MONTROSE STAR SPOTLIGHT: Lady Liberty Belle

The United States Declaration of Independence contains a phrase that is often repeated: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

“Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness!” This celebrated trio of ideals breaks down into a few core concepts: Life is the fundamental right to exist. Liberty is the political and personal freedom to act, speak and choose without tyrannical interference, provided it respects the rights of others. And the pursuit of happiness simply maintains that all people are entitled to living a good, meaningful and flourishing life.

Nowhere in the Declaration of Independence did our forefathers place age limits on those concepts and, if you’re never too old to have a happy childhood, neither are you never too old to have a happy adulthood, as well.

Carl Bridges was 55 years old the first time he set foot, err stilettos, on stage in drag. His only other stage performance had been in high school. The long-time Licensed Vocational Nurse entered a Halloween costume contest and won and the rest, as they say, is history.

Lady Liberty Belle

In the few years he’s been performing in drag, Carl has endeared himself as a Galveston Island favorite, loved by everyone. Our star-spangled Montrose Star Spotlight is shining on Lady Liberty Belle.

Stage name:

Lady Liberty Belle.

Your pronoun is?

He or Lady.

Where is your hometown?

Now Galveston, my original hometown is Carbon, Texas, located in Eastland County.

July is when we celebrate our nation’s independence. How do you usually celebrate?

Mostly, I celebrate watching the firework display here on the island or performing.

You got started doing drag rather late in life. What inspired you to get on stage?

Funny, I never thought I would do drag, but I did theater during high school. I entered a Halloween contest and won, and was asked by Jada Vandross, the Boss, who was show director at Robert’s Lafitte’s at the time, if I had ever thought about doing drag. I said no initially. She said, “I want to have you perform.” So, I said OK.

Describe your feelings from the first time you did drag.

I was extremely nervous and excited, also. Nervous in the aspect of not really knowing how to start drag or be a drag queen.

What numbers do you enjoy performing the most? What are your go-to numbers?

I’m known as the Vintage Queen in regard to my performances, because I enjoy performing older country music or older music. My go-to numbers are older country music.

What is the thing you enjoy most about being on stage?

The excitement of the crowd’s reaction if I come out with new numbers while maintaining my vintage appeal.

Do you have a pet peeve about being on stage?

Honestly, not really. I’ve had the audience come up (on stage), I just start dancing with them and move on to entertain others.

Are there any titles you hold or aspire to achieve?

I have held the title of Miss Lafitte’s Sweetheart in 2020 for two years because of COVID, and I was Miss Possum Queen, which was Robert Mainor’s comedy, campy pageant he held. And I was Miss Lafitte’s for 2024-2025. I would enjoy getting into theater performances.

Tell us something about yourself that people will be surprised to know.

I’m very humble — I grew up on a peanut farm. Even though I wasn’t born on the island I feel like a Galvestonian. I’ve been a practicing Licensed Vocational Nurse for 42 years. I love reading and spending time with my cat Bootsella Deville.

Who are your inspirations, personally and professionally?

My inspirations are Loretta Lynn, Patsy Cline and Dolly Parton. In my life I’ve had two nurses that inspired me and encouraged me. They are both gone but I think of each of them often. My other inspirations are Tiffany De La Vega and Kiki Dion Van Wales.

Do you make your own outfits, buy them or does someone make them for you?

I can sew but most of my clothing is found at resale shops, or shopping online for vintage style clothing.

What do you feel is the most misunderstood thing about drag culture?

That most people don’t see it as an artistic way of seeing yourself.

If you could go back in time and give your 21-year-old self some advice, what would it be?

Follow your dreams, never give up on anything even when it’s tough, keep going.

How has performing in drag changed you?

It has helped me realize that I am a person, I am creative and I am human no matter what others think. I’m Lady Liberty Belle and I’m Carl Bridges.

What is the most rewarding compliment you’ve ever received?

Honestly, this is a difficult question for me because I don’t take compliments. I never really look at myself other than just me. I know and understand how others see me, and I appreciate the love from my followers and how they see me. I just see myself as me.

What advice would you offer to a young queen just getting started?

Life is short, live your dream. When discouraged, be silent, let the silence guide you. Pick yourself back up and move forward. Always reflect on the past but keep moving forward. In the end, all of your experiences will make you who you are.

Where can we find you on social media?

Mostly I’m on Facebook. I don’t have social media for Lady Liberty Belle. Maybe that is something I should look into. You can always reach me on Facebook under Carl Bridges. Yes, I’m that little white-haired man you see in the photo.

Where and when can we catch your act?

You can reach me at Robert’s Lafitte in Galveston. I’m a regular staple there. Our shows are Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. We also have a Sunday Funday show at 2 p.m. that our late and great Jade Michaels started.

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