Melinda Ryder: Icon of Kansas City Drag | Kansas City News

Melinda Ryder, the beloved drag icon of Kansas City for over fifty years, has passed away after a six-month battle with cancer. Known offstage as Bruce, she was the heart and soul of Hamburger Mary’s, where her legendary Drag Bingo nights raised thousands for charity and mentored countless young performers. Her grace, joy, and leadership touched the entire city — and now, the community mourns the loss of a true pillar, whose legacy of art, compassion, and giving will forever echo through Kansas City. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/83bf79b8845d57b5