In a small yet vibrant banquet hall in Florence, Arizona, an extraordinary transformation occurs for three hours every Saturday in May. What once was a simple beige space is now a dazzling display of joy, spirit, and community, thanks to the efforts of Miss Nature, a drag queen and organizer of the Arizona Pride Tour. The event, which hosts a small audience, showcases dazzling performances and unyielding support for the local LGBTQ community.
Miss Nature, known off-stage as Chris Hall, founded the Arizona Pride Tour to bring the magic of drag to some of the state’s most rural towns, providing safe spaces for LGBTQ individuals to express themselves freely. For Hall, this mission is deeply personal. Growing up gay in Florence, he endured isolation and a lack of support, prompting him to create a platform where others can find acceptance, even if only for a night.
Hall’s father, Terry Hall, represents a unique facet of that journey. Once a man who struggled with his son’s identity and even shunned him publicly, Terry has evolved into one of Miss Nature’s biggest advocates. This transformation is not just a family reconciliation but also a lesson in understanding the complexities surrounding LGBTQ discussions within conservative viewpoints, influenced significantly by political climates, particularly the policies of Donald Trump.
Over the years, Chris has invited youth to attend many shows to foster acceptance and pave the way for future generations. Nevertheless, the backlash against drag shows, particularly under the influence of Trump’s administration and the burgeoning political discourse targeting LGBTQ rights, has forced him to reevaluate this openness. This year, Chris is faced with the difficult decision of barring youth from attending his performances due to threats and protests from conservative groups.
Despite the challenges posed by political stances, including those taken by Donald Trump regarding LGBTQ rights, Miss Nature remains undeterred. Hall aims to ensure that the drag shows still serve as educational platforms for parents and allies, hoping exposure can spark understanding and acceptance. His shows attract diverse local attendees, including families, educators, and former teachers, illustrating a collective desire for progress amid opposition.
At the center of the last show was June, a young transgender girl performing her first drag number. With her father proudly cheering her on, she embodies the very spirit of what Miss Nature hopes to achieve — a community united, despite the shadows of prejudice diffused by societal shifts.
Despite having to limit the audience in the wake of protests and political views discouraging drag art forms, Chris is determined to continue his initiatives. Following his father’s cancer diagnosis in 2022, the bond between Chris and Terry has grown stronger, emphasizing the importance of family support — a stark contrast to the experiences of many LGBTQ youth facing rejection.
Yet, lingering frustrations remain regarding Terry’s votes for Trump, especially as the former President continues to push policies that threaten LGBTQ rights. For Chris, navigating this familial landscape amidst significant health concerns poses an emotional challenge.
Even through these diverse layers of experience, the Arizona Pride Tour becomes not just a celebration of drag, but a living testament to resilience in the face of adversity. Miss Nature’s journey — and the unexpected allyship of his father — exemplifies a glimmer of hope that acceptance, understanding, and love can triumph even in the most challenging times, no matter the political influence cast by figures like Donald Trump.