Sober Swagger: Strutting the stage as a Sober Drag King

Hey, friends!

Let's talk about something that doesn't always get discussed in the drag world: sobriety.

When people picture drag, they usually picture glitter, loud music, packed bars... and alcohol.

Lots of alcohol.

For a long time, I assumed the two just went together.

Then I learned they didn't have to.

If you've ever done drag, you know the feeling right before a performance. You're backstage, the crowd is getting louder, the music is pumping, and your nerves are doing backflips.

A lot of people reach for a drink.

These days?

I reach for a Diet Coke.

Bartender... more aspartame, please.

The funny thing is, performing sober is actually more exciting.

The adrenaline is real.

Every laugh, every cheer, every moment on stage—I remember all of it. I don't need liquid courage because the performance itself gives me the rush I was looking for all along.

That wasn't always the case.

My last time getting drunk was... memorable.

And not in the good way.

Picture this.

It's brunch. I'm getting ready to perform as a brand-new drag king, and my nerves are through the roof. Naturally, I make the completely logical decision to calm myself down with Fireball.

Spoiler alert...

That strategy had some flaws.

Instead of becoming the confident performer I imagined, I ended up getting rescued from the bathroom by my drag sister and the DJ after spending quality time hugging the porcelain throne.

Not exactly the glamorous drag fantasy I'd pictured.

A few hours later, around 3:00 in the afternoon, I was curled up on my drag mother's couch feeling like a week-old container of leftovers that had been left in the sun.

Meanwhile, everyone else was out enjoying the day.

I was just hoping I'd survive it.

It was embarrassing.

But honestly?

I'm grateful it happened.

That day forced me to admit something I'd been avoiding.

Alcohol wasn't making me a better performer.

It wasn't making me more confident.

It definitely wasn't making me more entertaining.

It was just getting in the way.

So I decided I was done.

These days, the support of my drag family means everything.

I'm incredibly lucky to be part of the House of NoMo'. They've encouraged me, believed in me, and reminded me that I don't need alcohol to belong.

And honestly... the name makes for a pretty great sobriety slogan.

Miller Lite?

NoMo'.

Bloody Marys?

NoMo'.

Fireball?

Definitely NoMo'.

What surprised me most is that sobriety hasn't taken anything away from drag.

If anything, it's made drag better.

I'm more present.

I'm more creative.

I remember every performance.

I connect with audiences in a way I never could when I was drinking.

And I actually get to experience the joy of performing instead of trying to numb my way through it.

I've also realized that taking care of myself offstage helps me show up better onstage. Whether that's journaling, dancing around my living room, spending time with friends, or simply getting enough rest, those things do far more for my confidence than alcohol ever did.

If you're reading this and you're sober, sober curious, or just wondering whether performing without alcohol is possible...

It absolutely is.

You don't need liquid courage.

You've already got everything you need.

The stage is still yours.

The spotlight is still waiting.

And trust me...

Diet Coke tastes a whole lot better than regret.

Until next time...

Stay fierce.

Stay fabulous.

And if you're choosing sobriety too, know that you're not doing it alone.