A federal judge ruled Aug. 25 that Texas’ restrictions on certain drag show performances were unconstitutional. The ruling pauses the enforcement of Senate Bill 12, which restricts certain sexually oriented performances on public property or in the presence of minors, and had been temporarily in effect since March while the case was being appealed.
For Corpus Christi drag performer and show producer Robyn Valentine, the challenges surrounding drag extend beyond legislation and into the local entertainment industry.
“It has been more challenging to find venues willing to work with us,” Valentine said in a June 19 interview.
“They’re afraid of the conflict that could result from advertising that they have drag shows.”
Valentine has been a drag performer for 14 years and producing drag events for seven years.
She began experimenting with drag at in 2012 when she was 16, and eventually performed publicly at the Hidden Door in Corpus Christi.
For that first performance Valentine wore a $20 black wig, a thrifted vintage top, pants, and wedge shoes. The performance was set to Tina Turner’s “What’s Love Got to Do with It.”
Drag quickly became more than a performance. It became artistic expression.
“It is an art form, because you can present in any way you’d like,” Valentine said. “You can change the structure of your face or gender. Really anything, when you’re creative enough.”
Valentine compared drag to theater, describing both forms of performance in which artists create characters and express themselves.
“Drag isn’t that much different from theater,” Valentine said. “We put on a performance. We get into character.”
Valentine doesn’t identify as a woman and said drag provides the freedom to experiment with different forms of expression. At times, Valentine shared that can look like moving away from traditional feminine looks and instead becoming “an extra colorful, alien-like character, completely free of gender.”
“The world is a coloring box, and I want to explore all the colors,” Valentine explained.
Valentine shared that creativity often extends beyond the stage. She often draws inspiration from makeup artists and fashion designers, and other performers, and creates many of the outfits worn during performances.
One of Valentine’s favorite looks is a psychedelic outfit that took approximately a month to create.
Valentine learned to sew by watching cosplayers on YouTube and said most of the clothing is made specifically to fit Valentine’s body.
However, the creative work is only a small part of producing a drag show.
As an independent producer, Valetine handles a variety of tasks including booking performers, developing themed events, creating promotional flyers, working with venues, vendors and sponsors, coordinating music, and managing finances throughout all the productions.
Valentine said each event typically requires an investment of $1,000 to $2,000 of personal money.
“I always make sure I have the money in my account before I put the show on,” Valentine said, explaining that they want to be able to pay performers even if an event doesn’t draw the expected crowd.
“My reputation means everything, and I would never cheat someone out of the money that I have promised,” Valentine said.
For Valentine, producing a show also means working closely with businesses and venues. Specialty drinks and vendors and other collaborators can become part of a show’s theme, but Valentine said communication is important when working with businesses.
Valentine discussed the financial challenges facing audiences that have also changed the local entertainment landscape.
Although admission to a show may be around $10, Valentine said attending a show can require additional spending on gas, food, and drinks. Those expenses can become harder to justify when people are already struggling financially in the current economy.
“When you’re at that level of stress, the last thing you want to do is go out.”
Valentine said that the majority of the artists worked with are non-binary or gender nonconforming, and that creating opportunities for artists is one of the reasons for continuing to produce shows independently.
“If I can’t find what I’m looking for, then I’m going to create it, because I want to work and I want my community to have more options,” Valentine said.
Valentine said that her responsibility extends to interactions online. Although there may be times when responding to negative comments about drag is tempting, Valentine said engaging in arguments could potentially encourage people to attend events with the intention of harassing performers or guests.
That responsibility has also shaped how Valentine views a role within the local LGBTQ+ community.
“I went from needing strong people when I was coming into myself to becoming the strong person for others,” Valentine said
Valentine said being viewed as an influencer comes with the responsibility of considering how statements and actions affect others.
“I don’t want to be a pretty face or good outfit,” Valentine said. “I want to be a leader.”
As Texas continues to debate the role of drag performances and the latest court ruling keeps Senate Bill 12 from being enforced, Valentine’s work demonstrates another side of the discussion: the artists, the producers and businesses working behind the scenes to keep local drag performances going.
For Valentine, creating those opportunities is more than putting on a show.
“If I can’t find what I’m looking for, then I’m going to create it,” Valentine said.
Valentine’s upcoming show, “A Rocky and Horrific Drag Show,” is scheduled Oct 10 from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. at House of Rock. Tickets can be purchased at texashouseofrock.com.
