Running Down the Renegades Part 2

PHOTOS BY DREAMA CLEAVER
TEXT BY JOEL VOYEUR

The Royal Renegades have also been guest performers at the Wexner Center for Drag Day during the Andy Warhol/Other Voices, Other Rooms exhibition in 2009 and participated in fundraising events such as Her HRC (Human Rights Campaign) and Viva! And Dexter’s Big Gay Wedding Show.

But what is it that they do, you ask?

Tony Walnuts 2009

The Royal Renegades’ shows include a variety of genres of music; rap, country, rock, soft rock, blues, metal, jazz, big band, and alternative to name a few. They also are never too shy to bust a move or put on a Dolly Parton wig and skirt. Most recently, member Cool Ethan walked away with Nina West’s Drag Star title after performing...

“Michael Jackson's 'Smooth Criminal' to a crowd of about 600 people and three judges, drag king Cool Ethan beat the queens for the $1,000 prize, sponsored by SKYY Vodka. Cool Ethan said drag kings in Columbus don't get as much recognition as queens, so he was shocked to win.” *

Above and below: Cool Ethan as the late Michael Jackson 2009

*Harriman, Kattie. "King Trumps Queens in Axis Drag Search." The Lantern. © 2012 The Lantern. All Rights Reserved., 26 Feb. 2012. Web. 07 Mar. 2012. <http://www.thelantern.com/a-e/king-trumps-queens-in-axis-drag-search-1.2797069>.