What Makes Southern Drag, “Southern Drag?” 6 Local Queens State Their Case

You Can’t Stop the Queer South is Them’s series spotlighting LGBTQ+ voices of resistance and resilience in the American South, created with guest editor adrienne maree brown. In the time since producing these stories, Hurricane Helene has devastated areas across North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, and Virginia, with nearly 200 dead, a million without power, and countless homes destroyed or displaced. We ask readers to support on-the-ground relief efforts however possible. See our Hurricane Helene relief resource guide to learn how you can help.

The South has always had a lot to say. But that’s often overshadowed by what others have to say about the South. Media and popular culture tell us that it’s a conservative hellhole; that queer communities are constantly being repressed by legislation and outdated societal norms; and that in order to live our truth, we must move to other regions of the country.

Don’t get me wrong, the South has plenty of issues that we all know deeply and can list off easily. But this overwhelming narrative of the South being culturally repressed and politically suppressed does more harm than good. It deprives the South — which has a rich history of civil rights activism, resistance, and so much cultural capital to bank on — of autonomy and selfhood. This misconception is partially what drove myself and others to found Southern Fried Queer Pride, a queer arts and community organization uplifting and centering Southern queer folks. After 10 years of existing, we’re still finding it incredibly important to shift this narrative into one that is more accurate and rooted in perspectives of people who actually live here. Afterall, we’re the ones on the frontlines fighting back against some of the harshest anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in the country, like Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” law, Tennessee’s since-overturned drag ban, and North Carolina’s consistent attacks on trans youth.

And who are the beacons in Southern queer communities, leading us through joy and resistance? Drag entertainers. As a drag queen 13 years in the game, I’ve navigated through it all: turning community turmoil into triumph, celebrating us in a world that seeks to do anything but, and reminding them that they deserve space in the world, all while wearing the most sickening outfits you could ever imagine.

I spoke to six Southern drag entertainers who I call family about using their art to create safe spaces in their cities and continuing to work and twirl in a region that often seeks to snuff them out. What makes the Southern drag so special? Read on to find out.

Editor’s Note: These interviews have been edited and condensed for clarity.

What makes Southern drag, Southern drag?

Southern drag is definitely not a monolith and we are fortunate to have legacies old and new with trans women really leading the charge at every turn. Drag here is big, sexy, radical, and politicized. The performers I have met have been some of the bravest and kindest people I have met, whether that is a legend like Dana St. James, Ebony Addams, or Kelly Ray or fresher faces always keeping me on my toes. Southern drag is not afraid and it will never be afraid to stand up and be the voice of the rest of the community, especially in this political climate.

What do people get wrong about nightlife in the South?

Everyone expects the South to shrink and hide the queer nightlife, but Durham, Atlanta, New Orleans, and everywhere in between are showing you exactly who we are, right on Main Street. Often, I feel the heart of queer nightlife is overshadowed by images of Pride events that typically whitewash the queer community to be more palatable to the general public. The South is a lot more colorful than a white picket fence and the queer community is no different. Step into a nightlife space and prepare to see all sorts of bodies with all sorts of love, encouraging further exploration of who we truly are! Queer nightlife in the South is about love and light, boo! Get into it!

How has the political climate affected your shows and the community that supports them?

In North Carolina, the political climate is so volatile that we are receiving death threats and oppressors heckling shows, which is not unique to us. Durham typically shields us from this experience as that is not tolerated here, but my daughters have experienced significant hatred at shows. Naomi Dix was at the center of the conversation when the Proud Boys shot out the transformers for an entire county all because she was performing. I also have heard stories from Stormie Daie, who helps young people feel at home in their own bodies and has been heckled on stage in Wake County.

What makes Southern Drag, Southern Drag?

Performance and not stunt work. We feel a song, we embrace a performance.

What do people get wrong about nightlife in the South?

That there is no night life, or that nightlife is unsafe. Some of the safest spaces are within the South. Do your homework.

How has the political climate affected your shows and the community that supports them?

We have felt the effects of the systemic and political issues that have affected our historical drag community. As Durham, we have continued full force ahead because we know that we are the vessels to a future generation and that our voices and presence despite the hatred from those around us will create a stronger, more inclusive, and safe future

What makes Southern drag, Southern drag?

Southern drag has a palpable energy of resilience and strength. From the music to the movement, there’s a feeling of assimilation happening on stage where the artist is presenting who they are in a way that’s so unapologetic and MATTER OF FACT it makes the audience want more. Southern drag is Southern drag because of the Black and brown people on that stage.

What do people get wrong about nightlife in the South?

People think it’s all about partying and miss the arts that make the South so great. You never know when you’ll walk into a DIY art show here, but when you do there’s gonna be memories made. Lots of people miss the depths to which Southern artists go for their audiences.

How has the political climate affected your shows and the community that supports them?

The community sadly took a huge blow, we lost a lot of great artists to politics within and outside the scene. Some people just couldn’t keep up with the new demands of our audience while others just lost their momentum or interest. It’s sad to see because for me some of those artists had a direct hand in my upbringing within the community, so it’s hard to be a part of something your chosen family has stepped away from. All in all, it’s a tough situation but we have to keep going. The South needs art, full stop.

What do people get wrong about nightlife in the South?

Sometimes people think that Southern drag is all pageantry and big hair and gowns, but I’ve seen some of the most innovative and creative performances come out of the South. I’ve watched as audience members get their minds blown when they come to the bar expecting a typical drag show and end up seeing something political or strange that they weren’t expecting.

Speaking from your respective city, what do you wish people knew more about your city and its community?

New Orleans is a melting pot, because at the end of the day whether we’re fighting or not, there’s still a sense of camaraderie because when the next hurricane hits, we’re gonna all need each other in order to make it through. People come to New Orleans to have a good time, but don’t realize that the people that live here have such a rich culture that is so much more than Bourbon Street and bachelorette parties. It’s heart and soul, history and legacy that drives us to create the type of art that we do.

How has the political climate affected your shows & the community that supports them?

Drag has always been and will always be political, but I feel like this current political climate has created so much misinformation and confusion around the art of drag and what we are here to do. I feel like it has involved those who do support us to be more loud and proud about their support and help us dispel the misinformation and hatred around what is usually such a beautiful art form that brings so much joy to many.

What do people get wrong about nightlife in the South?

A lot of people think nightlife in the South is quiet or conservative, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. We know how to have fun, and our nightlife is diverse, vibrant, and full of surprises. Sure, we might be in a smaller town or city, but the energy and creativity are just as strong, if not stronger. It’s a tight-knit scene, and everyone shows up ready to support each other.

Speaking from your respective city, what do you wish people knew more about your city and its community?

Chattanooga is often overlooked, but the city and its LGBTQ+ community are incredibly supportive and close. There’s a lot of creativity here, and the sense of unity is strong. Our drag scene may not be huge, but it’s full of talent and passion. I wish more people knew how much pride we have in lifting each other up and making space for everyone to shine.

How has the political climate affected your shows & the community that supports them?

The political climate has definitely had an impact on us. I’ve had several shows canceled due to new legislation, which has been disheartening. But it’s also made the community more determined to stick together and push forward. We’ve become more cautious, but also more resilient. It’s been a challenge, but it’s brought out a stronger sense of purpose in the work we do.

What makes Southern drag, Southern drag?

Southern drag is definitely all about the glamor. In the South, we pride ourselves on being bigger and the goal is to look as rich as you possibly can. My favorite thing about all of that is the elegance that it exudes.

What do people get wrong about nightlife in the South?

When people think of Southern drag, they equate it to being rural. They believe that most venues are like “dive bars,” dimly lit and kinda scary. That’s simply not true. Due to the deep religious roots in the South, once a space opens for queer people it quickly becomes thee place to be.

Speaking from your respective city, what do you wish people knew more about your city and its community?

Macon is the birthplace of soul, and the queer community has such a large part in that. Macon has some of the most diverse artists in all of America and to experience that is such a pleasure. The beautiful part about our community here is the immense support that we all show each other. Macon is built on love, and that’s the most beautiful thing any community can have.

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