At Gainesville’s University Club, the atmosphere buzzes with colorful lights as drag performers take the stage. On a quieter Tuesday night, the crowd gathers to enjoy lip-syncing and dance, appreciating the art and each other’s company.
Loren Meza, 24, who runs the spotlight, considers these weeknight gatherings a community event. “This place has been a queer bar for 36 years,” he shares, highlighting its importance as a safe space. The University Club has long been a beacon for LGBTQ+ individuals in Gainesville.
The “Now That’s What I Call Tuesdays” show features a monthly spotlight on drag kings called the Mascuerade. Launched in January by local performer Phylaxxis, a lab safety worker by day, the monthly show quickly gained popularity and has found a home on the last Tuesday of every month.
Phylaxxis started the Mascuerade to fill a gap in representation; there were no other drag king shows in Gainesville. “We just needed a space,” they explain, noting that even in an inclusive town, drag kings were underrepresented.
The growing interest in drag kings reflects a shift happening across the country. Shows like “King of Drag,” which aired in 2025, are bringing this form of entertainment to more viewers. Performers use exaggerated costumes and humor to challenge traditional ideas of masculinity, dressing as everything from iconic figures to everyday characters.
“Playing with masculinity is crucial right now,” Phylaxxis adds. “Gender equality is a big conversation.” Comedy plays a vital role in many performances, with stories that poke fun at gender stereotypes. For instance, Inertia, another performer, often dresses in office attire and humorously acts out workplace scenarios.
On other nights, the club hosts themed events like Sinister Sundays, showcasing alternative drag. Stigmata Primadonna, a 26-year-old alternative drag artist, expressed excitement about these spaces. “I had no idea it was accessible to me too,” she said, celebrating the chance to blend her love for makeup and cosplay with drag.
These alternative drag nights invite participants who may feel uneasy in the broader nightlife scene. Gary Greenblatt, 25, who works the door, appreciates the low-pressure environment. “It helps me meet people and experience drag consistently for the first time,” he shares.
Phylaxxis and the Mascuerade kings are all about making drag more inclusive. The performers connect with talent from cities like Jacksonville and Tallahassee, allowing a diverse range of artistic expression—from humorous to glamorous. This collaborative spirit strengthens the drag community, providing a supportive network for all artists involved.
As the drag scene continues to evolve and reach broader audiences, spaces like the University Club remain vital for fostering acceptance and creativity.
