This episode of On Our Minds Road Trip takes us to Columbia, Missouri, where drag performers are building community, creating joy, and challenging stereotypes.

Student producer Maggie LeBeau takes us inside the local drag scene, introducing us to performers like Alexxa Pro and Artemis Gray. They’re creating spaces of belonging, especially for young queer people who don’t always have one.

Maggie LeBeau produced the story in this episode.

Lead Producer Becky Wandel produced this episode with editing and mixing by Wyatt Mayes.

Additional production support was provided by Emily Hope Dobkin, Anthony Payne, Rawan Elbaba and Caroline Frentz. Graphics by Anurag Papolu.

Approval and Oversight by Editorial Director Marie Cusick and Executive Producer Leah Clapman. 

Special thanks to KUT, Jake Perlman, and WETA.

Theme song composed and performed by Emilson Orellana Juarez and Jerick Romero Ciprian.