Honey Davenport, a contestant on season 11 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” came to Corvallis in January for a night of Drag Bingo. Students and community members grabbed their friends to compete in lip-syncing battles, test their luck in bingo, and watch in awe as Honey performed.
“Corvallis was a fantastic experience!” Honey Davenport said in an email. The whole night was filled with laughter, excitement and screams. Honey started the night with a lip-sync performance and the crowd erupted. “One of the most exhilarating moments is the initial audience reaction. That first scream, those wide-eyed expressions of shock and awe – it’s an incredible confidence booster,” Davenport said.
Garrett Foescher, a second-year biology major won the first bingo prize of the night. He described it as an amazing feeling and was super excited to be there. The audience was engaged throughout the night. For some it was their first drag show ever and it didn’t disappoint.
Paige Luc, a second-year pre-med biology major, had been waiting for the night for a while. She loves bingo and was full of joy when she heard about the event.
Taylor Bennett, a second-year marketing major, said they went to the event the previous year and had to come again. It had become a tradition for her and her roommates.
Mixing drag and bingo is like making peanut butter and jelly. It just makes sense.
The event brought some of our own community to the stage. During intermission, lip-sync battles took place. Anita Gàndara, a graduate student studying communications, won one of the battles. She said she was blinded by the lights, but it was so sick. She came with friends and was even celebrating a birthday.
Ruby Smith, a second-year cultural anthropology student was another lip-sync winner. She said she blacked out. At home, she dances, so it was meant to be. It was her first drag event.
Q and A with Honey Davenport
Q: Could you describe your creative Process and what that looks like?
A: “My creative process is as diverse as the projects I undertake. While whimsy and the unexpected often play a role, the most crucial element is ensuring I approach each endeavor with joy and gratitude.”
Q: Did anyone inspire you?
A: “My drag family, the Davenports – Kelexes, Deja, Sahara, and Kennedy – have been an unwavering source of inspiration, pushing me towards excellence. The vibrant NYC drag scene, particularly the artistry of friends like Sapphira Cristál, Kizah Carr, and Sabel Scities, has deeply influenced my style. My four years touring with Peppermint instilled valuable life lessons that continue to shape my approach to performance.”
Q: Where did you get your persona?
A: “Rather than simply imitating existing personas, I strive to fill gaps and represent underrepresented voices within drag.”
Q: How would you describe your relationship with the audience?
A: “My relationship with the audience is deeply reciprocal; I create a space for fun and joyful energy, and the audience generously returns that energy, making the entire experience truly rewarding.”
Q: Did you enjoy being in Corvallis?
A: “Corvallis was a fantastic experience! The kindness and laid-back atmosphere were truly refreshing. And let’s not forget the delicious Chinese buffet near my hotel – a definite highlight.”
Q: What are the challenges and rewards of performing?
A: “The financial and physical demands can be significant, particularly for artists with diverse needs and abilities. I’ve personally grappled with budgeting and energy management, but I’m grateful for the resilience I’ve developed in overcoming these obstacles. The financial and physical demands can be significant for performers, especially when considering the investment in costumes and performance wear. To help tackle this problem I have recently started an endeavor in entrepreneurship, creating a size and color inclusive, affordable luxury tights line called Honey’s Hose. Fortunately, brands like Honeys Hose are making strides in providing attainable, high-quality options for performers.”
