Now here I am 21 years later and loving it!
I am blessed to have two “drag mothers,” Blossom and Maria Garrison, who guided me and pushed me to do it. I remember thinking afterwards that I would most likely never do it again. Nick: How did you originally create Virginia West?Ĭhris: Virginia West was created on June 19, 1998! I was a server/bartender at Union Station Video Cafe and for our one-year anniversary party we did an employee turnabout show where all the employees dressed and performed in drag. We caught up with Chris Equizi, creator and performer behind Virginia West, about his inspirations, the origins of Virginia West and the evolving drag scene. Hosted by Virginia West, performances include the Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus, Capital Pride Band of Columbus, singer-songwriter Kelly Vaughn and Flaggots Ohio flag corps. The free performances honor the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots and kicks off Columbus’ Pride week. On Sunday, June 9, the final day of the Columbus Arts Festival, the ABC6 Bicentennial Stage welcomes Pride! at the Fest presented by Stonewall Columbus.
By Nicholas Dekker, marketing, communications & events administrator for the Greater Columbus Arts Council
