26 – West Virginia
- November 29 – TSMGO in Dayton
More to come….for sure!
MITOSIS CHANGES THE GAME WITH $100,000 IN-KIND DONATION!
Tyler Back, pictured above, has become a hero to the Rubi Girls in the last couple of years. Taking ‘The Show Must Go On’ and truly making it a production has been his passion … and it has paid off. This year, Mitosis (Tyler and his team) pledged $100,000 in support for the girls through production, website and media …. WE LOVE THEM!!
2025 Sponsors... WTH?
Our ‘get on the banner’ campaign, featuring the names of our sponsors for the 2025 season, was a massive HIT! A huge thanks to our own Dana Sintell who made connections with people literally all over the country. Total, with in- kind, over $200,000!
CONGRATS Jack Wyant, Carson Stone, & Eimann Virani
As many of you know, one of the most important works we do is making sure LGBTQ kids make their way to Higher Education. This year, our committee, comprised of Jonathan McNeal, Alexis Larsen, Elaine Gounaris, Jack Omer and D’On Ingram, read through 35 applicants before settling on the 3 mentioned above. We are so hopeful to add even more recipients in ’25. Congrats to all!
**Interestingly, we have new scholarship opportunities opening up through the RubiGirls Scholarship! Want to sponsor one? Email [email protected]
The Rubi Trading Cards - A HIT!!
To say you never know what people will be interested in buying is an understatement. Throughout 2024, Mitosis (Tyler, Scout, Paula, Zack and Amanda) along with our own Josh, had multiple meetings about new merch ideas. Now keep in mind, the Girls have sold dishtowels, measuring tapes, ball caps and cups. But trading cards? Yep. They were the highlight at TSMGO, outselling all other merch. The cards, designed by Mitosis, featured 12 collectibles. Although the majority were the girls, the RubiBus and The Clubhouse were included as well. Many folks took to Social Media to try and claim the entire dozen. SO MUCH FUN!
According to the GIRLS!
When a season of Rubi ends, it is always fun to ask the ladies what were their faves? We did just that!
What was your favorite show/event of the year?:
TSMGO-70%, Saugatuck 20%, Pride 10%
What was the ‘Number of the Year?’:
Year in Review 75%! Buttons-10%
What are you looking forward to in 2025?:
Saugatucky 50%, Pride 30%
In the next issue:
- THE RUBI GIRL OF THE YEAR!
- THOSE WE HAVE LOST
- 40 YEARS AND FINALLY
- WHO’S IN AND OUTIN 2025?
- THE POWER OF DRAG!
Our Year-End Report Is Coming...
RubiGirls, INC is a non-profit. We know how important it is to see where money goes, comes from and is used to benefit our community. Last year, our YER got rave reviews for its look, feel and info. Keep your eyes open as we send you all the ins and outs of this great organization. LOVE LIVE RUBI visit us at [email protected]
