Dustin Michael Schaad, a well-known Washington, D.C.–based drag performer under the name Ba’Naka, has died at age 36.Schaad died Wednesday at George Washington University Hospital, friends told the Washington Blade. The cause was complications from a long illness.David Perruzza, owner of D.C. bars Pitchers and League of Her Own, told The Advocate that Schaad had recently performed at drag bingo events at his nightclubs.
During the 15 years Perruzza ran the High Heel Race, an event held in Washington around Halloween involving runners in costumes and, of course, high-heeled shoes, Ba’Naka was the grand marshal.“She was my go-to gal,” Perruzza said. Schaad would do any charity event for free, he added.Schaad had been doing drag since age 18, appearing at Capital Pride and many other D.C. events.
In the past few years, the performer had balanced that career with work as a graphic designer.When Schaad was admitted to the hospital December 28, he posted a message on Facebook saying, “Sorry Kittens. I won’t be out tonight at Pitchers DC/A League of Her Own #Drag Bingo. Mama is in the ER.
But please go out and support my bartender, Martin! While I’m out! XOOX!” This was typical of Schaad’s optimistic nature, friends told the Blade.Since his death, friends have been remembering him fondly on social media and elsewhere. Ryan Bos, executive director of the Capital Pride Alliance, told the Blade Schaad was “a supportive and valued member of our LGBTQ+ community.”Perruzza posted Wednesday on Facebook, “I lost a friend today. The community lost a giant.
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