Legends of Drag: A Celebration of Drag Artistry is inspired by the 2022 book “Legends of Drag: Queens of a Certain Age” by authors Harry James Hanson and Devin Antheus. A tribute to the groundbreaking icons who helped pave the way for drag artists of today, the book features almost 80 drag queens around the country, including two of Portland’s very own: Darcelle XV and Poison Waters. Iconic co-hosts of Darcelle’s XV Showcase for over thirty years, Darcelle XV and Poison’s playful and rough-and-tumble sets have entertained audiences leaving us with lasting happy memories.

The term Drag was historically coined to represent “Dressed as a Girl,” and is believed to derive from the Elizabethan era wherein young men took on the roles of women in theatrical performances. As far back as the 1930s and 1940s, Portland has had a thriving LGBTQ+ Drag scene. Today, Drag has transcended the underground sector and is more visible and inclusive of all gender and identity representations. For Darcelle XV and Poison, Drag has not only been about the glitz and glam of the performance, but also about the laughter and joy that they and many other drag artists bring to all who experience their shows. They provide supportive outlets to youth and our growing LGBTQIAX+ community, and through these connections, they stitch generations together in a collective lineage. The Legends of Drag exhibition features a walk down memory lane, giving an up-close look at our foundational Queens’ wigs, gowns, and of course, the rhinestones! The Reser is proud to present a fun documentation of two of Portland’s iconic Queens, inviting the community to reminisce about the lasting memories and the impact these icons have made in our hearts, our lives, and our communities.

Sponsored by the Trimet.

Image: Poison & Darcelle XV