Destiny Lee Dion Van Wales: The Hawaiian Princess Returns

They were washed up, kaput, as ovah as the macarena! And then they rose up from the ashes of disdain and said, “Ha!’ And we applauded like madmen,” wrote Michael Musto in the Village Voice.

Everyone loves a good comeback story. The entertainment industry is full of them, but they are not as easy to achieve as many believe. Cher, the queen of comebacks, said, “It’s a thousand times harder to come back than to become. Becoming famous is hard, but making a comeback is almost impossible.”

Judy Garland, owner of one of the biggest comebacks in show business history with her Carnegie Hall concert/album, famously described the concept of a comeback by saying, “My life, my career has been like a roller coaster. I’ve either been an enormous success or just a down-and-out failure, which is silly because everybody always asks me, ‘How does it feel to make a comeback?’ And I don’t know where I’ve been! I haven’t been away.”

Not sure if we are calling this a comeback, because it feels more like a reclamation seeing Destiny Lee Dion Van Wales back on stage. Absent from the stage for the past few years, Destiny returned last month, owning it as if she’d never left, commanding a room as good as anyone.

Destiny’s fans are excited to have her back. Wilhelmina Guess, writing on a Facebook post, said, “Destiny Dion Van Wales! The OG! The Hawaiian Princess! Winner of several national titles and a former Ms. Robert’s Lafitte, returns to the stage!”
Keke Lucio added, “Yesssss so happy to hear that! I loveeeeee my Destiny.” Perhaps Julio Villegas said it best when he simply said, “DESTINY!!!!”

Montrose Star Spotlight this month is on Destiny Lee Dion Van Wales.

Drag performer Destiny Lee Dion Van Wales

Destiny Lee Dion Van Wales is October’s Montrose Star Spotlight.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stage name: Destiny Lee Dion Van Wales.

Your pronoun is?
She/her.

Where is your hometown?
Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii.

How long have you been doing drag and what inspired you to get started?
I have been in the business of female illusion for over 20 years. I originally began as a way to express myself.

Describe your feelings from the first time you did drag.
I felt as though I had found my true calling and purpose.

What numbers do you enjoy performing the most? What are your go-to numbers?
My music selection is versatile. While I enjoy performing upbeat dance numbers, I express myself best through slower, more emotional songs.

What is the thing you enjoy most about being on stage?
I appreciate connecting directly with the audience through my performance.

What is your pet peeve about being on stage?
My main pet peeves are when someone walks directly in front of the stage without acknowledging the performance, and when performers do not know their lip-sync lyrics.

Are there any titles you hold or aspire to achieve?
I have held numerous titles across Hawaii, California and Texas. On Galveston Island, I am the longest-reigning Mrs. Lafitte’s (3.5 years), Mrs. Mardi Gras Queen, Mrs. Island Diva, Mrs. Island Goddess and 2nd Runner-Up for Galveston’s E.O.Y. Island Idol.

Tell us something about yourself that people will be surprised to know.
Many people are surprised to learn that I have a twin sister.

Who are your inspirations, personally and professionally? Why?
My inspirations include Erica Andrews, Tandi Andrews, The Texas Twins, Courtney Page Van Wales, ChaCha Frenzy and Guava Chiffon. These artists inspire me through their longevity, loyalty, and determination to overcome setbacks. Their strength motivated me to select the stage name, “Destiny”.

Do you make your own outfits, buy them, or does someone make them for you?
A combination of all three. I construct some outfits myself, purchase pieces from fellow drag sisters and have custom costumes designed by Dean Weir in Galveston.

What do you feel is the most misunderstood thing about drag culture?
That drag performers are not always recognized as artists, and that people sometimes forget we have feelings, as well.

How has performing in drag changed you?
It has demonstrated that I can accomplish any goal I set for myself, while providing a constructive outlet for self-expression and personal growth.

What is the most rewarding compliment you’ve ever received?
Being told that Galveston Island was fortunate to have me perform.

How did you end up in Galveston?
It began with a dare at a club involving a map of the US and a dart.

Where can we find you on social media?
I can be found under Destiny Lee Baker on Facebook, Snapchat and Instagram.

 

Where and when can we catch your act?
You can currently catch me with the Ladies of Lafitte’s at “Lafitte’s by Tiffany,” located inside the Pride Center of Galveston Island (39th & Ave N).

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