Poison Waters

Last updated

Poison Waters
Portland, Oregon (August 16, 2022) - 010 (cropped).jpg
Poison Waters in 2022
Born
Kevin Cook

1967or1968(age 55–56) [1]
Santa Monica, California, U.S.
Alma mater Mt. Hood Community College
Occupation Drag performer
Years active1980s–present
Website poisonwaters.com

Kevin Cook, known by the stage name Poison Waters, is an American drag performer. Since the 1980s, Poison Waters has been an emcee, entertainer, and community activist. She is a longtime hostess at Darcelle XV Showplace and has participated in fundraisers, LGBTQ events, public service announcements, and other community activities throughout the Pacific Northwest. Cook has also taught at Portland Community College.

Contents

Early life and education

Cook was born in Santa Monica, California. [2] [3] His father was Black and his mother was of Mexican and Native American descent. [4]

Cook moved from Southern California to Portland, Oregon in 1979 at the age of 11. [1] He was raised in poverty in northeast Portland's Parkrose neighborhood, [5] where he attended Parkrose High School. [6]

Cook first encountered the city's drag scene after graduating, [7] and also discovered he was gay at the age of 18. [8] A performance by a group of four Black drag queens from Darcelle XV Showplace and Embers Avenue led him to recognize that drag was something available to people of color, [9] and he was mentored by his "drag mother" Rosie Waters. [10] [11] Cook named his drag persona Poison Waters after Rosie Waters and Dior's perfume Poison, which he discovered while working at the Lloyd Center. [12]

Cook later attended Mt. Hood Community College. [13] [14]

Career

Darcelle at Keller Fountain.jpg
Darcelle XV Showplace, CC Slaughters, Portland.JPG
Poison Waters has worked with Darcelle XV (top) for three decades and has performed at Darcelle XV Showplace (bottom) since the 1990s.

Poison Waters has been a drag performer, emcee, and community activist since 1988. [15] She is a hostess at Portland's Darcelle XV Showplace and has worked with Darcelle XV at the drag venue since the early 1990s. [14] [16] She has also performed in drag shows and gay pride events in Beaverton, [17] Bend, [18] Hillsboro, [19] and Salem. [20]

Poison Waters has modeled in drag pageants and was crowned as Empress of Portland's Imperial Sovereign Rose Court in 2001. [15] [21] On stage, she was part of the cast of Darcelle Showplace XV's musical Pageant in 2017, [22] and she played Mother Ginger in Oregon Ballet Theatre's production of George Balanchine's The Nutcracker. [23] She has emceed events, such as the trade show Sexapalooza in Portland in 2012, [24] and hosted drag brunch at Darcelle Showplace XV and Stag PDX. [25] [26] She has also read books about diversity and inclusivity to children at libraries, [27] including Multnomah County Library's "Drag Queen Storytimes" series in 2018. [28] [29] [30] In 2019, she and other drag artists performed at Smith Memorial Student Union to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots; the event was organized by Portland State University and Portland Community College. [31] She performed at a Juneteenth block party in 2020. [32]

Poison Waters has supported many organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union, Cascade AIDS Project, and Habitat for Humanity. [16] She has volunteered with Cascade AIDS Project since 1988 and served on the organization's board of directors twice. Additionally, Poison Waters has worked with Women's Intercommunity AIDS Resource and Camp KC (Kids Connection) to help families affected by HIV/AIDS. [15] She has also participated in fundraisers for the youth empowerment organization Girls, Inc. and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. [33] [34]

Poison Waters performing at Darcelle XV Showplace in 2022 Portland, Oregon (August 16, 2022) - 009.jpg
Poison Waters performing at Darcelle XV Showplace in 2022

In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Poison Waters was a host for Vashon, Washington's online pride festivities. [35] She was also recruited to be Oregon's "drag ambassador" by Drag Out the Vote, a nonpartisan national organization "aiming to educate, register, and turn out voters, while maximizing fun and some glorious looks in the process". [36] In 2021, Poison Waters encouraged people to wear face masks on public transportation as part of TriMet's public service campaign. [37] She also hosted a youth fashion show fundraiser in Portland, in which she modeled upcycled new designs with other local drag performers. [38] During the city's annual Pride Festival, which was mostly held online because of the pandemic, Poison Waters provided entertainment as part of a film screening benefitting LGBT veterans. [39] [40] Additionally, she performed at a socially distanced outdoor entertainment venue at Zidell Yards. [1] [41] In Hillsboro, she appeared at an outdoor pride concert as well as "Pride Storytime" for children at a local community center. [42] She also hosted drag bingo, fundraisers, and corporate events via Zoom. [25]

Poison Waters writes a weekly column for the digital LGBT publication Shoutout, featuring local drag artists, as of 2021. [43] In 2021, Cook taught a course at Portland Community College called "Histories of Drag Performance in Portland". [14] The University of Portland's Gender and Sexuality Partnership hosted the show "Poison Waters and friends" in 2022. [44]

Recognition

Poison Waters has been described as "iconic", [45] and in 2021, Portland Monthly writers called her "a shining jewel in our city". [46] According to the Gay and Lesbian Archives of the Pacific Northwest, which named her a "queer hero" in 2013, Poison Waters has also been recognized by Cascade AIDS Project, the Coalition for AIDS, the Imperial Sovereign Rose Court, the Oregon Bears, and Pride Northwest for her "steadfast work within the HIV/AIDS community". [15]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Darcelle XV Plaza</span> Public park in Portland, Oregon, U.S.

Darcelle XV Plaza is a square that was a small park and fountain at the intersection of Southwest Park Avenue and Southwest Harvey Milk Street in downtown Portland, Oregon, in the United States. It received the current name in July 2023. It was named after Hugh O'Bryant, Portland's first mayor.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hoyt Hotel</span> Former hotel in Portland, Oregon, U.S.

The Hoyt Hotel was a 175-room hotel located in Portland, Oregon. Harvey Dick purchased the hotel in 1941. In 1962, he renovated the hotel and added the Barbary Coast Lounge and Roaring 20s Room, a nightclub that attracted celebrities such as Johnny Carson, Duke Ellington, and Anne Francis. Dick closed the hotel in 1972 due to declining business.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Darcelle XV</span> American drag queen (1930–2023)

Darcelle XV was the stage name of Walter Willard Cole, an American drag queen, entertainer, and cabaret owner and operator in Portland, Oregon. Guinness World Records had certified him as the oldest drag queen performer in 2016, with a career as an entertainer spanning 56 years at the time of his death.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">CC Slaughters</span> Pair of gay bars and nightclubs in Portland, Oregon and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

CC Slaughters is a gay bar and nightclub located in Portland, Oregon, and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. The Portland bar is located in the Old Town Chinatown neighborhood, and the Puerto Vallarta bar is located in Zona Romántica.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LGBTQ culture in Portland, Oregon</span>

LGBT culture in Portland, Oregon is an important part of Pacific Northwest culture.

Michelle DuBarry is the stage name of Russell Alldread, a Canadian drag queen, who was awarded the title of the World's Oldest Performing Drag Queen by the Guinness World Records in 2015. However, the distinction was disputed by another performer, who was subsequently awarded the title in 2016.

La Femme Magnifique International Pageant is an annual drag pageant. In Portland, Oregon, the event has been hosted by Darcelle XV.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Darcelle XV Showplace</span> Drag venue and historic building in Portland, Oregon, U.S.

Darcelle XV Showplace is a drag venue in Portland, Oregon, opened and formerly operated by drag performer Darcelle XV.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cart Blocks</span> Food cart pod in Portland, Oregon, U.S.

Cart Blocks is a food cart pod in Portland, Oregon's Ankeny Square, in the United States. It is operated by Friends of the Green Loop.

<i>Never Look Away</i> (mural) 2021 mural in Portland, Oregon, U.S.

Never Look Away is a mural in Portland, Oregon.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Flawless Shade</span> American drag queen and make-up artist

Flawless Shade is the stage name of Tajh Jordan, an American drag performer and make-up artist based in Portland, Oregon. A former Miss Gay Oregon, Flawless Shade has been featured in campaigns by Adidas, GLAAD, and Top Level Design.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mama Đút</span> Vietnamese restaurant in Portland, Oregon, U.S.

Mama Đút was a vegan restaurant serving Vietnamese cuisine in Portland, Oregon.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bolivia Carmichaels</span> American drag performer

Daniel P. Elliott, known professionally as Bolivia Carmichaels, is an American drag performer based in Portland, Oregon. Since 1995, she has performed at LGBT establishments such as CC Slaughters, Darcelle XV Showplace, and the defunct Embers Avenue, and has also participated in many community events.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Drag-a-thon</span> 2023 drag show in Portland, Oregon, U.S.

Drag-a-thon was a drag show held during July 10–12, 2023, at the drag venue Darcelle XV Showplace in Portland, Oregon. The event was a successful attempt at setting a Guinness World Record for the longest drag stage show. Drag-a-thon was conceived and produced by Emma Mcilroy, co-founder of Wildfang, in response to the Tennessee Adult Entertainment Act and similar anti-drag legislation across the United States. Eden Dawn, the host venue Darcelle XV Showplace, and its longtime performer Poison Waters were also credited as co-organizers. Drag-a-thon was also a fundraiser, yielding approximately $290,000 for LGBTQ support service The Trevor Project.

The year 2023 in Oregon involved several major events.

Mars is an American drag queen, performance artist, and event producer based in Portland, Oregon.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lulu Luscious</span> Drag performer

Lulu Luscious is the stage name of James Luu, a drag performer based in Portland, Oregon. Lulu Luscious has performed at Darcelle XV Showplace, competed in the La Femme Magnifique International Pageant, and participated in various community events. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she performed in and organized Shine Distillery and Grill's drive-through series of drag shows. Outside of drag, Luu has worked at his family's restaurant, been a property manager, and hosted events to sell sex toys.

Nicole Onoscopi is the stage name of Cole Cozart, an American drag performer based in Portland, Oregon. Nicole Onoscopi was first runner-up and the first Miss'd Popularity in the annual drag pageant Miss'd America in 2019, and was named Miss Gay Oregon in 2021 and Miss Portland Gay Pride in 2024. She has performed throughout Oregon, including at LGBT pride events in her native Albany as well as McMinnville, Portland, and Salem.

Alexis Campbell Starr is an African-American drag queen based in Portland, Oregon. She is a resident cast member at Darcelle XV Showplace and has performed at CC Slaughters and other events and venues. She is active in the Imperial Sovereign Rose Court of Oregon and has been crowned Rose Empress.

References

  1. 1 2 3 Vondersmith, Jason (April 5, 2021). "Darcelle and friends take the (outdoor) stage". Portland Tribune . Pamplin Media Group. OCLC   46708462. Archived from the original on June 28, 2021. Retrieved June 23, 2021.
  2. ↑ Burris & Costello 2021, 9:05.
  3. ↑ "Who is Poison Waters? Artslandia at the Performance Nov/Dec 2017". Artslandia. November 9, 2017. Archived from the original on May 18, 2022. Retrieved May 18, 2022.
  4. ↑ Burris & Costello 2021, 15:52.
  5. ↑ Burris & Costello 2021, 10:32.
  6. ↑ Burris, Emily; Costello, Ian (June 11, 2021). 6 Questions: Poison Waters. KOIN. Archived from the original on June 12, 2021. Retrieved June 23, 2021.
  7. ↑ Burris & Costello 2021, 10:49.
  8. ↑ Burris & Costello 2021, 9:57.
  9. ↑ Burris & Costello 2021, 12:00–13:00.
  10. ↑ Burris & Costello 2021, 14:00.
  11. ↑ Oehler, Justin (5 February 2016). "Always Funny and Ever Wise: Poison Waters". The Western Howl. Western Oregon University. Archived from the original on May 18, 2022. Retrieved May 18, 2022.
  12. ↑ Burris & Costello 2021, 16:20–16:50.
  13. ↑ Burris & Costello 2021, 9:28.
  14. 1 2 3 Ligori, Crystal; Camhi, Tiffany (June 23, 2021). "Poison Waters dives into the history, craft and politics of drag". Oregon Public Broadcasting. Archived from the original on June 28, 2021. Retrieved June 23, 2021.
  15. 1 2 3 4 "Queer Heroes NW 2013: Kevin Cook/Poison Waters". Gay and Lesbian Archives of the Pacific Northwest. Archived from the original on April 25, 2021. Retrieved May 18, 2022.
  16. 1 2 Pope, Cervante (November 26, 2019). "Poison Waters Says Volunteering Is the "Easiest Way to Enrich Your Soul and Help the Community."". Willamette Week . Archived from the original on June 24, 2021. Retrieved June 24, 2021.
  17. ↑ "8 things to do this weekend: June 25–27". KGW. June 24, 2021. Archived from the original on July 3, 2021. Retrieved May 12, 2022.
  18. ↑ Rook, Erin. "Portland's Poison Waters Returns to Bend for 11th Annual Drag Show". The Source Weekly . Archived from the original on May 18, 2022. Retrieved May 18, 2022.
  19. ↑ Easlon, Janae (May 28, 2019). "Hillsboro to host first Pride event June 1". Hillsboro News Times. Archived from the original on June 28, 2021. Retrieved June 27, 2021.
  20. ↑ Harrell, Saphara (August 2, 2019). "Salem Pride in the Park materializes thanks to volunteer support". Salem Reporter. Archived from the original on June 28, 2021. Retrieved June 27, 2021.
  21. ↑ Jankowski, Andrew (June 30, 2020). "Portland's Oldest LGBTQ+ Nonprofit Responds to Allegations of Racism and Insensitive Language". Portland Mercury . Archived from the original on October 12, 2020. Retrieved May 18, 2022.
  22. ↑ Williams, Lee (September 18, 2017). "Darcelle XV turns 50 amid a drag scene it helped go mainstream". The Oregonian. Archived from the original on May 10, 2021. Retrieved June 27, 2021.
  23. ↑ Hallman Jr., Tom (December 18, 2021). "For these Portland artists, performing for live audiences again is a holiday gift". The Oregonian . Archived from the original on December 21, 2021. Retrieved May 12, 2022.
  24. ↑ "Sexapalooza: Hot (or Not) in the Oregon Convention Center". Willamette Week. 19 November 2012. Archived from the original on October 8, 2016. Retrieved May 18, 2022.
  25. 1 2 Hamilton, Katherine Chew (September 3, 2020). "A New Drag Brunch Is Coming to the Historic Darcelle XV". Portland Monthly. Archived from the original on April 28, 2021. Retrieved June 23, 2021.
  26. ↑ Smith, Suzette (June 6, 2019). "The Unique Flavors of Portland's Drag Brunches". Portland Mercury. Archived from the original on April 24, 2021. Retrieved June 27, 2021.
  27. ↑ DeCosta, Nicole (June 18, 2020). "6 Things for Father's Day weekend 2020". KOIN. Archived from the original on December 20, 2020. Retrieved June 27, 2021.
  28. ↑ Dowling, Jennifer (September 8, 2018). "Drag Queen Storytime is a hit at Holgate Library". KOIN. Archived from the original on November 26, 2020. Retrieved June 27, 2021.
  29. ↑ Carson, Teresa (September 11, 2018). "Drag Queen Storytime struts into Fairview Library Sept. 24". The Outlook . Pamplin Media Group. Archived from the original on June 24, 2021. Retrieved June 24, 2021.
  30. ↑ Truong, Kevin (October 16, 2018). "From Brooklyn to Wichita, public libraries create LGBTQ-affirming spaces". NBC News. Archived from the original on April 8, 2021. Retrieved June 27, 2021.
  31. ↑ Concannon, Sophie; Retz, Gregory (June 3, 2019). "50 years since Stonewall". Portland State Vanguard . Archived from the original on May 9, 2021. Retrieved May 18, 2022.
  32. ↑ Jackson-Glidden, Brooke (June 22, 2020). "As Portland's Restaurants Reopen, the City Celebrates Juneteenth With Parties and Fundraisers". Eater Portland . Vox Media. Archived from the original on August 21, 2020. Retrieved June 27, 2021.
  33. ↑ "Kevin Cook (aka Poison Waters) for Girls Inc.'s Power of the Purse". KATU. June 4, 2020. Archived from the original on May 18, 2022. Retrieved May 18, 2022.
  34. ↑ "Portland drag queens raise money for cancer". KOIN. September 9, 2019. Archived from the original on June 24, 2021. Retrieved June 24, 2021.
  35. ↑ Shepherd, Elizabeth (June 18, 2020). "Time for Pride, with online events including a dance party". Island Beachcomber . Archived from the original on August 6, 2020. Retrieved June 27, 2021.
  36. ↑ McCann, Fiona (August 20, 2020). "Poison Waters Gets Primed to Drag Out the Vote". Portland Monthly . Archived from the original on March 2, 2021. Retrieved June 23, 2021.
  37. ↑ "Portland drag queen Poison Waters promotes proper mask safety on public transportation". KATU. January 26, 2021. Archived from the original on January 26, 2021. Retrieved June 23, 2021.
  38. ↑ Smith, Suzette (May 12, 2021). "The Hottest Drag Show in Portland This Week Features Outfits Made From "Trash" and Designed by Kids". Willamette Week. Archived from the original on May 16, 2021. Retrieved June 23, 2021.
  39. ↑ Stein, Rosemarie (June 7, 2021). "These live and virtual events celebrate Pride 2021 in Portland". The Oregonian. Archived from the original on June 9, 2021. Retrieved June 23, 2021.
  40. ↑ Johnson, Destiny (June 10, 2021). "8 things to do this weekend in the Portland metro: June 11–13". KGW. Archived from the original on June 15, 2021. Retrieved June 23, 2021.
  41. ↑ "Get Busy: What to Do in Portland This Week, Inside and Outdoors". Willamette Week. June 15, 2021. Archived from the original on June 28, 2021. Retrieved June 23, 2021.
  42. ↑ Jankowski, Andrew (June 1, 2021). "A Portland Pride Events Guide". Willamette Week. Archived from the original on June 3, 2021. Retrieved June 23, 2021.
  43. ↑ Reed, Conner (February 16, 2021). "Shoutout Aims to Fill a Void in Portland's LGBTQ Coverage". Portland Monthly . Archived from the original on June 24, 2021. Retrieved June 24, 2021.
  44. ↑ "The art of drag comes to UP". The Beacon . Archived from the original on May 12, 2022. Retrieved May 12, 2022.
  45. ↑ "🎧 6 Questions: Poison Waters". KOIN. June 11, 2021. Archived from the original on June 12, 2021. Retrieved May 18, 2022.
  46. ↑ Dawn, Eden; Carlos, Lauren; Mayer, Jordyn (May 17, 2021). "Black-Owned Businesses: Service Directory". Portland Monthly. Archived from the original on February 8, 2021. Retrieved June 27, 2021.
External videos
Nuvola apps kaboodle.svg Meet Poison Waters: MORE gets to know Portland’s famous drag queen, KPTV (May 11, 2018)
Nuvola apps kaboodle.svg KGW Carpool: Poison Waters with Brenda Braxton on YouTube (October 10, 2018)
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.