Doug Lutman (one of TCP’s 2014 Singles in the Glass City) on select nights of the week in certain Toledo nightlife establishments, transforms into Tequila Mockingbird: a drag personae that flirts with political issues. Some nights she’s a campy pageant girl donning a towering Miss Universe crown. On other nights, she’s the Virgin Mary. Tequila puts on a show where audiences are challenged, entertained, and tantalized! Her next performance will be at Toledo PRIDE.
Why do you do drag?
In 1969, the gay rights movement was mobilized by drag queens rioting in the streets after decades of harassment and unlawful arrests. I do drag to carry a message of strength and courage for who I am as a proud member of the LGBT community. It took me a long time to embrace my sexual orientation because of my past and my culture. I do drag because there are still people in the audience who are struggling with their own journey of self acceptance and self love. I do drag for them to say: “Pride found in courage is beautiful, and necessary"
Can you tell us a bit about different types of drag fashion and how you choose what Tequila Mockingbird will wear?
Drag is different for every performer, there are no set rules for what is or isn’t allowed. For an artist, I pick what works for me, my body, my strengths. I work hard and try to realize the image I want to portray: beautiful, kitschy and a bit raunchy on a good night.
What do you want Toledoans to know about drag?
Drag isn’t a lifestyle for most of us. Putting on a dress doesn’t make me want to be a woman any more than buying scrubs at goodwill makes you want to be a doctor. I am a man that wears dresses for the sake of art. Sometimes it’s political, sometimes it’s funny, sometimes it’s edgy, but it’s always entertaining.
