Drag.Jpeg

.drag I’ve taken a bit of a break from sharing photos from the project. It wasn’t really intentional but the more I shared the more pressure I felt to do each story the justice it deserves.

These stories are more important than my words can say, they are part of archiving Edmontons Q***r History, and being able to share them is truly an honour. Each person brings a different perspective to drag as an art form but it runs deeper than that and if I had the chance I would right an essay on each artist if could find the words, so I’ll say this - Tugs is truly exceptional. Since interviewing and photographing Tugs last year I’ve seen them pop up more and more in our community, speaking at rallies, performing, hosting and creating community. When I originally reached out to book them it was because I wanted to have more representation for drag kings in the project, but Tugs isn’t a drag king, at least that’s not how they identify. Known lovingly in the community as Uncle Tugs, Cheyenne is one of the kindest people you will meet. Cheyenne taught me a little about what it means to be two-spirit, and the labels that indigi-q***r people use to identify themselves, some of the history of the word two-spirit and the way that using these labels has empowered indigenous peoples to reconnect with their culture. This was a common similarity that was shared amongst all the two-spirit artists that were part of the project, the language we use may change over-time but it binds us and connects us to our community. I started this project with very little knowledge about q***r culture, and even less about the indigenous and colonial history of our land. But through Tugs I’ve come to recognize that we are all guests on this land, and it is our duty to take care of it, and each other. That doesn’t always mean doing the biggest most grand gestures, but it means cultivating a better space for our future generations.
Tugs is a community builder and aspires to inspire, which is the heart of what we wanted to show with this project in highlighting local drag artists, I am so grateful to have gotten to meet them and can’t wait to see what comes next!

Gearing up to start sharing more from the Drag.Jpeg project, in the meantime take a moment to check out our very first short interview with the legendary Twiggy!

The Art of Drag - Twiggy Experience the vibrant world of drag through a collection of captivating vignettes, as we delve into the lives, artistry, and diverse stories of drag perform...

🌈 ✨ Save the Date! Prepare to be dazzled at on May 19th, 2024, as we invite you to an electrifying celebration of drag performances and exclusive Drag.Jpeg merchandise! ✨🃏
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For the very first time, we’ve split up the trading card decks for Edmonton’s first ever Drag Trading cards. Cards are available starting at just $2, each envelope is its own random reveal, featuring portraits of our vibrant local drag artists both in and out of their dazzling personas. With 56 unique cards to collect, every card is a unique slice of Edmonton’s drag community.
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But that’s not all – as you indulge in the glitter and glamour, a portion of proceeds from each sale will be donated to supporting two charities of our community: the Rainbow Story Hub and the Q***r and Trans Health Collective.

Together, we’re not only celebrating artistry, pride, and the power of community, but also preserving our vibrant local q***r history.
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Let’s make this night one to remember! See you on Sunday!

https://www.showpass.com/may-long-4-mental-health/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAabz46pzgRzav5NmmdDfNsp9HXb_5pl2f3hZjFS3AWHkZe0PTP4rWrGuJ00_aem_AYf7Bw20dAl_wAgSIBEqETFbLN4gHG4RigHjQyMKytjAYG2DoahJgZyM2vfYbbViVAVkMKDWf7wUlgQBQmkh8Evc

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***rHistory ***rHealth 🌟🌈

Did you know we still have cards available for purchase? Of the original batch of 100 Drag.Jpeg decks there is still 40 available for purchase!

Each deck costs $75 with $25 being donated to ***rhistory and the Edmonton Q***r and Trans Health collective. Decks are available for purchase during business hours from

Each deck includes a clear carrying case an all 56 cards featuring 28 local drag artists!

Send us a message or visit the link in our bio to purchase your set today ✨🃏

Before I first met Pep Per, her reputation as a local drag icon preceded her. Known for her standout appearances on “Call Me Mother” and lighting up stages across Edmonton, Pepper embodies over 25 years of drag excellence. The discovery that she was mentored by old-school legends like Twiggy, Neon, and Mandy Kamp deepened my admiration for the rich legacy and tightly-knit community of Edmonton’s drag scene. This lineage of mentorship and artistry has fueled the vibrant artistry of drag in Edmonton for over 40+ years.

In planning our photoshoot and conducting interviews, a resonant theme emerged: the world as an expansive stage, with each of us playing our unique part. Drag, in all of its flamboyant spectacle and gender subversion, amplifies this universal act of performance, serving as a reminder (at least to me) that we all are actively curating the characters we present to the world.

Beyond the glitter and the glam, at the core of drag lies a profound love for performing. For Pepper, and many like her, the stage is not just a platform but a sanctuary where this love comes to life. It’s where the boundary between the performer and the persona blurs, where the heart of drag beats the loudest. This love for performing fuels the endless nights of preparation, the meticulous crafting of each outfit, and the courage to step into the spotlight time and time again.

Pepper’s journey is a testament to the power of mentorship, community, and relentless self-reinvention. These photos celebrate not just Pepper’s significant impact on the stage but also honor the transformative power of drag in shaping narratives, identities, and strengthening communal bonds within our vibrant community.

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In the midst of capturing the essence of Edmonton’s drag scene, I had the privilege of immortalizing the legendary Twiggy/James. More than a seasoned performer, Twiggy has been an unwavering force of change and acceptance in our community.

In our conversation, Twiggy shared invaluable insights about the evolution of drag. “Change is hard, especially for older people,” she reflected. “When you’re set in your ways or comfortable, it’s inconvenient to be uncomfortable. Many would rather ignore it than make an effort to change.”

As someone deeply embedded in the nightlife scene, Twiggy is attuned to the impact of her words. “Working at a nightclub, I’m more forced than the general public to be aware of what I’m saying or who I’m talking to. Am I insulting you? If so, please tell me. If not, let’s have some fun.”

Twiggy’s journey through over 40 years of drag has witnessed societal shifts, historic challenges, and moments of joy. Her resilience and commitment to growth echo the spirit of the Drag.Jpeg project. It’s about embracing change, learning from missteps, and evolving. As Twiggy wisely puts it, “Don’t be bitter, be better.”

In our project, capturing the vibrant stories of performers like Twiggy becomes not just a photographic endeavor but a celebration of resilience and the ever-changing landscape of drag. Through stories like Twiggy’s we can learn that our journey is a continuous process of unlearning and relearning, much like the ever-evolving art form of drag.

Twiggy’s legacy, much like her performances, is a testament to embracing the beautiful complexity of change.

Strength and Feminity are not mutually exclusive.
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As a transwoman, she’s not just beautiful; she’s a force. Christy has defied norms in blue-collar domains for over two decades, excelling as a general contractor.
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In spaces unfamiliar with the richness of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, Christy stands as a testament to resilience. Her story is not just one of existence but of triumph. Recently, she embarked on a new chapter, guiding women and gender diverse folk to fulfilling careers. Cover letters, resumes, job interviews – she coaches with a wisdom earned through her extraordinary path.
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Christy’s photoshoots with are a celebration of her dual roles – a professional navigating workplaces and a presence in spaces that might not always extend a welcome. With over nine years of drag in her tool-belt, she has crafted an inspiring narrative, using this art form to express creativity, feminine beauty, and humour.
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Christy’s mission extends beyond stages and glittering costumes; it’s a commitment to conquering hearts, one planet at a time. In a year that tested the resilience of the trans community, Christy’s energy isn’t just in counter-protests but in the everyday. She declares - with a regular job, a loving partner, a home, and a circle of friends, “We’re just here.” Her agenda is simple but profound: to amplify the message that trans people are truly no different from anyone else.
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Christy’s journey is a reminder that acceptance begins with acknowledging shared humanity.

How lucky our community is to have kind souls like Ladonna Cree. Having been a artist drag for over 30 years Ladonna’s story speaks to so many incredible transformative elements of drag.
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Regarded as “Edmonton’s Kuhkoum” it wasn’t uncommon to receive sweet little e-mails from her signed off with “love Kuhkoum”. Throughout the project. She was so quick to share teachings of her own culture with us and gave me a sweet little pep-talk before the launch night.
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The first edition of the project just wouldn’t be complete without her.
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Drag is about transformation, and as an indigenous two-spirit warrior, she has so much knowledge and love to share with the community. Truly. We ran into Ladonna in the community more often than anyone else in the project, and it was always with a smile on their face.
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Drag is all about transformation and during the launch night, I shared the story of Ladonna’s own transformative journey towards sobriety from substance abuse. But now, Ladonna Cree assists others in their own journeys through the lens of empathy as a social worker. Regardless of the quality of education provided through schooling, tackling real-world issues through their own lived experiences allows our front-line workers to approach situations from a place of empathy, and allows them to provide the excellent rehabilitative, trauma-informed care needed.
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Edmonton is lucky to have a drag legend like her - she is a two-spirit warrior, she is Edmonton’s kuhkoum, she is LaDonna Cree.

Experience the vibrant world of drag through a collection of captivating vignettes, as we delve into the lives, artistry, and diverse stories of drag performers, celebrating their creativity, challenges, and empowering journeys on and off the stage.

The Art of Drag starts here. Tune in Thursday December 28th 2023 for our premiere!