Drag is Freedom

On this episode, this was my first ever Live Roundtable in June 2025 hosted at Just Bookish Bookstore with the lovely guests from the House of Calypso. The House of Calypso includes the mother, Neon Calypso and children Killah Croc, Lavender, Izzy Ready, and Hazel Afrodite. Boston based drag artists of color creating and perform in various arts medium who took the time to sit down with me in THE CHAIR to talk about their experiences in drag, discussing how their identities appear, their views on freedom in art, representation in educational spaces, and their hair journeys. Enjoy!Bios:Mother, Neon Calypso (she/her) : She is an internationally known trans drag artist who explores the intersectionality of what it means to be queer, Black, femme, and disabled with performances reflecting on life experiences through song, dance, and spoken word. She’s a core cast member of Sasha Velour’s Nightgowns @neoncalypsoKillah Croc (they/them) : They are a Boston based drag artist who has made a name for themself in the Boston drag scene since February 2023. Their command of the song and stage will leave you full but also wanting more. Killah uses their platform to uplift their fellow Black & Brown Trans Artists of Color. @killahcrocdrag Izzy Ready (she/her) : She is a trans woman of color from Boston whose been performing for two and a half years! She loves to spread joy, laughs, and kindness any way she can. Her performances often blend burlesque, comedy, and dance to create an unforgettable experience! @izzyready_Hazel Afrodite (she/they) : They are a multi-Instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, dancer, producer, and drag queen that makes Alternative R&b Music. Her drag is the embodiment of late 60’s early 70’s Black glamour with a modern edge. Her performance style is very high energy with lots of camp, fashion, and beauty. @hazelafroditeLavender (she/they) : She is the purple princess of Boston. Her drag is very inspired by Black women and their fashion. They are more of a comedic style performer, but will always make sure to highlight the beauty that her Black skin has. @lavender_the_queeenTHE CHAIR (S2/Ep11) — Drag is FreedomI’m Your AWARD WINNING Host Dreme.Send us Fan MailHost & Exec Producer:  Dreme Flynt, M.Ed, MBAEditor: Lila Woodbridgehttp://www.lilawoodbridge.com/Music Creators: Your Host Dreme & Seoul (@xSeoulMusicx) Learn More About THE CHAIR:Join THE CHAIR Community for FREE:https://growinghands.wpengine.com/Join THE CHAIR Newsletter for FREE: https://growinghands.wpengine.com/newsletter/ Commercial Credits: Visionary: Your Host DremeAnimator: Ahmad Merhi https://amerhifilm.com/film Voice Actor: D. Ruff (@d_ruff3),  The Poethttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFAH2cqo64U My Book:From Nowhere & Everywhere: Captured Emotions of a Beautifully Broken Love StoryMy explorations through poetry, diary entries and photography as a Black woman, an educator in Guangzhou, China.Website -  https://www.lulu.com/en...