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OUT AND PROUD lgbtq+ community makes voice heard in drag shows, Athens PRIDE

“Everyone has an origin story. Be thankful for it.”

That’s what Tommy Anderson said about his experience within the drag scene in Athens.

Anderson dressed as Raven La’Wrath (Courtesy Tommy Anderson)

For decades, Athens has seen drag queens from all over come and go, awing crowds with their dramatic performances. The two most popular drag groups—Athens Showgirl Cabaret and The Kourtesans—possess some of the many drag queens in the Classic City.

Through the art of drag and Athens pride, the community celebrated LGBTQ+ History Month.

THE FACES OF ATHENS DRAG

(Courtesy Trevor Ramsey)

Trevor Ramsey, who goes by the drag name Jenn Sparx, studies linguistics as a graduate student at the University of Georgia. He started doing drag in 2013 when he moved to Athens from Oklahoma City.

Sparx won the Boybutante AIDS Foundation’s amateur drag competition in 2014 and then began working at Athens Showgirl Cabaret as a drag performer.

Even though she had never done drag before coming to Athens, she fell in love with performing. (Courtesy Trevor Ramsey)

Sparx isn’t sure how long she will continue to perform, but she hopes she can continue to do it as she pursues a career in teaching at a university.

“When I think about stopping that sounds awful because I do use it as such an outlet from work and school,” Ramsey said.

24-year-old Tommy Anderson, who goes by the drag name Raven La’Wrath, has been in the drag scene since 2010 when he helped launch the first all-age drag show at Athens PRIDE. (Courtesy Tommy Anderson)

Anderson poses at That Bar where he hosts many events for The Kourtesans

The 2009 premiere of RuPaul’s Drag Race inspired Anderson to do drag. From there, his passion for the art of drag soared.

“I was very lost, heavily bullied and found it very difficult to make friends,” Anderson said.

Anderson took a break from drag to take care of his brother who suffered from addiction and later passed away. He later returned to drag as an outlet for his emotions.

“Wigs, lashes and heels do an amazing job of letting you feel what you need to feel,” Anderson said.

While drag may not be for everyone, those who identify as LGBTQ+ find community in events such as Athens PRIDE, which took place Sept. 29, in its 21st year.

THE FACES OF ATHENS PRIDE

Leading up to the Athens PRIDE festival, the directors planned a week of festivities, including events such as a variety show at the 40 Watt Club in downtown Athens.

Alex Suarez, a member of The Kourtesans, prepares for a performance at the 40 Watt in Athens the week leading up to the PRIDE festival.

“PRIDE Week has taken on a new meaning to me this year,” Suarez said. A two and a half year drag veteran, Suarez said it creates a community among those who identify as LGBTQ+.

Cameron Harrelson, the events director of Athens PRIDE, comes from a small town where he never really felt accepted. But he now has “a place to call home” with Athens PRIDE.

Humans weren’t the only ones to show out at the festival.

Argo and Artemis, two canine brothers, showed their support with their humans at Athens PRIDE. Although it was hot and in the 90s, their rainbow attire kept them fashionable.

Brandon Paxton, with the LGBTQ+ Caucus, encouraged festival goers to register to vote, know who they’re voting for and have comfort in knowing that “everyone has representation.”

“As a collective, we’re a lot stronger,” Paxton said.

Age isn’t a barrier when it comes to the community found in pride.

Carmen Tong, a middle school student in Athens-Clarke County, finds acceptance and open-mindedness in the community.

“A marginalized community”

Kris Schultz reresented the group Free Hugs Athens to “acknowledge a part of a community that has been marginalized for so many decades and beyond.”

According to data from 2016 by the Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law, 4.5% of Georgia’s population, or 356,000 people, identify as LGBT. This percentage doesn’t include other people on the LGBTQ+ spectrum.

As LGBTQ+ History Month comes to an end, Harrelson said it’s important to hold events throughout the year “to create and inspire community and to create safe spaces.”

BY MELISSA GE & ASHLEY SORIANO

With the help of the Cox Institute, Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication, Mobile News Lab & Dr. Keith Herndon

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