Zoey Adams (Zachary Bishop) has been performing in drag for two years and began to perform for her best friend’s cancer benefit. “Typically people want to come shows and see what I do when they find out. I’ve been lucky to really never have a negative reaction to me doing drag,” Adams said. “Drag is my creative outlet, the drive and passion that I have for this art form is what keeps me hooked, it is a chance for me to escape my everyday life and entertain people. I believe the importance of drag has definitely risen— drag shows tend to bring the community together and with Trump being elected I believe that being together as one unit and keeping our spirits high is a necessity.”

D’Manda Respect (David Geissler) just finished performing at Rose Music Hall on Aug. 26, 2017 for the Mid-Missouri Pride Festival. 

Lillian Pads (Jackson Bollinger) just finished his first show at Yin Yang Night Club on Dec. 1 and has been performing in drag off and on, but has been working harder at it the past few months. “I keep it a secret from my family because I know they wouldn't understand it or accept it,” Bollinger said. “But, other people in the Columbia community are very supportive of it and they think it's amazing, which is really a boost of confidence. I think society has a long way to go with LGBTQ+ issues and acceptance, but I feel like we are still moving in a good direction. I think that now drag is more important than ever. Queens must remind our LGBTQ+ family that we are all one and that we won't ever stop fighting for who we are, and then we also have to make a lot of dick jokes and sweat through 5 layers of pantyhose.”

Roy Lovelady (Mahajanay Demornay) just finished performing at Rose Music Hall on Aug. 26, 2017 for the Mid-Missouri Pride Festival. 

Allesandra Blaze (BJ Worley) began performing in drag in Dec. 2012 and uses drag as a creative outlet, looking at it like performing theater with Allesandra as his character that he has created and developed. “Given the current political climate I think drag has two big functions that it can serve as,” Worley said. “Drag queens have always been like figureheads and spokespersons for the LGBTQ+ community, and when needed we give voice to those who don’t have a voice.  At the same time, drag is a fantasy. It’s all made up, so sometimes an audience just wants to go to the bar and escape from reality and enjoy a show.”