“I taught myself how to do the makeup and how to sew, which helps because I make some of my own outfits,” Powell said, spinning to show off a paneled, sequined dress.
For Powell, the art of performing has been a freeing experience, supported by the liberal Triangle drag community in an otherwise conservative state.
“It’s about learning to let go and perform, which isn’t always easy,” Powell said. “I’ll get strange looks from people on my way to Pride in Durham, but once I’m there, everyone is great.”
Amateur nights in Raleigh have helped Ponikvar practice different looks and routines, but he said drag comes at the price of comfort.
“Wearing a bra is unbelievable — this underwire just digs into you, and it’s awful if you don’t have padding,” Ponikvar said. “But it’s fun to try and capture the different aesthetics.”
Victoria Chang, a junior environmental science and policy major at Duke University, came to support the conference.
“I had no idea what to expect at my first drag show, but it’s been great,” Chang said. “We have Blue Devils United, which is the LGBTQ community on campus, but I don’t think we have anything like this.”
Malcolm Aaron, who has worked as the bouncer at CHUG for four years, said he was overwhelmed by the support for the event.
“This is a big turnout, but I’m not that surprised because it’s a fascinating event,” Aaron said.
“CHUG gets so many bands and sorority mixers that it’s great to see something different and watch these ladies tear the house down.”
The conference focused on “Past, Present, and Future,” a formulaic concept that Martin hoped rang true in all the Unity events.
“We need to see how the past LGBTQ experiences have shaped the current situations to then see what we need to do for the future,” Martin said.
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Powell said part of drag’s future involves shedding light on its misconceptions, such as assuming everyone who does drag is gay or a trans woman.
Ponikvar agreed.
“Sometimes it’s just bored, little gay boys that want to dance around and paint their face,” he said.
Dorian Gaye, a drag king from Atlanta, performed for his second time on Friday. Gaye said he is glad to have events like the conference to perform for a supportive community.
“Drag is overall a creative art,” Gaye said. “I like it because I like being a ham on stage.”
The group of LGBTQ, straight, young and old partied through the night, celebrating what Powell said was a successful way to appreciate the art form.
“Some queens have a character, but my drag persona is just me,” Ponikvar said. “There’s no right or wrong way to do drag. It’s what inspires you.”
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