Today we’d like to introduce you to Judas Cain Graves.
Hi Judas Cain, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started out as any other queerdo in a conservative, Christian, Midwest/Texan household – ashamed and angry,
Escapism entertainment and “scary” makeup have always been of my intersecting passions, so discovering DFW’s drag scene proved invaluable to the germination of my artistry. Especially cutting my teeth /prior/ to my senior year of high school beginning.
But, as many queer/trans artists before me, I developed many unhealthy coping mechanisms in response to blistering dysmorphia/dysphoria, repeated sexual assaults by elevated persons in the scene, and a rapidly accelerating disinterest in staying alive.
Moving to Portland, OR in August of 2023 is currently the second best decision I’ve ever made – only falling below starting HRT and socially transitioning at my day job. I’m now existing in a mental capacity that allows me to create drag and art that is authentic, visceral, and fun.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road ain’t been smooth – but hey, what worthwhile journey is?
I thank my lucky stars that I’ve lived to be 27 – don’t get me wrong, there have been many times where my life could’ve wound up DRASTICALLY different that it is now. Battling the simultaneous offensive siege of repeated traumas and body dysmorphia armed with no more than a pint of clear somethin and a baggie of somethin else isn’t exactly what experts refer to as “sound strategizing”.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’ve been a full time makeup and SFX artist for the last several years. With a genesis in stage theatre/drag makeup techniques, I’ve gone on to freelance giving lessons for folk wanting to learn many different variant styles of cosmetic application. Since moving to Portland, OR I’ve broken into the ‘film’ genre of makeup, inflicting actors with some nasty looking injuries/illnesses.
What I’d say I’m “known” for, however, is my tenure as a drag queen. I’m most comfortable on stage, telling a story and/or making folks laugh. I will always be incredibly proud of the provocative, politically-charged performances that make cops walk out. As a stage entertainer, I really appreciate the unique way I can communicate to an audience regardless of density or fervor.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
Dallas? Creative, real, honest, and good working folk make up the vast majority of Dallas, and the queer community in Dallas being home to some of the coolest most rock n roll artists y’all ain’t even heard of yet. Now the car culture is a bit extreme, not gonna lie. Dallas also needs more greenery in urban zip codes; those summertime sidewalks are a public HAZARD!!
Contact Info:
Image Credits
Saint Sasha Photography, Tom Kay, Viximus
