Gay-Listers Guide is a series of destination glimpses through the personal experience of prominent LGBT personalities.
Sherry Vine
In this edition of Gay-Listers Guide, legendary New York City drag queen, actor and musician Sherry Vine takes us to her current favorite place in the world, Tel Aviv, Israel.
How much time have you spent in Tel Aviv?
I’ve been to Tel Aviv four times, always in the month of June. My longest visit was for 2 weeks and the shortest was four days.
What’s your favorite memory there?
It’s so hard to pick just one! I have been a guest of the Tel Aviv International LGBT Film Festival (TLVFest) and was presented with The TLVFest 2019 Honorary Award for my “contribution to the art of drag.” That was definitely an honor and highlight.
Your worst memory?
Waking up at 3 a.m. to get in drag to do a 6 a.m. show at a club in Jerusalem. She wasn’t pretty!
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What do you love most about Tel Aviv?
I adore all of my friends there, and the local queens. There is a surprisingly large and active LGBTQ+ scene. The last time I was there for Pride, in 2019, I was shocked that every single store had a pride flag in the window.
What do you not love?
It’s hard to separate myself from the politics but I think it’s political to go there, in the Middle East, and do drag shows.
Sherry Vine, working and playing in Tel Aviv.
Where are your favorite places to eat in Tel Aviv?
I can’t remember the name of this restaurant I found—very small, off the beaten path—but they had the most delicious dish I have ever had anywhere in the world. It was a fish stew with garlic, pistachios, olives and a tomato-based sauce. Divine! Also, I love the restaurants in Jaffa where they bring like 20 small dishes of hummus, eggplant, etc.
And to drink?
NYX Hotel Tel Aviv has a rooftop where we all love to gather for drinks. They usually have a DJ, and it’s quite popular. And any place near the beach.
What do you love to do here during the day?
I’m a Pisces and I feel right at home on the beach! Tel Aviv is small enough that you really can walk everywhere. I love to wake up, load up on coffee, walk to the beach and lay out for a few hours. Then walk back and shower, paint my face and hit the town.
Favorite clubs or nighttime hangouts here?
It seems to always change. Every time I go, the queens take me somewhere I’d never been before that’s “the party.” I know that’s not helpful! The dance party on the gay beach (Hilton Beach) is amazing! I’ve also gone to several parties at Tel Aviv Cinematheque to have drinks and socialize in the lobby.
Do you have a favorite place to stay here?
NYX Hotel!
Describe the LGBT scene here, and what an LGBT visitor should be sure to check out.
Tel Aviv is a gay mecca and very international. I met people from all over the world there. Pride is a very popular event—one of the biggest I’ve ever seen. I suggest picking a part of the city and walking and exploring, then another area the next day. The markets are massive and exciting, and Rothschild Boulevard is beautiful. Very touristy, but lovely shops, restaurants and small cafés where you can grab a coffee and keep walking. Don’t forget the beach!
What else should we know?
The locals sometimes have a wall up at first, but it’s easy to poke through and then you’re friends for life.
Anything new to plug?
Look for my new TV show, The Sherry Vine Variety Show, on OUTTv, airing this April. And, of course, my “live from my living room” online shows.
(This conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity.)
