Americus K. Love

A couple of years ago at a drag show in Galveston, a discourteous man with no drag show etiquette, walked across the performing area on his way to the restroom. That trip took an all too predictable turn when the unsuspecting performer did a high kick that landed smack dab in the middle of the man’s chest, sending him tumbling to the floor.

Lesson learned, we hope.

The late Peter Allen, Liza Minnelli’s first husband, used to perform a song called, “Quiet Please, There’s a Lady on Stage.” It is a poignant song about respect for the performer on stage he wrote as a tribute to his former mother-in-law, Judy Garland. A pretty basic idea.
In other words, remember basic drag show etiquette of respecting performers, tipping generously, keeping your hands to yourself, and engaging enthusiastically without interrupting the show. Do not touch performers or their costumes, stay off the stage unless invited, and bring high energy — cheering and screaming are encouraged over polite clapping.

Many of the performers in previous Montrose Star Spotlight articles have mentioned having a pet peeve about patrons walking in front of entertainers, as does this month’s featured entertainer.
Americus K. Love is in the April Montrose Star Spotlight.

Name/ Stage name: Kydance D. Jackson/Americus K. Love

Preferred pronoun: She, her, hers, ma’am.

Where is your hometown?
Buna, Texas (An unincorporated community in Jasper County with a population of 2,137).

How long have you been in the entertainment industry?
On October 31, 2008, Americus K. Love’s drag career started at The Copa in Beaumont, Texas.

Describe what it was like the first time you did drag.
Woooo chile. It was God awful! I’m a perfectionist. I wanted everything to be perfect, and it didn’t go as I planned but I rolled with it. I performed, and right after, I boo-hoo cried like a baby for 15 minutes.

Kydance D. Jackson is Americus K. Love

Do you have a signature song — a number your fans insist that you perform or perhaps your go-to song?
I have a nice playlist I go off of, but mainly I have requests for Missy Elliot or a gospel number.

Do you get stage fright?
No stage fright, just butterflies.

What is the thing you enjoy most about being on stage?
Making the audience feel good. Telling a story through my performances because you never know what anyone in the audience is going through while they are watching your performance. Your song choice could have a big impact on their life.

Do you have a pet peeve about being on stage?
People walking in front of the stage while the entertainers are performing.

You are a former Miss Gay Texas USofA at Large. Are there any other titles you are particularly proud of or aspire to?
I plan on competing for different titles real soon! Look out Continental Plus, MBU Grand, Black America Plus, Black Continental, Miss Gay USofA at Large, and Miss Gay Universe at Large.

Who are your inspirations, personally and professionally?
Oh my gosh there’s so many I can choose from. Personal would be my biological family. They accept me for me and allow me to be my true, authentic self.

Professional would be my drag family parents. I have a really huge drag family but my parents: Sazzie Love, Mon’Terio J. Ross, Ladarius Mirage Jackson, K’Juanavon Kreshe St. James, Silky Nutmeg, Kofi, Alexyeus D. Paris and Estara Knowles Katz. Y’all have always helped me execute the best version of myself professionally on and off stage. Love y’all bunches and thank you all for all you do for me and my other siblings.

What do you feel is the most misunderstood thing about drag culture?
All drag is valid! It’s a creative outlet and safe space to express ourselves! Drag comes in multiple forms: glamor, dance, rap, pop, disco, comedy, etc. You just have to find which genre of drag you can relate to.

What are your thoughts on all the anti-trans and anti-drag show rhetoric coming from politicians?
Drag is a job for most LGBTQIA+ people, including myself. I’m human and a transgender woman in a political climate that’s in hostile environments (USA). We are forced to fear, be targeted for just existing and living in our truth. With restricting and taking away our rights, public existence, heightened vulnerability, legislative attacks and targeting drag, but through my continued resistance and resilience as a human and transgender woman, I feel it’s my responsibility and right to stand up for what I believe in, just as many before me did. The trailblazers! Tommie Ross, Lawanda Jackson, Kofi, RuPaul, TS Madison, Kelexis Davenport and Marsha P. Johnson.

Where can we find you on social media?
On Facebook at Americus K. Love and Instagram at Americus k love.

Where and when can we catch your act?
I am at South Beach, Barcode, Play/Pause, JR’s Bar and Grill, Montrose Country Club and all over Texas!

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