Drag queens are out, proud and loud in a string of coal towns, from a bingo hall to blue-collar bars

In the heart of Pennsylvania’s coal country, the Daniels drag family brings their exuberance to life every weekend. They organize and host sold-out bingo fundraisers at the social hall of Nescopeck Township Volunteer Fire Co., where people of all ages gather, laughing, singing along, and having a great time. Additionally, they add sparkle to local blue-collar bars and restaurants with their Mimosas & Heels Drag Brunches, catering to bridal parties, military members, families, and friends.

The Daniels family also engages in storytelling, reading to children dressed in their finest attire in charming gardens. A favorite book among both the performers and kids is Dolly Parton’s “Coat of Many Colors.”

In this string of coal towns, the presence of small-town drag queens and kings adds color to a way of life deeply rooted in family, soot, and a conservative worldview. These traditions, although vastly different, coexist harmoniously, in contrast to the political battles faced by drag performers and the broader LGBTQ+ community in conservative states like Utah, Texas, Tennessee, and Florida.

One tradition emphasizes the conventional family structure, consisting of a mother, father, and children. The other tradition, dating back centuries, is drag—an expressive and flamboyant artistic manifestation of gender fluidity. While typically associated with culturally adventurous cities, the Daniels drag family has become an integral part of the local community in an area where voters solidly supported Donald Trump, a Republican, in the last election. Their main challenges often arise from politicians enacting laws that limit their freedom of expression.

Alexus Daniels, the matriarch of the family, grew up with a coal miner father and a textile worker mother. She identifies as having a female spirit and works as an MRI aide tech at the local hospital.

Jacob Kelley, known as drag queen Trixy Valentine, is not only an LGBTQ+ activist and educator with a master’s degree in human sexuality but also the twin brother of Harpy Daniels. Harpy, a U.S. Navy sailor serving on the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan, has had three deployments and recently reenlisted. As they prepare to relocate from Norfolk, Virginia, to a base in Spain, Harpy plans to bring a wig and a couple of stylish outfits for their shore leave.

Aside from the twins, the other drag performers in their circle are family by choice rather than blood. They have created a haven of belonging for themselves.

Trixy reflects on their experiences growing up, saying, “Being a queer person in a rural town was like a curse—because there was nobody like us, nobody who could understand us. And now, through drag, we can show people like us that they don’t have to leave their hometowns. It’s right here in their backyard.”

The Daniels family, including Alexus Daniels, Harpy Daniels, Trixy Valentine, Kitty DeVil, Xander Valentine, and Tequila Daniels, continue to captivate audiences with their performances in bars, restaurants, bingo halls, and garden parties throughout their slice of coal country. Despite attempts by politicians to restrict their activities, their shows remain highly popular.

Each member of the drag family has a unique story and style. Alexus Daniels, recalling her childhood, reminisces about her early encounters with drag without realizing its name or significance. Trixy Valentine’s drag style is eclectic and filled with glitter, aiming to shine when the spotlight hits them. Harpy Daniels, a U.S. Navy petty officer first class, serves as a “digital ambassador” for the Navy, engaging with the LGBTQ+ community and promoting acceptance.

Kitty DeVil, a trans woman, draws inspiration from Adore Delano, a contestant from “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” and aims to be a lighthouse for those who feel different and outcast

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• AP News Article: Drag queens bring sparkle to Pennsylvania coal towns
• Image Source: Drag queen Alexus Daniels
• Image Source: Drag queen Trixy Valentine
• Image Source: Drag queen Harpy Daniels
• Image Source: Drag queen Kitty DeVil
• Image Source: Drag king Xander Valentine
• Image Source: Drag queen Tequila Daniels
• Image Source: Drag queen Baby Angel
• Image Source: Drag queen Javon Love
• Image Source: Drag queen Sweet Pickles
• Image Source: Drag queen Carlos Ova-Dupree
• Image Source: Drag queen Trixy Valentine and Harpy Daniels performing