The writer of this article was part of a summer honors experience: Voices From Our Backyard: Local News Narratives during which students created and wrote stories to be published in community news outlets.
Charlotte Martin
The lights flashed as “What’s Your Pleasure?” by Jessie Ware blasted from four-foot speakers.
The crowd cheered.
Then, self-declared drag "creature" Violet Nights strutted up and down the aisle. $1, $5, even some $20 bills were scattered across the floor. Smiles and wide-eyed amusement rippled through the sea of people as Nights ripped off a handmade skirt and jacket to reveal lederhosen chaps.
“I could lie and say I was nervous, but I wasn’t,” said Nights, a 19-year-old student at the Community College of Baltimore County, recalling his debut performance at Vision House in Baltimore.
The energy was electric, a clear sign that drag culture in Baltimore is thriving. Venues like Vision House aren’t just stages; they’re homes for performers like Violet Nights, where creativity knows no limits and the community is eager to embrace it.
Nights is a rising star in the local scene, where youth and boldness often blend into performances that are both daring and memorable. His confidence on stage reflects the supportive community surrounding him, encouraging new talent to take risks and embrace their uniqueness.
But what exactly is drag? For many, drag is more than just dressing up and performing—it’s a way to express who they truly are. Whether you’ve got friends in the scene or are just drawn in by the freedom drag offers, it’s a space where everyone can explore and celebrate their identity.
“I couldn’t do drag without the community,” said Max Mayhem, a 23-year-old gender-fluid drag performer.
For performers like Mayhem, the community isn’t just an audience; it’s a lifeline. The connections formed within the drag scene often go beyond the stage, offering emotional support, collaboration, and a sense of belonging in a world that can be isolating for those who don’t fit into conventional norms.
Mayhem, a 2023 graduate of the Maryland Institute College of Art with a background in fine arts, has been in the drag scene for around two years. They collaborate with The Queers Upstairs, an event at the Aliceanna Social Club, to host a drag show called “Monthly Mayhem.”
This partnership underscores how deeply connected drag is with local queer spaces. These venues and events are more than just spots to perform, they’re the beating heart of Baltimore’s LGBTQ+ community, fostering creativity, activism, and a sense of unity.
Many believe that drag is a multifaceted art, and according to Mayhem, it’s a place of “unapologetic self-expression.” Drag has always been a haven of love and acceptance for everyone.
But what makes Baltimore’s drag scene so unique?
“The Baltimore drag scene is weirder and more alternative,” said Boy Pansy, a 27-year-old trans-masculine drag king.
This “weirdness” is exactly what sets Baltimore apart. While other cities might favor a more polished, mainstream style, Baltimore’s drag artists revel in being different, bringing a raw, unfiltered energy to their performances that’s hard to find elsewhere.
There are many misconceptions about drag, including the belief that it’s mostly cisgender gay men who participate. However, Pansy said, “It’s so full of kings and gender non-conforming performers,” which is another reason he loves the Baltimore scene so much.
This diversity is one of the scene’s biggest strengths. Baltimore’s drag isn’t just for queens; it’s for kings, nonbinary performers, and everyone in between, making it a true reflection of the city’s LGBTQ+ community.
Another local drag star, Syren 7, defines alternative drag as “anything that breaks the traditional rules of beauty...whether that be bearded, bloody, scary, or even just non-human.”
For Syren 7, breaking the rules is what makes Baltimore’s scene so exciting. Drag here isn’t just about looking pretty—it’s about challenging expectations, whether that means embracing the grotesque, the bizarre, or the otherworldly.
Baltimore boasts a wealth of alternative drag performers, including Bratz LaVey.
LaVey, a 21-year-old alternative drag queen known for her love of gothic and horror-inspired performances, leans into the darker side of drag, creating a space where the eerie and unconventional take center stage.
Drawn to the art of drag by the appeal of embodying a character, LaVey thrives on pushing boundaries in her performances and within the drag community. As she puts it, “It feels great to know I’m toeing the line just by existing.”
So, how do you get involved if you don’t have connections in the scene or haven’t been exposed to it?
CLASI, a faculty-run LGBTQ+ support and advocacy group at CCBC, has found a way to open the doors and involve more people in drag.
CLASI organizes events such as drag bingo and offers support for LGBTQ+ students and employees.
Dr. Cristina Cardona, an associate professor of physical science, spearheaded the introduction of drag bingo at CCBC’s Essex Campus in the fall of 2023. Her vision didn’t stop there, she played a pivotal role in bringing this colorful event to the Catonsville Campus, expanding its reach and impact within the community.
Cardona used a mix of social media platforms, including Facebook, to spread the word about the event. She also took a more traditional approach by creating and distributing flyers across the campuses. The response was overwhelming, with the event drawing a larger crowd than anticipated. Now, as she looks ahead to fall, Cardona is on the hunt for even bigger venues to accommodate the growing interest.
Cardona’s efforts show just how excited people are about drag events on campus, and the performers couldn’t agree more. Their advice? If you’re curious about drag, just go to a show, even if you’re a little nervous.
Many performers and venues like Vision House or Aliceanna Social Club regularly post events on social media, so watch for announcements online and on campus corkboards. Whether it’s a show or a workshop, these events are open to everyone, so don’t hesitate to jump in and express yourself.
What a great article. I’ve lived in Baltimore for going on fourteen years now and learned so much from this reporting. Thanks for writing this!
Thank you so much for reading this Kyle and commenting. The students worked really hard on all of their stories. They had to learn how to report, interview and produce art and write their features in only a few short weeks! Please share if get a chance!