Mrs. Kasha Davis Brings Kindness to Drag Queen Story Hour

Many years ago, in the dressing room of Toucan’s Tiki Lounge, I heard the name Mrs. Kasha Davis. When her name was mentioned and I got word she would be coming to perform in the Springs, every girl said to me “Just wait until you two meet! You gals are like twins!” I thought to myself, a twin…from Rochester, NY? That simply can’t be. Well, it simply CANNE be! After meeting Mrs. Kasha Davis, I’m here to tell you, we couldn’t be more similar in so many ways. We became fast friends, and have been able to collaborate on virtual shows, in person shows, and have even been able to produce our own show here in Palm Springs. We are TRULY sisters from another mister.

When all the news started coming out about the banning of drag queens around children in Nashville, and that 13 other states have similar bills on the horizon, I immediately thought of my friend Kasha, who is like THE BEST DRAG QUEEN to interact with children EVER. I was lucky enough to catch up with her between her Brunches, Bingos, and Story Time hours to chat with her about her views on the current state of things and what’s going on in her busy FABULOUS WORLD.

Did you ever in your lifetime think we would be witness to a ban on drag queens due to the safety concerns of children?

No I didn’t. But to be honest with you I never thought we’d have marriage equality or see Drag to be such a mainstream form of entertainment. We must be prepared to take the bad with the good and in true form DRAG QUEENS are prepared for the fight!  The fact that we are out, loud and proud is ruffling feathers of the ultra-conservative and let’s face the FACTS it’s a distraction from the real issue: Gun Control/regulation. PERIOD.  This country has seen no, ZERO, NADA, “deaths by drag” but gun violence is the number one killer of youth 18 and under in this country in 2022 over cancer and car accidents!

What do you think is the driving force for multiple states jumping on the bandwagon to ban the LGBTQ+ people?

Fear!  You and I both know that fear is the underlying emotion for anger and these people are mad!  Mad that drag performers and our Trans brothers and sisters are coming out of closets and into libraries, brunch venues, painting our fingers and toes and all over television.  I encourage these naysayers to attend a show before they speak because they are making assumptions.  In reality, all the other forms of entertainment and art has a variety of content that isn’t made for a child to view. Maybe we need a drag queen rating system?!?!  I’m from the Pacman and Atari generation but I wonder if we REALLY know what’s happening on today’s video games.  I have a strong feeling that there is gun violence included there for sure!

For those that say drag queens are a harm to children, why do you think it’s important to be visible with the youth of today?

For moi … (that’s french;) … DRAG has become a a marvelous exaggeration of all of my gender the masculine, feminine, and the FABULOUS.  As a child I was bullied, harassed, and made to feel less than by both family and the community where I grew up.  Ultimately, I stayed closeted for years, went down dark dangerous roads with depression, alcoholism, and low self-esteem. (I’m currently 7.5 years sober one day at a time) Much of which could have in my opinion been avoided if I had been encouraged to be and LOVE myself.  Having a confident healthy Queer representation in the spotlight encourages children of all ages to be themselves and even if they have no inkling inside of being gay, queer, trans or a drag artist to simply learn to treat others who may seem different with KINDNESS.  There’s always time for KINDNESS! 

You are one of a select handful of drag personalities that engages with children of all ages. “Drag Story Hour” is one of the events you take pride in on the east coast. Tell us what one could expect if they were to attend you story hour.

MAGIC. There is nothing more gratifying than looking out to an audience of children of all ages listening intently to you as you read a book, sing songs, conduct a dance party and interact with the innocence of children and their unfiltered authentic answers.  One of my standard questions for the children is ‘what WILL you be when you grow up!’ (not what do you want to be … what WILL you be) and the answers have ranged from “a cat” to “an electrical engineer,” to my absolute favorite …” Mrs. Kasha Davis I will be a KIND person.”  You will notice I say children of all ages quite a bit because the parents and grandparents who attend with the children are listening too and I have had a Dad in tears thank me for showing me that his child has a community and others who say they are inspired themselves to KEEP DREAMING. We are never too old to dream or change!

Speaking of stories, you and Mr. Davis have written and published three children’s books to date. What are the summaries of those books and do you plan on writing any more in the near future.

Thanks for mentioning my partner in life, love and all that is MKD Mr. Davis!  He’s my rock, my technology advisor and the keeper of all things spreadsheets in our home.  Honestly, I’m so grateful for his love.  We have self-published three books that would all be considered autobiographical in a sense and coincide of course with story time.  “Little Eddie P wants to be a Star!”  Following your dreams even when others try to discourage you.  “Your gift is your Smile!” A message of gratitude and community. “Has Anyone Said I love you?” Starring MKD MR Davis and Max our husky pup which shows us encouraging Max to remember to love himself for when we love ourselves everything is possible.  I learned by the third book that the less wordy the better because over the pandemic I went live with over 100 Story time live events on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook and Tik Tok in order to give some kindness to the world during a time of confusion and distress and I realized the more books I read that the most interesting are short and to the point!  I am very excited to say that I have had preliminary conversations with Susan Verde a marvelous author of children books with Peter Reynolds that I grew very fond of, and we hope to collaborate soon. Gemmed fingers crossed.

Now you and I both grew up with Mister Rogers, The Muppet Show, and Reading Rainbow. Childhood sure seemed so simple back in those days. You and Mr. Davis, along with a very special feather boa have created a new show that is a combination of all three of those shows … but better! What is “Imagination Station” and what is the latest with development on the educational and FUN children’s series?

I am very proud to say that we have created a pilot series called Imagination Station with Mrs. Kasha Davis and we are currently shopping it out  for a home on a network or streaming platform.  We have been very close with a PBS affiliate who grew cold feet once the political stance began to come out regarding Drag Queens and children.  The best way to describe our show is if you imagine Mrs. Doubtfire (me), hosting Pee Wee’s Playhouse in Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.  We have four episodes complete and each has a day in the life of Mr. and Mrs. Kasha Davis and the predicaments we encounter.  Mrs. Kasha Davis finds solutions to the day’s events in her “Imagination Station”, her mind if you will, where that world is full of pink hair, sequin gowns, a feather boa that comes to life, and an on call emergency Library hotline that always has the best book to help with the day’s events.  MKD goes out and about in the community to visit places like a fire station, doctor’s office and bakery to find out what they are all about and each episode ends with Mr. and Mrs. Davis recapping the day and dad jokes. Honestly what’s not to love!  I know that there is a network out there that is ready to take on this show and will be strong enough to stand with us and face the criticism with positivity and hope.

Another project that you have been traveling and promoting in multiple cities is the documentary film “Workhorse Queen.” This film is literally your life story from birth to the present moment. What was it like working with Director Angela Washko and if I’m not mistaken, the film has garnered awards along the way.

WORKHORSE QUEEN has garnered multiple awards at film festivals, has been shown worldwide, and is currently available to be seen on Starz. The process was long, gratifying and grueling in that Angela kept pushing for more truth.  There isn’t much we didn’t share as a couple, as an individual who struggled with alcoholism and as a performer who found his place late in life.  I am very proud to say that Angela dug deep into the Rochester Drag community as well showcasing the journey of Aggy Dune, Ambroisia Salad and Darienne Lake.  The Rochester community has always been there for me so I thought it was important that everyone had a chance to shine. I am proud not only of the honesty I shared with Angela but of the friendship I gained with her along the way.  She encouraged me greatly to pursue work with Story hour and bringing Imagination Station to life!  I’m super grateful for her and that entire experience.

You can follow Mrs. Kasha Davis and all her adventures on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, and beyond. If you would like to donate to help fight the war on drag and the LGBTQ+ community, please head to ACLU.org/DragDefense

Love and Joy Always,

Ethyl