The art of drag: Empowering San Angelo's LGBT community to express themselves

Zelieghia Reignz Paris pulled open the curtain and headed out to the dance floor in her spiky high heels. The crowd cheered on as she whipped her hair around and sang along to her song.

The drag queen was one of several performing Friday, April 19, 2019, at the Beauregard.

“We have a show about once a month and there is always new people who come because nobody knows we are here,” said organizer Jeff Smith.  

“We have a large LGBT community but it’s extremely underground and there’s no comfortability for them like holding hands in public with your partner.”

He said the drag shows are a place for everyone to feel welcomed and comfortable to be who they want to be. The shows incorporate different entertainers from the region and are all inclusive.

A drag queen is typically a male who personifies an exaggerated version of a female. Smith said the entertainers are also cis-queens – females performing as drag queens — and drag kings — females impersonating males.

“For most of these entertainers it’s a hobby and probably one of the most expensive hobbies we have,” he said. “They are here to express their talents and their escape to do whatever they want.”