NAME: "A long time ago, I had taken a hiatus from performing drag and when I decided to come out of retirement, I felt a need to recreate myself and dust off my packer. As soon as that thought hit me, I knew my new name: Dusty Bahls."
FIRST DRAG PERFORMANCE: "I first did drag back in 2001-2002 for a friend's variety show. It was a circus-themed show, so a drag queen and I chose to go as conjoined Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers twins. We performed 'Islands in the Stream' together where I drank a bottle of whiskey and she was the one who got drunker and drunker."
DRAG INSPIRATION: "When I came back into doing drag in 2012, I felt there was a need to see a man worth celebrating. I felt that many times when I saw kings perform, they saw it as a chance to behave in very lewd or crass ways and that really wasn't what I wanted to see on a stage, nor did I find it entertaining. I wanted to see someone likeable, dapper, funny, and ultimately, kind."
GO-TO NUMBER TO SLAY THE CROWD: "Dusty's Love Boat. It's so stupid. I'm a huge fan of making a fool of myself and I'm not afraid of being self-deprecating. I come out dressed as a pirate wearing a small dinghy I made out of corkboard and balsa wood with little puppet legs I throw over the side and play around with. This act in particular is such a hit, I think, because it's so stupid, it's ( almost ) smart."
FUN FACT: "Between my eras of drag, I was executive lesbian femme. I wore make up ( not looking like a dude ) and had my hair blown out, making me look like Demi Moore."
FUTURE PROJECTS: "I'm focusing a lot on my new company, T-Time Toys, where I design and make silicone sex toys geared towards the trans community ( although all demographics are able to enjoy them )."
WHERE CAN WE CATCH YOU: House of Blues; Clipper Cabaret at The California Clipper; TRIX at Scarlet Bar
SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook: dustysbahls, IG:@lucywakhasdustybahls