Texas-based drag queen Kristi Waters left behind a career as a teacher to perform full-time, and today is at the center of San Antonio’s LGBTQ+ scene, despite the proposed bills in the state threatening to restrict drag. “At the bar I manage and perform at, Paramour, we’ll be hosting a few events along with our regular Drag Brunches throughout the month. I will also be working with the Pride Center in San Antonio to perform at our city’s Pride festival and parade, and I’ll also be attending on my own to celebrate with the community,” she says.
Drag must-have: “The most crucial thing is the audience. What makes it the best is having an audience that’s super engaged with the show. Without that, you don’t have a show.”
Drag persona: “Fun, loud, funny, irreverent.”
Also still in the running to win the current season of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars, 20-year drag veteran Alexis Michelle (Alexander J. Michaels) says her goal when it comes to drag is to “emulate the great stars of stage and screen. They were my heroines—Judy Garland, Liza Minnelli, Julie Andrews, Carol Burnett and more. I’d always been playing dress up so it was a natural transition.” Look for her at San Francisco Pride this year, but in reality, “I will celebrate Pride 365 days a year as I always aim to,” says the native New Yorker.
Drag must-have: “Makeup is extremely transformative for me, but there’s nothing like putting on the hair! My personal favorite elements though are nails and jewelry.”
Drag persona: “Theatrical, naughty, and gorgeous.”
