As drag reaches peak popularity, Ohio’s AFAB performers are still fighting for space on the stage

The representation of drag performers who are assigned female at birth (AFAB) has always been notoriously…lacking.

Even as the New York Times put forth the idea that current times might the “golden age of drag,” AFAB performers are often treated as tokens.

And that’s if they’re present in shows at all.

Thankfully Ohio’s Bradly Duff – who performs as Puck Erup and holds the title of Mr. Gay United States MI – and Heather Shreve (drag name Olivia Jane) are here to remind the world that their drag is just as valid as performers who were assigned male at birth.

On Feb. 25, they will be hosting the All-Ohio King Revue and All Femme Revue in Dayton, a rare opportunity to see a show exclusively featuring AFAB performers.

Puck Erup said he hopes AFAB performers can overcome the stigma that they cannot draw a crowd.

“There are queens everywhere – in every show and on every judge’s panel,” Puck Erup said. “[Show directors] say they have a ‘diverse’ cast, but we – kings, femmes and divas – aren’t always represented. Too often, we’re left out of the conversation. Our talent is just as fierce. We deserve a shot, too.”

Femmes and divas? That’s right. AFAB cisgender people can also perform drag.

Olivia Jane, who holds the title of Miss Gay Cardinal City from Muncie, Indiana, began performing over 10 years ago — first as a king and later as a drag femme/diva, meaning an AFAB queen.

Both performers have felt invalidated in the past by comments made by show directors and queens, comments like, “Just wait until you do an actual pageant that’s more than one day.”

“Some very talented artists aren’t getting the spotlight they deserve,” Puck Erup said. “We are trying to get past the idea that we don’t need to work as hard [as drag queens]. When I compete against 10 of the best kings and win the title, I’m also the best at what I do.

“Comparing us is comparing apples to oranges. We have to fight for opportunities, but I want [queens] to understand that we’re not trying to push them down to get booked,” he added.

Drag is an artistic creative outlet, Olivia Jane said. “Drag transcends gender. There are no restrictions on who you can be. I can be sexy, goofy, fun and bubbly, or dark and mysterious. I love drag because I get to make people smile. As Olivia, I have three to five minutes that I’m responsible for how [the audience feels].”

Puck Erup cherishes his friendships in what he and other kings refer to as “The Brotherhood.” What brings them together? The love of performing. “Some of them, I haven’t seen for four years, and I’m going to see them at the beginning of March. It’ll be just like no time has passed.”

Puck Erup said he wants to see a standard that kings are represented in all drag, not simply as tokens, but consistently and with acknowledgment of their many talents.

The All-Ohio King Revue and All Femme Revue will be a great opportunity to showcase those very talents. Kings take the stage beginning at 9 p.m., followed by the femme revue at 11 p.m..

Multiple title-holders are in the lineup, and a “baby queen” will debut her first stage performance. Performers hail from Cleveland, Toledo, Dayton, Cincinnati and Columbus, with a special guest from Washington, D.C. 🔥

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• The All-Ohio King Revue and All Femme Revue will take place on February 25 at MJ’s on Jefferson, 20 N. Jefferson St., Dayton. Presale tickets are $10 each and may be purchased by emailing braduff14@gmail.com. Tickets are $12 at the door the night of the event.