In the few short years since Venus Victrola (Fae/Faer/Any), also known out of drag as Eden, moved to Denver from Missouri, fae found a home in the Denver drag community. And in these past few years, Victrola has done it all: drag performance artist, draglesque artist, gogo, designer, and LGBTQIA rights activist.
During the day, Eden is in active pursuit of an esthetician’s certification with an expressed enthusiasm for self care. At night, Eden then morphs into Venus Victrola to entertain crowds all over the state of Colorado. Victrola currently holds the titles of Ms. Rocky Mountain Shining Star and Ms. Drag Wars Charlie’s Denver.
Image Credit Venus Victrola
Coming April 8, 2023, Tracks Denver is hosting a fundraiser in solidarity with Victrola’s journey in securing major gender affirming care. In preparation for this event, OFM sat down with Eden, the enigma behind the Victrola persona. During this conversation, fae praised the lively drag scene in Denver and discussed the importance of the queer liberation movement and the need for bridging the gap between generations. Fae further discussed the importance of finding and maintaining work/life balance and focusing on doing work that inspires authentic expression of self.
Victrola also uses drag is a form of protection and expression of femininity, mocking societal values of what is traditionally considered to be attractive and challenging stereotypes of conventional gender roles and identities.
OFM Interview With Venus Victrola by Charlotte Piper
“The illusion of drag comes from a sense of protection of self. For me, it’s the projection of femininity I felt like I had to live in for the first 24-25 years of my life. So, I like being Venus, but that Venus is not me. Venus is a character that I put on to mock society. That is how I see my drag. I see my character of Venus as a beautiful expression I’ve created to mock society,” says Victrola during this interview.
Venus Victrola’s Gender Affirming Fundraiser Tour began on March 11, with an exhibition at Leon Gallery. The Shadows Gather exhibit features photos not seen anywhere else and have been deemed “not safe for social media”. An image of Victrola is part of the Shadow Banned anthology, which exposes the censorship that marginalized communities experience. Any funds from the purchase of a Victrola print during this showcase will be directed toward the fundraiser. The Shadows Gather show runs through April 22, 2023.
Image credit Venus Victrola Instagram
On April 1, 2023, Trident Booksellers and Cafe is hosting a Queer Dance Party with drag pop ups and suggested donations of $10 or more. All these funds will go directly toward Victrola’s surgery.
With Venus Victrola’s Gender Affirming Fundraiser Tour, Tracks is hosting its first ever event to raise money for gender-affirming care in honor of Victrola. On April 8, from 7-9 p.m., all ticket sales will go directly to the fund. This evening of celebrating this local queer icon includes a trans centered dance party, drag performances, and community resources. Their Party, Denver’s largest nonbinary and trans-centered dance party with special guest artist Jakk Fynn, will close out the night.
Those who want to rock a new look for Victrola’s party can do so by booking an appointment with Kate at Lux de Vil Salon. All day on April 8, Kate will be donating all funds raised from haircut services to Victrola’s GoFundMe campaign.
