In the heart of Pennsylvania’s coal country, the Daniels drag family brings joy to their community every weekend. From hosting bingo fundraisers to performing in local bars and restaurants, they have become an integral part of the region’s social scene. They even participate in reading events for children, where they all enjoy Dolly Parton’s “Coat of Many Colors.”
In this conservative area, the coexistence of traditional family values with the art of drag is a sight to behold. While political winds may threaten drag performances and LGBTQ+ rights in red states across the country, the Daniels family finds acceptance and support within their community.
Despite living in a region where voters strongly supported Donald Trump, the real challenges for the Daniels family come from lawmakers passing restrictive laws. They face the risk of their performances being banned, but so far, no such bans have emerged. A bill was introduced in the state Senate aiming to ban drag shows in public places, but it remains stuck in a committee.
The matriarch of the family, Alexus Daniels, comes from a coal-mining and textile working background. She is proud of her identity as a drag queen and works as an MRI aide tech at a local hospital. Jacob Kelley, who performs as the drag queen Trixy Valentine, is an LGBTQ+ activist and educator with a master’s degree in human sexuality. Harpy Daniels, Trixy’s twin, serves in the U.S. Navy and has been deployed multiple times on the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan.
Apart from the twins, the other drag performers in the family are not related by blood but have chosen to be part of this tight-knit community. Their performances create a sense of belonging and acceptance for everyone involved. Trixy acknowledges the challenges of being queer in a rural town, but believes that drag can be a way to unite people and show them that acceptance exists even in small communities.
The Associated Press has followed the Daniels family for over a year, documenting their experiences and stories. Alexus, or Daniels as she’s known in drag, recalls her early memories of performing for her family and not fully realizing what it meant until she entered high school. Jacob discovered their love for drag shortly after Joshua, and their drag style ranges from silly to fierce, always shining when the light hits them.
In a recent bingo fundraiser, the family faced some protestors across the theater who held signs and prayed the rosary. Trixy addressed the crowd and emphasized the importance of acceptance, making it clear that they will not be silenced or shamed for their choices. Harpy Daniels, dressed in a fabulous outfit, captivated the audience with their infectious energy.
For Joshua Kelley, serving in the Navy allowed them to experience a sense of acceptance they had never felt before. The shift from the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy to an open and inclusive environment gave Joshua the opportunity to be their authentic self. They now use their platform as a digital ambassador for the Navy to connect with marginalized communities, particularly the LGBTQ+ community.
Kitty DeVil, a trans woman, brings a punk-inspired style to her drag performances. She aims to be a beacon of light for those who feel like outcasts in the LGBTQ+ community. By creating a space where everyone is welcome, Kitty wants to inspire others to embrace their uniqueness and find their place in society.
Xander Valentine, a drag king, joined the Daniels family after being inspired by their performances. Xander’s goal is to challenge preconceived notions of gender and create a dialogue about identity. By performing masculine acts while dressed in drag, Xander aims to encourage acceptance and understanding, even when someone’s identity may not fit neatly into society’s norms.
The Daniels family is a testament to the power of drag to bring communities together. Their presence in a conservative environment showcases the importance of acceptance and inclusivity, even in places where it may be unexpected. While challenges may arise from lawmakers, the family remains firm in their belief that drag is a form of art that should be celebrated and embraced.
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