I started this project during the pandemic to help local businesses to keep their doors open and raise awareness in the community. Austin is a forever-changing landscape and has lots of culture to provide. But due to political, economic, and socio-economic changes throughout the area, things tend to disappear or have to move elsewhere. This was a very real occurrence in 2020 and even has repercussions going on still in this recovery period.
I wanted to take a moment to stop and appreciate the things in this city that make it special. People that build businesses and spaces for us to go and enjoy. I wanted to promote shopping local and getting to know the people around you even in better times. This is just part one and hopefully will have more to celebrate in the future.
Sidenote, a lot of businesses did get attention and increases in business for this in 2020. Thank you to everyone that drew attention to these places and helped keep some lights on during a very dark time.
You’re probably reading this thinking what do drag queens have to do with punk rock? Absolutely everything! Throughout the years the show Rupaul’s Drag Race has been one of the top rated shows on tv and has a die-hard following. I am definitely a huge fan and never miss an episode. That aside, I noticed somethings amongst all the glamour. These drag queens do not shy away from punk fashion and they do it justice. Within the spectrum of glam to goth, there are various ways these queens represent different versions of punk fashion. Here are my 3 top picks ( in no particular order) of the most punk rock drag queens of Rupaul’s Drag Race and where to find their punk looks:
Sharon Needle: Sharon was the winner of season 4 and is one of my first favorite queens since I related to her style the most. From the spooky to Aaron’s casual punk look, his stylings of drag are spectacular. I have never seen blood pour out of a models mouth on a runway or have tentacles for fingers. Both were amazing moments on the show. Sharon Needles is also a musician which also helps the punk persona.
Adore Delano: What don’t I love about Adore? The self-proclaimed punk rock mermaid herself is a great expression of modern punk fashion. I would wear anything she styles. But what makes Adore stand above the rest is the story behind this drag queen. Originally Danny was a contestant on American Idol in 2008 and has an amazing voice. He eventually got into a career in drag and went on to be in the top 3 finalists in season 6. I can’t get enough of Adore’s spirit, fashion, wit, and style. Check out the endless punk looks from blue hair, leather, and band tees on her Instagram. I think this gif sums up Adore perfectly.
Alaska Thunderfuck 5000: Let’s start with the word “fuck” in her drag name. Alaska is a great mix of glamour and punk. Whether she is looking couture in a gown while cussing like a sailor, Alaska is on top of her game. Alaska was part of the top three finalists of Season 5 and will be on the upcoming All-Stars season too. Alaska is also known for her creative fashion designs made of duct tape and trash bag couture. I can’t wait to see what is next from this queen.
Violet basically is Betty Page on steroids and knows her craft so well.
Raja was the winner of season 3. She is very talented and can pull anything off, especially a mohawk. Plus it doesn’t hurt that Raja was the makeup artist on American’s Next Top Model.
Regardless of any knowledge around the world of Rupaul’s Drag Race, the correlation is undeniable. I recently stumbled upon this gem where Alice Bag and Henry Rollins discuss this phenomenon. Enjoy:
Punk Rock Anthropology 
