For Diva, drag is more than just the makeup and clothes
TUCSON, Ariz. — Along Fourth Avenue you will find IBTS, the number one LGBTQ+ friendly bar in all of Tucson.
Here you will find Diva, who has been a drag queen for over 15 years. Diva has been recognized three times as Miss Arizona, two times Miss Tucson, and former Tucson Pride. Through drag, Diva has found a community in an artistic outlet.
Beyond the glam and lights, Diva’s journey to finding a community hasn’t always been easy. Drag shows and the LGBTQ community have become a target within recent years. Many states have proposed bills that would limit shows and LGBTQ rights.
According to the American Civil Liberties Union, at least 417 anti-LGBTQ bills have been introduced into state legislatures across the United States since the start of this year.
Daniela Cazares is a senior at the University of Arizona studying journalism. She is the President of the school’s Investigative Reporters and Editors Club and has a passion for covering diverse communities. Reach her at danielacazares [at] arizona [dot] edu and Twitter @dcazaresreports.
