When Beyoncé released her newest album, Renaissance, a few months ago, she paid homage to a culture that shaped who she became as a performer. In her liner notes she said: “Thank you to all of the pioneers who originate culture, to all of the fallen angels whose contributions have gone unrecognized for far too long. This is a celebration for you.”

Today, we talk to one of those pioneers, Kevin Aviance. We learn how a young boy in Richmond, Virginia went from singing Aretha Franklin in his sister's dress to being inducted into the famed House of Aviance in Washington DC, and later sampled on the biggest album of 2022. We talk about the different schools of drag and how the scene has changed over the last 30 years. Does the mainstreaming of drag make the world a safer place?

Plus, hear the song that Beyoncé lifted up and celebrated on her track Pure/Honey.

Follow Kevin Aviance on instagram: @kevinavianceofficial

Your host is Levi Chambers, founder of Rainbo Media Co. You can follow Levi @levichambers across socials.

Follow the show and keep up with the conversation @PRIDE across socials.

PRIDE is produced by Levi Chambers, Maggie Boles, Ryan Tillotson, and Brandon Marlo. Edited by Maggie Boles and Daniel Ferrera.

Do you have a queer story to share? Email us at [email protected]

*This podcast is not affiliated with Pride Media.

Produced by Straw Hut Media