Quick Change: Drag through the Pandemic

Twenty-twenty was the year of the pivot. Businesses had to change to a new normal (hello Zoom meetings!), folks had to adjust their daily routines (makeshift offices in the bedroom?) to a world where close proximity could very well be deadly. So, what was a performer to do, especially a performer whose very livelihood often depends on people being able to go out and attend a show?

For me, 2020 was a year of embracing new forms of art, and drag was one of them. Shamy Lee was born on the hardwood floors of my fourth-floor apartment, with an adoring crowd of one (my then boyfriend, now husband). My drag personality began to take shape and form in a world where I really couldn’t step out and show her off. In essence, Shamy is like a child of the pandemic. Shamy, however, is the exception. Many performers across the U.S. and abroad had to change their tactics to make sure they survived. After all, drag is an art and a business.

I spoke with several queens about their experiences over the past two years and while each one of their experiences differed, there were a lot of similarities in how the pandemic affected their art, their livelihoods, and indeed, drag as a whole

Dusty Bucket, Victoria Paige Matthews, Lacey Fauxx, Athena Sylvers: These queens have been rocking it for years, but when the pandemic hit, it forced them to come to terms with a lot about drag. Dusty Bucket, who has performed drag in Ohio for four years, felt like her drag was just hitting its stride and could count on being in rotation in a few shows before the pandemic.

The same sentiment was expressed from all the queens, as Lacey Fauxx (performer for six years) says, “Before the pandemic life was always crazy. I was always on the go. I work a full-time day job, and I was also doing drag as much as a full-time entertainer. I would do shows sometimes Wednesday-Sundays. Sundays were always my long day. I would host my drag brunch at 10:30, host beer bust 4 to 8, and then a show 10 to 12.”

As the pandemic began to tighten its grasp on our community events and queer spaces, the pivot began. For Victoria Paige Matthews, a drag performer since 2005, that meant switching to a new medium to show off her performances: social media.  But she has adjusted and states, “No live audience makes it more difficult.”

This sentiment was echoed by Dusty Bucket, who says, “What’s funny, is I got into performing initially with video making in college … but, trying to perform for a camera the same way you do live is not the way. We can’t rely on audience feedback, and after a live Instagram show, for example, you’re left feeling empty. But with making video, I don’t have to get things right the first time. I can really use the medium to its advantage rather than a replacement for live shows.”

Athena Sylvers’ (performing for four years) pandemic story was slightly different. She states, “I have been performing throughout the pandemic; I only stopped for a few months when it started. Between shows, I was also speaking at BLM protests, doing photoshoots, and contributing my art to music videos.”

As so often is the case, things are not 100 percent doom and gloom. Humanity has always found a way to see the bright sides of terrible situations, and this remains the case with drag. I asked the queens if they’ve seen any positive things happen in drag because of the ongoing pandemic. 

Lacey Fauxx’s lockdown revelation made her realize just how passionate she was about the art.

“I think one of the positive things that have come from the pandemic after the lockdown … someone like myself, who is used to being social and going out—It really made me bond and appreciate other entertainers, and it really puts your perspective in place. It made me realize how passionate I am about drag.” 

On the other hand, Athena had this to say, “I personally have dived deeper into using my art to send contemplative messages about the state of affairs. There have also been moments I’ve recognized that the pandemic has started discussions about the treatment and compensation of performers and producers. Many have voiced their desires for a shift in the relationship between bars and performers.” 

Victoria said that the rising use of Venmo for tips has been a net positive for the art form. She also states that, “People have become more creative in finding ways to perform … It’s gliterally encouraged experimentation with drag and personal drag style,” while Dusty notes, “The virtual shows allowed me to perform all over the world! I got a show in the U.K., in California, and I got to participate in Ohio Burlypicks, where I won Master of Amazement for a video performance. I never expected to do much, not to mention win anything in 2020. I think being alone for so long allowed me to spend more time on what I do, keep editing and polishing, so I feel like I’m coming back better than ever.”

I, too, believe that the increasing use of virtual platforms to showcase art have been a great addition to the world of drag. If it had not been for the queens posting content and tutorials on social media, I don’t know that Shamy would have ever appeared. They gave me inspiration, showed me that it was possible, and OK to try. That gave me the courage to accept the opportunity to do my first-ever live show in the summer of 2021 (casted by Athena Sylvers). 

Every positive, though, is not without a negative; Victoria laments, “The lack of prior connection makes it even more difficult to get booked and appear in shows,” but, she remains hopeful and sees some signs of change, stating that “people in charge of shows are willing to cast newer performers.”

As we enter the third year of the pandemic, many people are getting anxious and worried about another lockdown, myself included. However, there are a multitude you can support your local (and not-so-local) drag performers.

All the queens urge audience members to tip and support on social media, but I think Dusty says it best, “We always love tips! I think shows are more or less back on rotation, at least here in Ohio, and I don’t blame anybody who isn’t ready to go back yet. But if someone posts a clip from a show, toss a couple dollars in the Venmo or Cash App.
“Sometimes we have merch for sale, too! Share the shows that are going on with friends. But a big thing, too, is please don’t pass judgment on others based on whether you think we should or shouldn’t have shows. I wish we all had more support to stay safe out here, but we are on our own … we have to remember to be gracious and understanding, keep moving through our lives, and protect ourselves as best we can.”

As I ended my interviews, some of the queens had one last thing to say: 

Lacey: “I think the only thing I would like to mention is to please be respectful of entertainers when you go to a drag show. Don’t touch anybody or grab anybody without consent. Tip well! We do live off them like anybody in the service industry, and just go out and have a good time. Cheering us on and enjoying the show just makes us want to work harder for you.”

Athena: “As things evolve, many of us are wondering if (a lockdown) will happen again, and if it would actually help to eradicate the virus. As an entertainer, I know that we may soon have to decide what is more important, our art or the health and safety of ourselves and others. When the time comes, each of us will have to choose which risks are worthwhile, and which are not. Our decisions may determine whether we can continue enjoying our favorite venues and entertainment.”

Dusty: “If you remember how much you needed art and entertainment in a quarantine, you’ll know how  important it is to be a creator, and support us. If you are a producer or have power to pay others, but you can’t afford to pay more than $50, then you can’t afford us! If you’re an artist, it’s OK to demand more and say no when it’s not worth it. I know it’s extremely hard sometimes, because it feels like something is better than nothing, but we all must set the standard together. The success of other artists is a success for me and you. I believe we’re going to come out of this believing in our worth, beyond just money. Drag brings beauty, humor, and joy, and we need it more than ever.”