Tell me a little about your experience as a drag performer?
I've been on this drag journey for two years now. I consider myself to be not a drag queen or king, but a drag thing. I'm all about mixing it up on stage, offering a blend of show tunes, punk rock, and a sprinkle of nineties pop. What sets me apart is the high energy I bring and the eclectic range of exciting costumes that grace the stage whenever I perform. I like to keep things diverse with my performances, often using my time on stage to support various causes. I believe in using drag as a force for good, from participating in events that contribute to Toys for Tots, to organizing fundraisers to help sponsor travel to the [Idaho] capitol to testify against anti-drag bills.
Tell us the backstory of how you got involved or interested in doing drag?
My journey into drag started with me finding my identity as a trans man. I always leaned towards the more masculine side—never really into makeup, dresses, or anything remotely feminine. I started my transition at 18 and thanks to testosterone, suddenly, things felt more in sync. As I got comfortable in my skin, I started embracing more traditionally feminine stuff. I was finally able to do this without folks assuming I was trying to be something I’m not.
I stumbled onto drag shows when I got into the queer scene in Idaho. The combination of performance art and playing with gender in drag really clicked with me. It seemed like the perfect space to explore and express myself. A friend and I did a dual performance at our local pride festival. That's when I realized drag was my thing—it became more than a performance: it was a way to celebrate and express all the layers of who I am.
What is the performance or experience as a performer that you are the most proud of?
One of the performances that holds a special place in my heart is my creation of Twin Falls' "Reading with Drag" event. It's an initiative that goes beyond the stage, allowing me to use my art for visibility and education within our local community. Being able to connect with families and share insights on queer advocacy has been immensely rewarding. Through these events, I've had the privilege of teaching families about the diverse facets of the queer community. As a strong believer in the power of reading, I was thrilled to distribute many generously donated children's books to the public.
Seeing the joy in little kids' eyes as they see us is magical. Kids perceive drag artists as princes and princesses, akin to any other Disney character, not as anything bad that the media perpetrates us to be. I have had the opportunity to dress up as Mrs. Frizzle, educating kids on the significance of pronouns, science, etc.—an experience that was both entertaining and enlightening. In similar events, I've performed for young queer high school students, delivering renditions of impactful songs like "The Village" by Wrabel, a track that addresses themes of acceptance, identity, and self-expression. The lyrics delve into the struggles and discrimination of the LGBTQ+ community, particularly focusing on the experience of queer youth. I can’t tell you how many young teens came up to me crying and hugging me after that performance.
These instances are more than just performances; they are a chance to contribute to the education and understanding of the younger generation. With a background in child psychology and development, I recognize children as the architects of our future. It's truly heartening to know that through these experiences, I can play a role in educating families, connecting with children, and contributing to the creation of a more accepting world. Each event becomes an honor, a chance to make a positive impact, and a step towards fostering a more inclusive society.
How did you feel the first time you put on drag?
Performing in drag for the first time was a transformative experience for me. Up until then, I had maintained a strictly masculine presentation to avoid being misgendered. Drag provided me with a unique avenue to express crucial facets of gender identity and explore the rich tapestry of who I am, as an individual. It was revolutionary to use my art as a platform for pressing issues, including trans rights, rebellion, acceptance, and the celebration of the authentic self. Through drag, I could unveil a side of myself that went beyond the surface, conveying messages that were important to me and resonated with my community.
Interestingly, while I’m rather reserved out of drag, once those lashes and wig were on for the first time, I felt like I could take on the world. Drag became a means to shed my shyness and embrace theatricality, allowing me to convey powerful messages without uttering a single word. It's an empowering and liberating feeling that continues to fuel my passion for drag performance.
What does drag mean to you?
Drag is an art form that serves as a canvas to showcase gender and queer themes. It has become a powerful representation of oppressed identities, a platform for genuine self-expression, and a theatrical display that challenges societal norms and expectations surrounding gender. Drag is a vibrant and transformative space where individuals can redefine and celebrate the diverse spectrum of gender identities and expressions.
Is your family supportive? If yes, tell me what that’s like.
Fortunately, the family members I'm close to are supportive of my choice to do drag. Despite not being super connected with a lot of my family, the ones I do connect with have been accepting and understanding. I regularly invite my sister to events, and it's been a heartwarming experience to have the honor of holding my young niece while I participate in reading events for children. During these events, my niece finds joy in trying to play with my lashes and giggles at my eccentric makeup.
Have you had any negative experiences in the drag world?
Living in a society that is still grappling with full acceptance of drag performers has made it difficult to find welcoming spaces to perform. Our local town has witnessed protests leading to the cancellation of shows, and several venues have refused to host drag shows due to backlash against the very existence of drag performances.
I found myself personally referenced in the Idaho Family Policy Center's bill aimed at banning public drag shows in Idaho, targeted specifically for my all-ages reading time events. This compelled me to become an advocate for my art through various channels, including television interviews, news articles, petitions, and testimonies. It's disheartening that we are consistently engaged in a battle to justify our existence and fight for the right to express ourselves through drag. Despite the challenges, the resilience of the drag community persists as we navigate and advocate for a more inclusive and accepting society.
Why is it important that we protect drag in public and private spaces in Idaho?
Protecting drag in both public and private spaces in Idaho is crucial for several reasons. Drag is a form of artistic expression that enriches cultural diversity and fosters inclusivity. By safeguarding drag, we uphold the values of free expression and creativity that are fundamental to a vibrant and diverse society. Drag plays a significant role in advocating for the rights and visibility of the LGBTQ+ community. In a state like Idaho, the presence of drag in public and private spaces serves as a powerful platform to educate and promote understanding where challenges and misconceptions persist. It contributes to breaking down stereotypes and fostering a more accepting and tolerant environment. Additionally, protecting drag events and performances is essential for the economic well-being of local communities. Drag shows attract diverse audiences, boost business for local venues, restaurants, and other establishments. This economic impact is a positive force for communities like Twin Falls, supporting both the drag performers and the businesses hosting these events.
Ultimately, safeguarding drag in Idaho is about preserving the freedom to express ourselves authentically and promoting a society that values diversity, equality, and the right to creative expression for all.
Were you involved in the “Protect Drag In Idaho” postcard collection effort last year to get the word out about protecting drag in Idaho? Tell me about your experiences with that.
I played an active role in the "Protect Drag In Idaho" postcard collection effort last year. I had been in close collaboration with the organizer, Miss Cali Je, for quite some time, discussing ways to advocate for drag rights in Idaho even before the postcards initiative was launched. Together with other organizers, we orchestrated three events in Twin Falls to encourage people to sign these postcards, creating a widespread and visible movement.
Despite our efforts, we faced resistance when attempting to deliver the bulk of postcards to the legislators from our district. Undeterred, Cali Je approached me with the idea of creating a dress out of the discarded postcards, a dress that I still have today as a powerful symbol of our advocacy.
The experience was a testament to the resilience and determination of the community to fight for the rights and visibility of drag in Idaho.
Is there anything else you’d like to share or would like people to know about drag in Idaho?
The drag community in Idaho is not just about entertainment; it's a vibrant and diverse space that fosters creativity, self-expression, and a sense of belonging for many individuals. Drag events often serve as platforms for advocacy and education. Drag performers in Idaho actively engage with their communities to promote awareness about LGBTQ+ issues, challenge stereotypes, and contribute to a more inclusive and understanding society. These events go beyond entertainment; they are opportunities to create positive change.
Supporting drag events in Idaho is not only a celebration of artistic expression but also a way to contribute to the local economy. Drag shows attract diverse audiences and positively impact businesses in the area.
Drag in Idaho is not just a form of entertainment; it's a vital part of the cultural landscape, an avenue for advocacy, and a force for positive change in the community.
About the Center Stage drag story project
We center the stories of drag performers across Idaho to celebrate queer joy and advocate for the protection of drag performances as legal art form and first amendment right in Idaho. We believe in the value of visibility and the understanding of being seen is a crucial factor in preserving lives. Our intention is for performers to redefine the narrative of drag and expand the public perception of its true essence through their stories and lived experiences. Drag is a form of creative expression like any other and has always been about joy and acceptance. The stories shared on this page are here to celebrate and advocate to protect the constitutionally guaranteed right to dance, fashion, music, and DRAG!
Share your drag story with the ACLU of Idaho Reach out to ACLU of Idaho Advocacy Fellow Jenna Damron to learn how you can participate.
LEARN HOW YOU CAN HELP PROTECT DRAG PERFORMANCE IN IDAHO WITH THE NORTH IDAHO PRIDE ALLIANCE