Flint, MI —For Dakota Cox, being part of the drag community is more than feathers and sequins. For her it is everything.

“When you’re a person who is LGBT, when you’re young, sometimes your family doesn’t accept you or you don’t have people you can lean on,” Cox said. “So finding that family within the gay community…I was just so overwhelmed because I never felt welcomed in certain circles. I didn’t fit a part of any picture or puzzle. Once I found that family, it meant everything to me.” 

Finding her family in the drag community and knowing who she could lean on was a feeling of finally being free Cox said. 

On Sept. 26, 2022, she joined others from the drag community for Michigan Drag Brunch’s 300th performance at 501 Bar & Grill for two sold-out drag queen performances.

Cox, a member of the Diamond family, tore the room up with her performance to Doja Cat’s newest song, Vegas. She had the room standing with applause and there wasn’t a single person in the room without a smile on their face.

Drag Queen Dakota Cox performs to Doja Cat’s “Vegas” during the Michigan Drag Brunch on Sept. 25, 2022 at 501 Bar & Grill in downtown Flint. (Jenifer Veloso | Flint Beat)
Guests line up to take their pictures with the Michigan Drag Brunch Drag Queens on Sept. 25, 2022 at 501 Bar & Grill in downtown Flint. (Jenifer Veloso | Flint Beat)
Tips and brunch meals fill the tables during the Michigan Drag Brunch on Sept. 25, 2022 at 501 Bar & Grill in downtown Flint. (Jenifer Veloso | Flint Beat)

The event planning was primarily organized by Tanisha Townsend, manager of events, who has been with Michigan Drag Brunch for four years. She has been working alongside the owner, Trevor Straub, with shows in Grand Rapids, Flint, Bay City and Ohio. 

“We reach out to venues and see who would be willing to bring us on,” said Townsend. “I love the queens. We have east side and west side queens performing across the state. Today we have six queens here. We never tell anyone what to expect. They’re all in for a treat, just get ready for the time of your life.”

Straub, who is also show director, studied arts and performance professionally in Los Angeles and New York City. After his relationship with his boyfriend grew more serious he decided to move to Michigan to create a better lifestyle for his family.  

“I just want to continue to break the boundaries of drag here in the state of Michigan,” Straub said. “I think it’s important that we expand the art form to its fullest potential and educate thoroughly. We don’t need to judge anyone on the little that we know, we need to invest our knowledge and always meet others with kindness and love. We need to get to know one another. I think drag creates a really fun and unique opportunity for me to connect with someone I might not have crossed paths with otherwise.”

From left to right, Sheila Frahm, Ashley Hatfield and Kristin Peterson pose for a selfie during the Michigan Drag Brunch on Sept. 25, 2022 at 501 Bar & Grill in downtown Flint. (Jenifer Veloso | Flint Beat)

Jamie Isaacson, one of the front house managers for 501 worked with Straub and Townsend to have the show at 501.

“I was so stoked for today. It was great working with Trevor and smooth sailing getting this event going. I have never seen a show like this before. It was so exciting,” said Isaacson.

The show lined up two performances from each queen along with a few games. Once brunch was over, several of the guests lined up outside to take a photo with the queens. 

“I say live life to its fullest,” Cox said. “Do exactly what you’ve been wanting to do, do what you have been dreaming of doing. The time is now, we don’t know what’s going to happen in the future. Now we have so many different alleys and extensions of things from social media that are really helping uplift and bring visibility to the community.”

Guests take a picture with the Drag Queens from Michigan Drag Brunch on Sept. 25, 2022 at 501 Bar & Grill in downtown Flint, Mich. (Jenifer Veloso | Flint Beat)
A guest competes for ‘best performance’ during the Michigan Drag Brunch on Sept. 25, 2022 at 501 Bar & Grill in downtown Flint. (Jenifer Veloso | Flint Beat)
Drag Queen Bentley James performs during the Michigan Drag Brunch on Sept. 25, 2022 at 501 Bar & Grill in downtown Flint. (Jenifer Veloso | Flint Beat)
Drag Queen Dakota Cox performs to Doja Cat’s “Vegas” during the Michigan Drag Brunch on Sept. 25, 2022 at 501 Bar & Grill in downtown Flint, Mich. (Jenifer Veloso | Flint Beat)

In addition to performances, MI Drag Brunch also works to decrease stigmatization and build support for the LGBTQA+ which continues to suffer from ongoing marginalization. Money is also raised to help support As You Are Youth Collective (A.Y.A.), a Grand Rapids-based organization focused on homelessness. According to the Williams Institute of Law at the University of California in Los Angeles, 20 percent LGBTQA+ experienced homelessness before the age of 18. Additionally, 17 percent of LGBTQA+ adults have experienced homelessness in their lives.

A.Y.A. Youth Collective creates safe spaces for youth in crisis to belong, be themselves and build a future. The organization creates support circles for people ages 14 to 24  facing homelessness or instability.

Cox said she believes in her work as a queen and as an advocate for the LGBTQA+community. 

“Now is the time,” Cox said. “If you are gay, If you’re a lesbian, if you’re bi, if you’re trans and you feel like you don’t have a place where you’re at right now, this is the time to really break free and do what you feel like.”

A guest competes for ‘best performance’ during the Michigan Drag Brunch on Sept. 25, 2022 at 501 Bar & Grill in downtown Flint. (Jenifer Veloso | Flint Beat)
Drag Queen Bentley James performs during the Michigan Drag Brunch on Sept. 25, 2022 at 501 Bar & Grill in downtown Flint. (Jenifer Veloso | Flint Beat)
Drag Queen Bentley James performs during the Michigan Drag Brunch on Sept. 25, 2022 at 501 Bar & Grill in downtown Flint. (Jenifer Veloso | Flint Beat)
Shayla Werth and Kristin Peterson pose for a picture during the Michigan Drag Brunch on Sept. 25, 2022 at 501 Bar & Grill in downtown Flint. (Jenifer Veloso | Flint Beat)
Drag Queen Dakota Cox performs during the Michigan Drag Brunch on Sept. 25, 2022 at 501 Bar & Grill in downtown Flint. (Jenifer Veloso | Flint Beat)
Drag Queen Dakota Cox performs during the Michigan Drag Brunch on Sept. 25, 2022 at 501 Bar & Grill in downtown Flint. (Jenifer Veloso | Flint Beat)
Drag Queen Dakota Cox performs during the Michigan Drag Brunch on Sept. 25, 2022 at 501 Bar & Grill in downtown Flint. (Jenifer Veloso | Flint Beat)
Drag Queen Bentley James gives a shining performance during the Michigan Drag Brunch on Sept. 25, 2022 at 501 Bar & Grill in downtown Flint. (Jenifer Veloso | Flint Beat)
Drag Queen Bentley James performs during the Michigan Drag Brunch on Sept. 25, 2022 at 501 Bar & Grill in downtown Flint. (Jenifer Veloso | Flint Beat)
Drag Queens Dakota Cox, Kardi Redd Diamon, Mia Cole and Bentley James pose together for a picture during the Michigan Drag Brunch on Sept. 25, 2022 at 501 Bar & Grill in downtown Flint. (Jenifer Veloso | Flint Beat)
Chicken and waffles alongside other brunch menu items are served during the Michigan Drag Brunch on Sept. 25, 2022 at 501 Bar & Grill in downtown Flint. (Jenifer Veloso | Flint Beat)
A bartender pours beer from the tap during the Michigan Drag Brunch on Sept. 25, 2022 at 501 Bar & Grill in downtown Flint. (Jenifer Veloso | Flint Beat)
Drag Queen Veronica Scott performs during the Michigan Drag Brunch on Sept. 25, 2022 at 501 Bar & Grill in downtown Flint. (Jenifer Veloso | Flint Beat)
Ashley Hatfields takes a sip of her drink while wearing a teal wig and rainbow heart shaped sunglasses during the Michigan Drag Brunch on Sept. 25, 2022 at 501 Bar & Grill in downtown Flint. (Jenifer Veloso | Flint Beat)
Drag Queen Veronica Scott playfully teases a guest while performing during the Michigan Drag Brunch on Sept. 25, 2022 at 501 Bar & Grill in downtown Flint. (Jenifer Veloso | Flint Beat)
A birthday celebrant and guest dance on a chair during the Michigan Drag Brunch on Sept. 25, 2022 at 501 Bar & Grill in downtown Flint. (Jenifer Veloso | Flint Beat)
Two guest smiles and laugh while drinking mimosas during the Michigan Drag Brunch on Sept. 25, 2022 at 501 Bar & Grill in downtown Flint. (Jenifer Veloso | Flint Beat)
Drag Queen Mia Cole collects tips while performing during the Michigan Drag Brunch on Sept. 25, 2022 at 501 Bar & Grill in downtown Flint. (Jenifer Veloso | Flint Beat)
An attendant smiles during a performance at the Michigan Drag Brunch on Sept. 25, 2022 at 501 Bar & Grill in downtown Flint. (Jenifer Veloso | Flint Beat)
Drag Queen Veronica Scott walks out for a second performance during the Michigan Drag Brunch on Sept. 25, 2022 at 501 Bar & Grill in downtown Flint. (Jenifer Veloso | Flint Beat)
Guests laugh and celebrate during the Michigan Drag Brunch on Sept. 25, 2022 at 501 Bar & Grill in downtown Flint. (Jenifer Veloso | Flint Beat)
Drag Queen Bentley James calls for a final applause during the Michigan Drag Brunch on Sept. 25, 2022 at 501 Bar & Grill in downtown Flint. (Jenifer Veloso | Flint Beat)
Drag Queen Veronica Scott walks out for a final applause during the Michigan Drag Brunch on Sept. 25, 2022 at 501 Bar & Grill in downtown Flint. (Jenifer Veloso | Flint Beat)
A guest smiles while watching a performance during the Michigan Drag Brunch on Sept. 25, 2022 at 501 Bar & Grill in downtown Flint. (Jenifer Veloso | Flint Beat)
A guest competes for ‘best performance’ during the Michigan Drag Brunch on Sept. 25, 2022 at 501 Bar & Grill in downtown Flint. (Jenifer Veloso | Flint Beat)
Drag Queen Card Redd Diamond hugs a guest after being gifted a new duster sweater after the Michigan Drag Brunch on Sept. 25, 2022 outside of 501 Bar & Grill in downtown Flint. (Jenifer Veloso | Flint Beat)