There was nothing extraordinary about them. They looked just like regular guys who had perhaps gotten up too early after a night out on the town.
The night before, however, they weren’t just out having a good time. They were fabulous ladies owning the dance floor.
From left: Misty Boxx, Aquasha DeLusty and Corbin Thicke at the 2014 Palouse Pride Festival in East City Park.
Aquasha DeLusty has been a drag queen for 12 years now. Her first Tabikat production was in 2003.
Her friend brought her to it, and afterwards she realized the production was for her.
Even though she has done numerous performances, she said one of her favorites has been “Magic Act” because it has set her apart from everyone else in the area.
“It’s been 12 years, they all blend together in a sequin ball,” DeLusty said.
Miss Bee Haven has been a queen for just over a year.
“I had just came out and it was my first drag show and I was like ‘whaaa!'” Haven said.
She saw DeLusty that first night on the stage and was mesmerized by her. Following that night, Haven went through the Drag 101 class that Tabikat offers and has been performing ever since.
“It has really changed my life because I am such a shy person,” Haven said. “You just become this character. It’s been cool to access a different side of myself and try to apply it when I’m not in drag too.”
The queens perform at least once a month. Every time they have to have new costumes, different numbers and keep the same high, sassy energy.
“You have to have fun,” DeLusty said. “If you aren’t having fun the audience doesn’t care.”
From left: Justin Case and Aquasha DeLusty at a Tabikat performance earlier this year.
Being a queen is not all about getting dressed up. The queen’s job is to entertain and interact.
“We’re kinda like clowns,” Haven said.
Both DeLusty and Haven said that their performances have become their art form. They both said being a queen is expressive.
“It’s about transforming your face and your body and becoming this character,” Haven said. “Drag isn’t just about putting on makeup. It’s about changing your face.”
Tabi Kat is not just a drag show.
“It is a hate free zone of everyone is welcome,” Haven said.
The policy of all Tabikat is to be respectful and mindful of everyone. DeLusty describes the productions as a safe place where people can be themselves.
“It’s not just about the shows,” Haven said. “It’s about this family, it’s about activism, it’s about community work.”
Claire Whitley can be reached at [email protected]