Workin’ It 2010

45 of 2010’s Red Hot Entrepreneurs

Boston native Aliza Shapiro has produced cultural happenings in her hometown since 1994, a career arc that began when she realized the bands she worked with at an indie record label were distinctly lacking in diversity. To remedy the situation, she founded Truth Serum Productions and began booking shows that were more woman- and queer-friendly. More than 600 events and multiple awards later, Shapiro continues to produce wildly popular shows like the monthly experimental film/performance series CineMental; and TraniWreck, a cabaret which Shapiro frequently emcees as her drag king alter ego, Heywood Wakefield. “Truth Serum events are for adventurous people who want a challenge along with their entertainment,” Shapiro says. “I think creating events that are labeled queer, or include queer performers, often puts me on the outside. I’m comfortable there. What the labels miss is that the events are comfortable for open-minded allies too.”


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