Remembering The Glamazons

RememberingThe Glamazons

The Glamazons were one of Columbus’ most-loved drag tribes until the closure of Wall Street Nightclub.

By Jeff Skinner a.k.a. Jennifer Lynn Ali

Two things that I love most about drag are the history of drag and drag families. Drag families are groups of other performers that “adopt” you when you’re starting your drag career. Most queens have a drag family, and most regions have at least one family. In Columbus, you’ve got the “West” family, and in Dayton, there is the “Sexton” family. One family/tribe that I’ve followed since the beginning of my interest in drag is The Glamazons.

The Glamazons are a tribe of drag entertainers based in Columbus, and they are all about high fashion, gender-bending and drinking. They started in 2003, with Helena Troy, Sasha Sashay, Darienne Lake, Pandora Boxx, Bridget O’Hare, Cooki Krisp and Morgan LeFaye.

Marie Antoinette photoshoot.

Photo by Laura Dark Photography.

The first time I was introduced to The Glamazons was in 2012, at the first Project Glamazons held at Wall Street Nightclub. While I was watching the competition, I remember thinking that being a Glamazon was something that I really wanted to be! I saw Nikki Stone get crowned, and I thought to myself, I have to compete for this next year.

So, I went for it. The following year, I competed against Mary Nolan and Cherry Poppins. I love when Mary talks about us competing against each other. She always tells a story about my mother mean-mugging her after she won.

Warrior photoshoot.

Photo by Laura Dark Photography.

Once Mary won, they went on to do more production shows like “Battle Drag 2: Diamond Strikes Back” and dance parties like “Werq.” After a jam-packed year, they went on to do another Project Glamazons competition.

That year, they welcomed Mr. Pottymouth into the tribe, who is my personal favorite Glamazon! Pottymouth is this unique genderbending entertainer. I talked to him and I asked what it was like when he won and his favorite moment from that night. He jokingly said “Winning!” Then went onto say, “Honestly, it was the excitement of feeling like there was a venue or group that supported or was into the weird stuff I do. It fueled my fire. I was so new to drag and performing. I think the night I won was the third time I’d ever performed on a stage.”

Jennifer Lynn competing in Project Glamazon in 2014.

Not only were The Glamazons known for their fantastic dance parties and their amazing production shows, but they were also known for their incredible photoshoots with Laura Dark! They did photos in Laura’s studio and also did some great outdoor shots. I used to get so excited every time Helena would post a new picture. Even to this day, when she posts throwback pictures, I still get excited!

With the closure of Wall Street Nightclub, I haven’t seen much activity with the Tribe. However, you can catch Helena Troy, Mary Nolan, Cherry Poppins, Ashley O’Shae and the rest of the entertainers performing at different venues in Columbus. Well, except for Pottymouth; he ditched us for Chicago! I hope The Glamazons continue to do photoshoots and shows. I am definitely looking forward to seeing what they do next!