Pride celebrates the fashion of drag

It has been reported that it was a drag queen that threw the first punch at Stonewall Inn back in June of 1969 in New York’s Greenwich Village. The riots that ensued against the government-sponsored persecution of sexual minorities marked the start of the gay rights movement. Today, Pride events are held annually around the world toward the end of June to mark this defining moment in American history. In honor of PrideFest – and that brave queen who started it all – OFC spoke with several local queens about the fashion of drag.

Nina Montaldo, who began her career as a female impersonator on Halloween night in 1969, has since become a legend in the drag community both in Denver and throughout the country. “I’m a classic. A drag queen from old-school drag where queens wear padding, phenomenal outfits and rhinestones galore,” she said. “Your hair needs to be done, not just taken out of the bag and put on your head, but styled and done correctly. My drag is styled after Diana Ross, Cher and Shirley Bassey – the glitz and the glam. I’m classic and elegant, and I can still entertain the hell out of a crowd.”

Nina, who has helped start the career of 18 drag daughters, teaches drag queens how to do their makeup and styling. “I have tons of photos of different celebrities in my makeup room, and I have been able to continuously add to my look,” she said. “Drag is always changing.”

Another local drag queen, Felony Misdemeanor, The Queen of Green, has been doing drag for about 11 years. “I don’t think there is any ‘next big thing’ in drag,” she said. “In drag, anything goes. The makeup is evolving. Girls are no longer just doing impersonations – they are doing themselves. People are getting more and more creative. I have learned that I can wear anything, and do anything, and feel comfortable in what I do. I don’t take any drag aspects into my boy life except for the confidence I get from doing drag.”

A new queen on the scene, Victoria Sexton, has been doing drag for just over a year. Prior to performing, she worked as a personal stylist and a freelance makeup artist. It was those two passions that led to her career as a drag queen. “My favorite part about doing drag is my makeup,” she said. “I love the transformation process. I find doing my makeup is super relaxing. Drag fashion is a unique thing, because it all depends on the individual. There is such a range of styles within the drag community from traditional to modern and unique. I love to not take my look too seriously; there are no rules when it comes to my style in clothing and makeup.”

For those who are thinking about becoming a female impersonator, there are several things to  keep in mind. According to Nina, drag is a lifestyle, and newcomers need to be ready to handle all aspects of being seen as a drag queen in the community. “If you are going to do it, do it right,” she said. “This is an expensive hobby, so do your research and talk to other queens to learn about their experiences before deciding if it’s for you. The most important thing is to love and honor other people’s wishes.”

Another word of advice is to do what makes you happy. “Drag is about becoming whoever you want to be in that moment,” Sexton said. “So do everything that you want to do with it, and don’t do it for someone else.” Felony Misdemeanor also adds that things typically don’t come easily or quickly. “You get what you put out,” she said. “If you have an itch to put on some heels and a wig and get on stage to give a show, then do it. There’s nothing more liberating than being yourself.”

If you’d like to incorporate some drag fashion into your wardrobe – and experience what drag empowerment is all about – Sexton suggests the use of a few tricks to look the best in everything you wear. “Add a belt to define a waist, or wear some shape-wear to smooth everything out,” she said. “Add pads if you want to fill out some pants. Heels with every outfit pull everything together, and make you stand tall and make your legs look great. Add accessories like jewelry to frame the face and complete your look. And, of course, we love things that sparkle, so that never hurts you.”