Join Queer Kentucky for their latest print edition featuring original stories, gorgeous photography, and exclusive interviews with Zack Wickham of Bravo’s The Valley, award-winning singer S.G. Goodman, and Chappell Roan’s makeup artist Andrew Dahling.

I’ve been attending drag shows since the first time someone sponsored me at The Connection. That may date me a bit, but also shows my long-standing appreciation for per- formers in this city. From the moment I saw Champagne walk on stage at PLAY Louisville, probably the same age as I was when I was invited to my first drag show, I recognized her star power. She commanded attention with effortless dancing, a perfect mug, and her captivating looks.

I first saw her perform in 2018 at Jade Jolie’s Drag Me to Hell competition. She had just graduated high school and was on stage three months later. In her words, “Kind of iconic, honestly.” She met her future drag mother, Uhstel H. Valentine, before she even knew what drag was. “She was just this tall goddess; you could see her across the crowd at Pride. I got a picture with her in my little homemade tie-dye pride shirt,” she laughs.

photo by Kaybee Photo

Her introduction to drag, like many others, came from RuPaul’s Drag Race. “Sophomore year I wanted to be a makeup artist,” she tells me, as she glues rhinestones onto black lace fabric in her kitchen. “I saw season four of Drag Race and was like – ‘oh my god – this is the coolest thing ever.’” We laugh, as she states that she didn’t want to be a drag queen, only a makeup artist. “Being young I thought drag meant you just wanted to be a woman … spoiler alert.”

For her first performance, she spent two weeks choreographing a routine to “It’s Not Right, But It’s Okay” (the Thunderpuss Remix, for the girls who know) because she saw Sasha Velour perform it. “It’s always that dance back- ground,” she says. Her dancing roots go back to seventh grade when she was living in Pekin, Indiana. “I moved schools and they didn’t have a dance team, just this rinky-dink studio somewhere in town. I’d hang out after school, and eventually got a group of people together and we started a dance team. We didn’t have a real instructor – just tutorials online. We must’ve been pretty good because they let us perform in front of the whole school.” She shrugs as she smirks proudly.

photo by Kaybee Photo

Anyone who has seen Champagne perform knows how skilled she is. Even if you haven’t seen her perform, you’ve probably come across one of her viral videos from Drag Brunch at Le Moo, some videos reaching over six million views. She moves with grace and calculation, twirling and kicking over her head, dropping down into the splits, and perfecting any choreography from her favorite artists. “Anything Gaga,” she says when I ask who she loves to channel. “She’s just such a huge influence to me and I think to a lot of other Queer people. Gaga has always been a symbol of strength and self-expression for those struggling to fit in. Also I love a good Lana song — it’s a slow burn, a dramatic moment in the spotlight as the main character.”

As for the fine line between Champagne and Nova, her day-to-day self, she says it’s less distinct than it used to be. “When I first started drag, Champagne was a character, a way to express my feminine side, and eventually [became] my trans awakening,” she explains. “But now, it’s hard to separate the two lives. Drag is my job, but I still feel like there’s a difference when I’m ‘on’ compared to when I’m with my close friends. I’m bubbly and outgoing in public, but with my fiancé Nick or friends I can be more reserved.”

Champagne’s thoughts on the local drag scene reflect a deep awareness of the challenges the Queer community faces. “A lot of people say they support Queer art, but sometimes only online. I appreciate liking a post or sharing a video, but are they fighting for the trans and Queer community outside of that?” She pauses, her voice thoughtful. “It’s stopping misinformation when you’re not in your vacuum. Is it a performance online or is it who you are?”

On the topic of laws affecting Queer and trans people, she expresses concern, particularly around bathroom laws and restrictions on gender affirming care. “I haven’t directly experienced it but it’s worrisome, especially for young people transitioning.” She feels proud that at 25, younger trans people look up to her, and that she can be someone that she didn’t have in her own life during her transition. “I have people who are like, ‘I just started hormones, and seeing you live your life so authentically inspires me.’” It just makes me feel good. I never thought of myself like that.”

photo by Kaybee Photo

Without the luxury of as many trans elders in her life, she cites influences: “My sisters Sydni Hampton and Eris Jolie gave me good advice when I was first transitioning… advice I hope to continue with those who come after me.”

We talk about her sobriety, which she’s very open about. “I think it’s important for people to know that everyone struggles, but there’s always a path for them to grow and change,” she reflects. “I don’t feel like a completely new person, but I feel healthier, more compassionate, and I can focus on my journey. I’m still a bitch sometimes, but I’m a kinder one,” she laughs. “Sobriety isn’t a buzzkill. It opens your eyes to how you can have fun without substances. And having the solid support system of my chosen family has been key for me.”

It’s clear that Champagne has big plans for the future. “I want to audition for Drag Race, getting sober I feel like my mind is so clear on that goal.” She continues, “I would love to produce my own show, a space for people to perform in a more artsy out-of-the-box way.” She adds, “I’d also love to see more Queer sober spaces – places where we can hang out without needing substances. Why can’t we just go bowling or have a Queer arcade?