Berea PRIDE Royalty 2023 – Dev’on Ess Lee
Berea PRIDE Royalty 2023
Dev’on Ess Lee
An Interview with Dev’on Ess Lee
What made you want to perform for the Berea Royalty Pageant?
I have done pageants before, but this one was the most I have put my heart into. I come from a Catholic background. Very strict Filipino family, and I have to admit to my family that I am gay. I did this for myself and for the community.
What’s your number one makeup or costuming tip for upcoming performers?
Number one makeup tip would be to learn to blend. Although, all us kings have different ways of doing makeup.
As far as costumes or outfits. Find a style you like, change it up. I just started helping my other half stoning, which brought the outfit out more. It is that ah-ha moment that everyone wants to see.
What (or who?) inspired you to try drag for the first time?
My first encounter was at The Club 141, I was amazed how the Queens back then were so welcoming. My first time performing was with Mya Monroe. The inspiration would be from Hunter Hayes. He was the first king that inspired me.
What does drag mean to you as a performer?
Drag means to me as an entertainer that I can be myself. I enjoy being Dev’on Ess Lee because it is still part of who I am and that is ME. Be yourself, take it all in and just be you.
As a performer/entertainer it helps me cope with my anxiety. It makes me feel safe and I feel at ease by giving my all to the audience. I like to make people smile and laugh.
How did you pick your drag name and build your persona?
Well for starters, I heard the name Devin/Deven a few times. And I wanted my first name to sound a bit French. So Dev’on was created. ESS are my initials (Elizabeth Spruengli Stormbringer), and my last name, well, who doesn’t like Bruce Lee? He is my idol.
What’s been your most embarrassing moment? And what’s been your most empowering?
The most embarrassing moment is falling on stage.
Most empowering would be doing drag/entertain at each venue, because I don’t just do drag for the venues, I do drag as a volunteer. Yes, I volunteer my time to help all communities around Kentucky:
– Non-profits organizations (501c3)
– Imperial Court of KY
– KY Bourbon Bears
– Lexington Pride
– Richmond Pride
– Capital Pride
– Black Pride of KY
– AVOL
– Arbor Youths Services
– Just Found KY
– Many more….
I have been doing this since 1996.
How can communities better support and understand the art of drag, in your opinion?
Well first off, go to a show. There are other ways to understand drag as art. Have a panel of Q and A in the community. Have them at schools so that everyone can understand. Drag has always been art, nothing less. We express ourselves in drag. I would love to do a Question and Answer panel, especially at schools.
Contact Dev’on Ess Lee for Bookings:
Email: devonesslee@gmail.com
Ways to support Dev’on Ess Lee:
CashApp: $esstormbringer
Venmo: @DTStormbringer
Dev’on Ess Lee’s Social media links:
