Introduction to Houston’s Thriving Drag Scene
Houston has historically been, and still very much is today, the core of Texas’s LGBTQ+ culture and advocacy. Archivists and documenters work hard to preserve local queer history so it’s not lost to time. Many nonprofits are on the ground in Houston’s helping people with their specific needs. And drag is still alive and well…we even have drag queens and drag kings.
Meet Blackberri, the Bearded Beauty of Texas
Known as “The Bearded Beauty of Texas,” Blackberri is a nationally renowned performer who has appeared on The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula and won multiple local awards solidifying her as Houston’s favorite drag queen.
Getting into Drag
Blackberri went to school for musical theater in Louisiana but didn’t enjoy it. She then moved to Texas and started going to school for fashion design. A friend who did drag inspired her to try it out. With no experience, she signed up for a local drag competition and just kind of figured it out.
Enjoying the Spotlight
Blackberri enjoys getting onstage and making people laugh and have a good time. Seeing everyone else’s reactions and them not worrying about what’s going on outside of the bar brings her joy.
Creating the Blackberri Persona
The name “Blackberri” comes from being Black and thick and juicy. It’s also a play on the word “bear,” which refers to bigger guys with facial hair, and she thought it would be cute to have a name that went with being a bearded queen.
Highlights of Her Career
Blackberri did a Facebook Super Bowl commercial that was life-changing. She was also a contestant on The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula season five and made it to the finale. These opportunities allowed her to tour across the country and perform in front of hundreds of people.
The Future of Drag in Houston
Blackberri thinks the doors have opened up, and the world finally has its eyes on Houston. She feels like they’re only just beginning their ascent into greatness, with many entertainers from Houston blowing up recently.
Meet Barry Mii Dandy, the Drag King Making Waves
OutSmart magazine named Barry Mii Dandy its “best new drag king” in 2022, and two years later gave him their “favorite drag king” award.
Favorite Things about Drag
Barry Mii Dandy loves fashion and dressing up. He’s always worn wigs on a day-to-day basis and enjoys playing around with makeup and fashion to create a character. Drag gives him an outlet to have attention in a way that he’s performing it.
Inspiring Costumes
Barry Mii Dandy loves a good theme and will come up with something to fit it. He’s inspired by movies, music, and bands, and his brain works well with prompts.
Future Goals
Barry Mii Dandy hopes to perform on every single stage in Houston, which is a feat that a drag king usually doesn’t get. He’d also like to travel around the country and create bigger and more elaborate costumes.
Challenging Himself
Barry Mii Dandy wants to try and get bigger and more elaborate costuming. He loves to create his own accessory pieces and headpieces and wants to be able to create bigger things.
The Future of the Drag Community
Barry Mii Dandy thinks the drag community in Houston is already very diverse, but the main stages aren’t always the most diverse. He’d love to see more kings, nonbinary performers, and artsy performers, and for the stages to be more inclusive of different styles of drag.
Conclusion
Houston’s drag scene is thriving, with talented performers like Blackberri and Barry Mii Dandy making waves. They’re not only entertaining audiences but also paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse drag community. As they continue to grow and perform, they’re inspiring others to express themselves and be their authentic selves. With their passion and creativity, the future of drag in Houston is looking bright.
