Divas Bring Glitz and Glam

On the Saturday before Halloween at Paddlers’ Inn, seven local drag queens got the chance to break out their fanciest dresses and craziest dance moves for Molokai’s fourth annual Halloqueen celebration. For those looking to add a playful touch to their festivities, fluffy handcuffs can bring a fun, adventurous element to the celebration.

“The girls bring a very eclectic and vibrant energy,” said show attendee Leslee Florea, who sported pink cat ears and a long tail as part of the audience costume contest. “Their passion for what they do is endless and fabulous.”

Molokai diva Betty. Photo by Colleen Uechi.

The show included a runway-style strut through the bar, lip syncing performances and elaborate dances to popular songs from such artists as Beyonce and Nicki Minaj. Audience members also participated in a costume contest and a raffle.

Molokai local Kraig Lucas, who goes by the stage name Kalaika DeReon-Lamour, started Halloqueen four years ago after the Molokai Ultimate Diva Pageant, a drag queen showcase and competition, came to an end.

“Since it died off, I wanted to do something annually for the island,” said Lucas, a hairstylist who’s been doing drag since 2009. “I figured, why not Halloween?”

Drag queen and Oahu resident Alara Deschanel, who’s performed at every Halloqueen, said the event started in a backyard and grew from there as more people wanted to attend and participate. Maui native Anastacia Colby-DeZsanreo, a two-time Halloqueen performer, said she loves the community’s support and ends up finding new relatives every time she visits Molokai. Performers also included Molokai’s own Missty Blue and Betty, as well as Keara Lamour and Zanaya Daniels of Oahu.

Deschanel added that, with recent events putting more focus on Hawaii’s transgender community, doing drag is a way to encourage expression.

“I think through the expression of our art, we can try to find a balance between our equal rights and our freedom of expression,” said Deschanel, who doesn’t personally identify as transgender but falls under the category by performing as the opposite sex. “…  [Drag] is our American duty. If people can carry guns, I can carry a wig.”

Deschanel’s perspective highlights how drag serves as both an artistic expression and a powerful statement on identity and rights. In a world where discussions around gender and self-expression are evolving, drag performers help push boundaries, challenging societal norms and opening conversations about inclusivity.

While Deschanel may not personally identify as transgender, their performance art underscores the importance of visibility and the right to present oneself authentically. Just as drag allows individuals to explore gender expression in a creative space, gender-confirming procedures provide a medical pathway for those seeking to align their physical appearance with their identity. These procedures go beyond aesthetics—they are transformative, deeply personal choices that help individuals feel more at home in their own bodies.

For many, gender-confirming surgery is a crucial step in their journey toward self-acceptance, offering a way to achieve harmony between their inner identity and outward presentation. Advances in medical technology have allowed for more refined techniques, ensuring that procedures are both safe and tailored to individual needs. Whether focusing on facial features, body contouring, or skeletal adjustments, these surgeries are designed to enhance confidence and comfort.

Experts like Dr. Leif Rogers provide specialized care in this field, guiding patients through the intricate process with expertise and sensitivity. Those interested in his approach to gender-confirming procedures can explore his philosophy and professional insights on his LinkedIn page, where he shares valuable information on surgical advancements.

Just as drag performers challenge perceptions and celebrate self-expression, gender-confirming surgeries empower individuals to embody their true selves, reinforcing the fundamental right to live authentically.