Drag Kings: We’re Hard to Come By

Dressed in cyborg attire inspired by “Star Trek,” Drake Demonwing walks onstage with the song “Send in the Machines” by Bohnes guiding his steps. A harness and wires covered in broken CDs criss-cross his chest. Gray, geometric shapes adorn his face, already accentuated by makeup and a painted-on beard.

Written by Nika Bartoo-Smith and Photographed by: Liz Donovan

Link to Story: https://www.dailyemerald.com/ethos/drag-kings-we-re-hard-to-come-by/article_55789fc0-6c40-11ec-9e7c-4f84032dd8fa.html

Kira Maddox paints Bleich’s face the afternoon of her performance as a cyborg in “Dragageddon.” Maddox and Bleich have been partners for three years, and Maddox does her best to help prepare for every show.

Kira Maddox paints Bleich’s face the afternoon of her performance as a cyborg in “Dragageddon.” Maddox and Bleich have been partners for three years, and Maddox does her best to help prepare for every show.

Bleich paints a faux mustache on her face, shifting her look into Drake Demonwing. “I finally feel that masculinity kick in,” Bleisch says. “I want to go to war! I want a lightsaber! I’m a man!”

Bleich paints a faux mustache on her face, shifting her look into Drake Demonwing. “I finally feel that masculinity kick in,” Bleisch says. “I want to go to war! I want a lightsaber! I’m a man!”

Spectrum reopens after closing during the Covid-19 pandemic. Spectrum is the premier LGBTQ+ bar located in Downtown Eugene. Spectrum’s website boasts that it is “not just a gay bar,” but that it is a safe space to a diverse community.

Spectrum reopens after closing during the Covid-19 pandemic. Spectrum is the premier LGBTQ+ bar located in Downtown Eugene. Spectrum’s website boasts that it is “not just a gay bar,” but that it is a safe space to a diverse community.

Victoria Bleisch performs as Drake Demonwing at Old Nick’s Pub for their “Dragageddon”-themed drag and burlesque show. The performance was filled with animated dance moves and big leaps off the stage. She attributes her powerful performances to the r

Victoria Bleisch performs as Drake Demonwing at Old Nick’s Pub for their “Dragageddon”-themed drag and burlesque show. The performance was filled with animated dance moves and big leaps off the stage. She attributes her powerful performances to the response of the audience. “I love the audience’s energy. I love it when they hype me up,” Bleisch says. “Everybody’s positivity is just so contagious.”

Instead of choreographing a routine beforehand, Bleisch’s performances are done on the spot and in the moment. She says before going on stage she imagines herself as the main character in a music video. To her, Drake Demonwing “is just another versio

Instead of choreographing a routine beforehand, Bleisch’s performances are done on the spot and in the moment. She says before going on stage she imagines herself as the main character in a music video. To her, Drake Demonwing “is just another version of myself that I feel really excited to express,” Bleisch says. “When I’m onstage I get to be as loud as I want to be.”

Manager Kiki Boniki and bartenders Luna and Andy pose behind the bar of Spectrum during their first day reopened. “Spectrum isnt a gay bar. Spectrum isn’t a lesbian bar. Spectrum is a bar that houses everyone,” Andy says.

Manager Kiki Boniki and bartenders Luna and Andy pose behind the bar of Spectrum during their first day reopened. “Spectrum isnt a gay bar. Spectrum isn’t a lesbian bar. Spectrum is a bar that houses everyone,” Andy says.