An Interview with Local Drag Star Chaz Avery

by Ace Mann (they/them)

For just over a decade, RuPaul’s Drag Race has been slowly making its way into homes across the globe. Its thirteenth season is underway in the United States and has regional shows in Thailand, Holland, the United Kingdom, and Canada with at least three spin-offs. Taking the Emmy for Outstanding Competition Program in both 2018 and 2019, it’s safe to say that drag is becoming mainstream—but local drag king Chaz Avery says it’s not enough.

Evan Patenaude (they/them), the mastermind behind the drag king Chaz Avery (he/him), sits in their living room in front of the camera to chat for an interview. Never still for long, they give the impression they’re anxious to have the chance to talk about a passion, an impression of growth, change, and purpose.

“Drag queens are amazing. They’re gorgeous. Everyone loves them. But everyone should see a place for themselves in drag. Drag should be accessible for all genders, all ages, all races,” says Patenaude.

When Chaz debuted in spring 2016, drag kings were the minority in the local drag scene. “I didn’t necessarily know drag could be for me too, since the norm is feminine drag. I saw Eddi Licious, and that perception changed. Visibility is so important.”
From this need, a new group formed. King Fling is the brainchild of Patenaude and a team of local performers who created the group to highlight drag kings in the area. The once-a-year event of the same name honours and lifts up drag voices that might otherwise not have an equal platform while making sure that there is room for everyone at the party. Patenaude takes care to make Chaz visible and encourages others to join in however they can.

However, they still noticed that they weren’t seeing all ages, abilities, cultures, or walks of life represented in shows. They scrutinized the vast concept of accessibility: Do new or hopeful drag artists feel welcomed? Are performers capable of physically getting into venues? What about underage performers who can’t access club setting venues? What about the needs of the audience members?

Patenaude set out to rectify the situation and was mid-idea when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Almost serendipitously, the video conferencing that is bringing the world together has also provided them with a great new way to showcase new drag talent in an accessible and inclusive way. Working with fellow drag king Junk Male, they are proud to present Sashay, Princets!—an all-ages, all-abilities online #yyjdrag extravaganza. Shows are streamed for free, with donations happily accepted and appreciated. Their seventh show is streaming January 8th at 7 p.m., and everyone is encouraged to drop in.

So, what does Patenaude want you to know about drag? “Drag is for everyone, and I encourage everyone to be creative in their self-expression. It can really help you grow as a person and connect with your community.”

Patenaude has set up a Facebook group, YYJDrag, where anyone can join, reach out to established performers, ask for tips, or just connect. “Follow us on social media, reach out, try something new!” they urge.

Patenaude will be performing next for an online streamed fundraiser for Château Rainbow Unicorn, hosted by Junk Male (For the Love of Drag) on Friday, January 29th.

Thanks so much to Evan/Chaz for taking the time to chat with us!

Thanks so much to Evan/Chaz for taking the time to chat with us!
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