MM

In class discussion regarding gender and its definitions, I decided to interview a member of the Moustache Mafia (MM), a group of women who participate in public events dressed as men, moustache and all. In terms of gender definitions, the group may not have been inspired to challenge socially accepted behaviour, but they certainly do bring up some interesting questions with their performative group.
As founder of the Moustache, Megan Bertagnolli, otherwise known as "Donna Mustachio," reflects on the initiation of the group. After a somewhat humorous discussion of the only pornographic theatre left in Edmonton, Cinema 100, Bertagnolli and friends thought it would be funny to go to the theatre dressed as a stereotypical seedy male who one may find in such a theatre: sketchy trench coat and of course, a moustache.
Initially, the Mafia put on their moustaches in sexually charged venues such as Cinema 100 and strip clubs. They have since taken on more public venues like the works festival, the fringe, taste of Edmonton, art shows and bars. Bertagnolli considers that when you have stuck you moustache on, you "become anybody you to be, like theatre [it] gives you a lot of freedom." In reflecting on the public's reactions to the freedom, Bertagnolli assures that reactions are mostly positive. Many people are curious but when questioned on why they are 'all dressed up' the Mafia states, matter of factly, that they are members of MM. Even though there are elements of cross-dressing and drag, the members for the most part appear to be women and do not come across as drag kings. On some occasions, members have experienced some confrontations. Bertagnolli remembers one passerby who yelled "You don't know what it's like to be a man." He then tried to pull of the Mafia's moustaches. Though some individuals seem to be threatened by the MM, any altercation "is taken in stride," according to Bertagnolli. She contends that there are all different types of responses but the MM are presenting themselves to Edmonton's public to get reactions as well as to enjoy themselves.
The group prides themselves on their photo collection of MM members with men they encounter who are also sporting moustaches. The group can be found on facebook, "Associates of the Moustache Mafia" is their fan page.