STAR OF THE MONTH: Misty Valdez

the original island diva

By Johnny Trlica

Access Care of Coastal Texas (ACCT) has been a vital community organization to the Galveston area since in founding in 1987. It is dedicated to providing comprehensive support services to individuals living with HIV/AIDS.

ACCT is committed to enhancing the quality of life for its clients through case management, medical assistance, prevention education and mental health services. With a compassionate and inclusive approach, ACCT works to ensure that everyone affected by HIV/AIDS receives the care and support they need, regardless of their financial situation.

With all the excellent work the organization does, it is no wonder that it attracts so many volunteers, one of the most resolute of which is Misty Valdez. She has been volunteering and raising funds for ACCT in countless ways for decades. Her love and passion for the organization is very apparent.
This May, Misty Valdez is in the Montrose Star Spotlight.

Name:
Misty Valdez, the original island diva

Zodiac sign:
Capricorn

Hometown:
Galveston, Texas

How long have you been doing drag/entertaining?
I have been entertaining since 1982.

When was the first time you did drag and what motivated you to begin performing?
The first time I performed was at Robert’s Lafitte. It started off as a joke and dare, but the more I performed I started to take it seriously. The late Robert Mainor took me under his wing and taught me a lot, so still today, I try my best to support the bar in any way I can to keep it going as he would have liked!

What is your favorite number to perform?
My favorite songs to perform are any tunes that come straight from the heart and are emotional. As long as they make you smile and maybe even get a little teary eyed ’cause it brings back memories, that lets me know I have their attention. Mission accomplished!

What do you enjoy most about being on stage?
The best part of being on stage is the reaction of the audience and the smile on their faces, then getting to meet them once the show is over and the invitations you receive to perform or host other shows.
Very rewarding! I was once asked to perform at the San Luis for a fundraiser and I had this 86-year-old lady following me around saying, “If you’re a man why you sound like a lady?” I was honored to be asked because I was the only female impersonator, along with a belly dancer.

For years and years, you have done work for Galveston charities. What is your favorite charity?
My favorite charity is ACCT, having met so many entertainers that have come and gone, falling victim to this deadly disease, raising funds for whatever the cause to keep their memory alive! I look forward to and try to attend World Aids Day every year! I have come so close to the staff and clients, holding garage sales, cooking for their Thursday luncheons and hosting some bingos for them, as well! I owe it all to my long-time friend Jose Rios Jr. who is employed there and got me involved in all I do! He also has a habit of surprising me with an award of some kind and getting me so emotional. Joe and the staff surprised me with a retirement party knowing it wasn’t my last, lol!

What do you feel is the most misunderstood thing about drag culture?
I believe the most misunderstood thing about drag culture is that we are educated in doing things other than dressing up and hitting the clubs! Take the time to know us and don’t judge us before you do. We can be the best of friends, and we will always have your back! What we do is just an illusion and for entertainment only. That is the way I see it!

Who is your inspiration? Any drag role models?
My inspiration would be my beloved mother who passed away in 1999. As a volunteer at the woman’s crisis center, I guess I take it from her to never give up. She had a heart attack and returned to volunteer. With her second heart attack she was not so lucky, and heaven gained another angel. So, if I get emotional during my performance it is because I think of her and all my loved ones no longer with us! Gone but not forgotten!

My role model would have to be the multi-talented Kofi from Houston. She’s always there when I need her to host my fundraisers for many decades. Never once did she say no. All her titles and awards are well deserved. She is simply the best!

What is an interesting fact about you?
An interesting thing about me is that I enjoy performing and no matter what disabilities I have I know someone out there has it harder. So, if I can help anyone in anyway, count me in. “You haven’t seen the last of me yet.” I have learned never give up on life; someone out there needs me!

When not on stage what do you do for fun?
I enjoy bingo, garage sales, spending time with friends old and new, and most of all my family! I also enjoy supporting other fundraisers and walks on the beach!

Do you have any “drag children?”
Regarding drag children, that is not for me. I may be your inspiration or role model, but call me anything but Mother! You are your own special creation. I could only guide you and help if I can! I do not have nothing against it or knock anyone down for; it’s just not for me. I respect each and every one of you!

You recently made a special performance at a memorial service for a dear friend. What was it like getting back on stage?
I did a special performance for a beloved friend, Bobby Boyd, who always supported me in all I did, no matter what club. He will be missed by many! I was honored to receive a private message from his son, Doug Boyd, requesting that if I were able to perform at his celebration of life, he would appreciate it. I told him I would not miss it for the world! I had a wonderful time as I stated at the show. His dad was very supported of the shows. If possible, he is watching from up there and there would be plenty of $$$ falling from the sky. Six hundred dollars was raised and donated to ACCT in his name, his favorite charity as well! I do believe in supporting those who support you.

Although health issues have slowed you down a bit, are you planning to make any more special performances?
The answer is a big yes. As long as God is willing and it helps anyone in anyway, count me in. We only have one life to live, so live it the best you can! To all my family, friends, and fans, “Y haven’t seen the last of me yet.” I may not do the splits and cartwheels, but entertainment, it is! Like one of my numbers say, “If I can’t sell it, I’m going to sit on it.”

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