Poison Waters at Pride Fair celebrates acceptance and understanding at Lakeridge High School

After a postponement due to safety concerns earlier this year, the Lakeridge High School GSA Gender and Sexualities Alliance hosted Poison Waters and Friends for “Pride Fair: Queer Education & Celebration” at Lakeridge High School on Sunday, April 21.

The event, which was held in the school’s theater black box, was attended by Lakeridge students, families and invited guests from the community.

The event began with opening remarks from Waters herself, followed by an hour-long drag show and Q&A with the performers. The event was both a celebration of the queer community and an opportunity for students to ask questions from five visiting drag performers.

Proceeds from the event went to the Trevor Project, a nonprofit organization that works to prevent suicide among LGBTQ+ youth.

“My favorite part of drag is the creativity and seeing different queens and entertainers do different things. Portland is very vast for that and that’s what I love the most about the community, is the togetherness,” said Malibu Boulevard, one of the performers.

Audience members asked the drag performers questions about preparing for performances, choosing a name, where to see all-ages performances in Portland and inclusion in the drag community.

“Drag is whatever you want it to be,” said Cassie Nova, one of the performers.

Across the street from Lakeridge, a small group of supporters, holding flags associated with queer allyship and the queer community, waited for the possible arrival of protestors opposed to the event at Lakeridge. None arrived and the assembled police officers and security guards were able to usher the crowd of students and attendees undisturbed.

During the Q&A, when the performers were asked about combating anti-drag sentiments and homophobia, they answered matter-of-factly.

“I can’t take it personally because these people don’t know me,” said Poison Waters. “They can say all they want about who they think I am based on what they see, but I literally didn’t absorb any of that negativity. Complete strangers that are just talking out of their … other opening. I really do not care.”

“I think people are always gonna tell you who you are, but as long as I know who I am you can tell me anything you want,” said Misha B. Foxx, another performer.