Meet Glamputee: The Disabled Queer Drag Artist Redefining Possibility
Athleticism and able-bodiedness often accompany images of drag, but Alex, aka Glamputee, completely shatters expectations and redefines what it means to slay the stage.
I’ll never forget the first time I saw Glamputee perform at Butch Queen, a beloved community drag show at the iconic Castro Theatre in San Francisco. This newcomer commanded the stage with a captivating presence that was both vulnerable and powerful.
Their drag was a fusion of raw emotion, striking visuals, and a defiant celebration of their disabled, queer identity. In that moment, I knew I was witnessing something special – not just a performance, but a declaration of possibility and a testament to the transformative power of self-expression.
Coming of age in San Francisco, Alex didn’t have examples of disabled drag queens. But that all changed when they discovered Sin Invalid, a disability justice-based performance project that celebrates disabled artists of color. Seeing disabled folks owning the stage was a revelation for Alex. “It was like, oh, this can be for me too.”
With newfound inspiration, Alex began their drag journey, finding a supportive community at “Rolling with the Homos.” Unlike traditional drag venues, “Rolling with the Homos” welcomed Alex’s rollerblading skills, allowing them to incorporate a familiar and empowering form of self-expression into their performances. With the support of Mama Celeste and Nicki Jizz and the greater “Rolling with the Homos” community, Alex found the freedom to explore drag in a way that felt authentic and exhilarating.
And so it was — Glamputee was born! With this persona came a commitment to making drag more inclusive. “Drag is like making a music video,” Alex explains, “It’s about creativity and expression, not just physicality.” They began hosting their own shows, including “Accessible Futures,” an all-disabled QTPOC drag extravaganza at Oasis that showcased the untapped talent of disabled performers.
But Glamputee’s impact extends beyond the stage. As someone who came late to disability rights and their own queer identity, Alex is passionate about educating themselves and others. They’ve delved deep into the history of the disability rights movement, finding heroes in figures like Bradley Lomax, a Black Panther and participant in the historic 504 sit-in.
This newfound knowledge has fueled Alex’s determination to challenge ableism and privilege in all its forms. “Learning about the movement awoke something in me,” they reflect. “I couldn’t be complacent anymore.” They’ve become a vocal advocate for accessibility, calling out ableist language and practices within the LGBTQ+ community.
For Glamputee, true allyship means sacrifice and a willingness to listen and learn. “Community is a verb,” they emphasize. “It requires mutual investment and work. It’s not about tokenization, but about creating spaces where everyone can thrive.” This ethos guides their performance practice, from their drag family home at “Clutch the Pearls” to an upcoming accessible drag brunch at the Fresh Meat festival.
As Glamputee’s star rises, they remain committed to uplifting marginalized voices and dismantling systems of oppression. It’s a daunting task, but one they undertake with joy and resilience. “Heartwork can be hard, but it’s also incredibly joyful and invigorating,” Alex says.
Follow Glamputee’s journey on Instagram and catch them at their upcoming performance at Space124 on July 26-27. Let’s celebrate this trailblazing artist and the brighter, more inclusive future they’re helping to create!
