Vegas Van Cartier

By Johnny Trlica

The Miss Gay Texas USofA Classic title has been held by many legendary entertainers. Sweet Savage, Dina Jacobs, Amber Nixx, Lawanda Jackson, Kofi, Layla LaRue, Lana Blake, Kourtney Paige Van Wales, Kymber Devine, Denise Paige Mykels, Flawless Oz, Vivica Perry and Symphony McKnight Capri are among the luminaries who have worn the crown.

Age is one of the qualifications to enter the pageant. All contestants must be at least 40 years old. That’s where Vegas Van Cartier, winner of numerous crowns already, comes into play. She will reach that magic number next month and one of her goals is to be Miss Gay Texas USofA Classic. Surely, it’s just a matter of time before her name is added to the list of title holders.

Vegas Van Cartier, whose eventual goal is to be Miss Continental, is in the Montrose Star Spotlight.

©TiosPhotography.com (cover photo also)

Name: Vegas Van Cartier

Your pronoun is? She/her/hers.

Where is your hometown?
Kurten/Bryan College Station, Texas. (Kurten is in northern Brazos County about 10 miles northeast of Bryan, with a population of 395.)

How long have you been in the entertainment industry?
17 years.

What numbers do you enjoy performing the most?
I enjoy performing a song that speaks to me, a song I connect with in some way.

Tell us something about yourself that people will be surprised
to know.
After all these years I still get nervous every time I go
on stage.

What is the thing you enjoy most about being on stage?
I get to be that character or take the audience on a journey with me through a song.

Do you have a pet peeve about being on stage?
The biggest pet peeve I have when on stage is when I’m performing and someone walks across the stage.

Are there any titles you hold or aspire to achieve?
I’ve held every Texas title that I qualify for except for America, and Entertainer of the Year. In June, I will qualify to be able to compete for Texas USofA Classic; you have to
be 40 years old or older to qualify. My ultimate goal is to be Miss Continental one day.

Who are your inspirations, personally and professionally?
Personally, my inspirations include my husband, best friends, my chosen drag family and every woman in my immediate family. Every woman in my immediate family is so formidable and strong, been through so much and is the glue that holds the family together. Professionally, my inspirations are the entertainers that have come before me that paved the way for me to be able to do what I love.

Your gowns are gorgeous! Do you make your own outfits, buy them or does someone make them for you?
I do sew some of my costumes. I do all my own embellishments. However, the more intricate pieces I have Dakota Whitney from San Antonio sew for me. My competition gowns are made by Christina Ross of Houston.

What do you feel is the most misunderstood thing about drag culture?
The most misunderstood thing about drag culture is all the different forms of drag.

Texas’s ban on drag shows just went into effect. What are your thoughts on all the anti-trans and anti-drag show rhetoric coming from politicians?
I think it’s absolutely ridiculous. I wish that the government could see all the good that drag does. I wish they could see the happiness it brings people, see the smiling faces while we are on stage, see the hugs and laughter and the praise when we get off stage, the fan mail we receive on social media and the thanks we get.

Where can we find you on social media?
Facebook is Vegas Van Cartier. Unfortunately, my Instagram was hacked and I’m still trying to recover my account.

Where and when can we catch your act?
I perform every Monday in Austin for my Drag Bingo at Hanover’s Draft Haus. I also perform at different places all over Houston, which include Michael’s Outpost, Ripcord, and Hungry like the Wolf for Barbie Brunches. I am also on cast at Island Time Beach Bar in Galveston.

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