Austin drag artists use their spotlight to fight anti-LGBTQ+ laws

As June's Pride month celebrations unfold, the LGBTQ+ community in Austin and across Texas is navigating a complex landscape of joy, resilience, and ongoing legislative challenges. Drag artists, in particular, are at the forefront, using their platforms to advocate for rights and shed light on the realities of their lives and art in a politically charged environment.

From mastering makeup and styling wigs to promoting shows and managing full-time jobs, drag artists put an immense amount of daily work into their craft. Beyond the glamour, drag is a physically demanding art form, especially for performers who sing, dance, and host while wearing multiple elaborate garments in the Texas heat.

We caught up with three local drag artists to talk about how they are expressing their pride this year.

Bobby Pudrido offers a perspective on being a Texas drag king

Jay, known on stage as drag king Bobby Pudrido, called out the historical and ongoing erasure of drag kings, performing artists who dress in masculine drag and personify male gender stereotypes.

"While many drag queens are cisgender men, drag kings are frequently transmasculine, gender-diverse folks and women—and that dynamic affects how we're seen and supported," Jay said.

Bobby Pudrido, a name inspired by Tejano singer Bobby Pulido and the Spanish word for "rotten" ("podrido"), reflects Jay's journey of self-discovery: "I discovered my love for drag at the tender age of 32 and feel I deserve to spoil myself rotten with versions of myself I’ve always wanted to explore."

As a transgender individual, Jay has been directly impacted by the current political climate. They were denied a gender marker change on ID documents, which poses safety concerns. Jay explained that presenting as masculine while using IDs that still list their gender as female can create serious issues, especially when traveling, or in situations where they have to show their ID to someone who may not be accepting of transgender people.

MORE: How 4 queer Austin artists share their pride through music, community

Vylette Ward on her legislative efforts

Gilbert Hernandez (Vylette Ward) recalls testifying against the Drag Bill SB12 in 2023, noting the lawmakers' apparent disinterest. Hernandez said lawmakers who lacked understanding of drag and showed no interest in the the performers' viewpoints, ignored testimonies as they were given.

"The impact for me? I continued to use my platform to share information on the ways we could fight these bills and continue the conversation of what was at stake." he said.

For Hernandez, Pride Month is a crucial time to collaborate with charities and provide safe spaces for all. His drag name, Vylette Ward, is a playful nod to makeovers and transformations, inspired by the movies “Jawbreaker” and “Pretty Woman.”

Despite recent political challenges, he has observed a heartwarming shift in audience reception, with increased support and kindness from the community. "We continue to assemble. And with our supportive community of allies, we can walk a little safer to and from the events," he said.

Juliana Ross hopes to amplify LGBTQ+ voices

Julian (Juliana) Ross found his calling in elementary school, drawn to the confidence and beauty that drag queens radiated. His drag name, Juliana, holds a deeply personal meaning. His mother, who always wanted a daughter named Juliana, gave it to him.

For Julian, Pride is a time of powerful affirmation: "Every year, we show up louder and stronger,” he said. “You can’t erase us — we’re here, we’re growing, and we’re only getting stronger."

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Drag artists send a message: 'We are not going anywhere'

The artists shared a unified message for politicians targeting the LGBTQ+ community: these efforts are divisive and endanger lives.

Hernandez challenges lawmakers to attend a drag show and "truly experience the fabulous atmosphere" before passing judgment.

Ross’ message is defiant: "No matter what laws you pass or who you put in power, we are not going anywhere."

The LGBTQ+ community brings light, love and joy into the world and will continue to do so, he says.