Poison Waters Explained

Birth Name:Kevin Cook
Birth Place:Santa Monica, California, U.S.
Nationality:American
Alma Mater:Mt. Hood Community College
Occupation:Drag performer
Years Active:1980s–present
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Kevin Cook, known by the stage name Poison Waters, is an American drag performer. Since the 1980s, she has been an emcee, entertainer, and community activist. She is a longtime hostess at Darcelle XV Showplace and has participated in fundraisers, LGBT events, public service announcements, and other community activities throughout the Pacific Northwest. Cook has also taught at Portland Community College.

Early life and education

Cook was born in Santa Monica, California.[1] His father was Black and his mother was of Mexican and Native American descent.

Cook moved from Southern California to Portland, Oregon in 1979 at the age of 11.[2] He was raised in poverty in northeast Portland's Parkrose neighborhood, where he attended Parkrose High School.[3] Cook first encountered the city's drag scene after graduating, and also discovered he was gay at the age of 18. A performance by a group of four Black drag queens from Darcelle XV Showplace and Embers Avenue led him to recognize that drag was something available to people of color, and he was mentored by his "drag mother" Rosie Waters.[4] Cook named his drag persona Poison Waters after Rosie Waters and Dior's perfume Poison, which he discovered while working at the Lloyd Center. He later attended Mt. Hood Community College.[5]

Career

Poison Waters has been a drag performer, emcee, and community activist since 1988.[6] She is a hostess at Portland's Darcelle XV Showplace and has worked with Darcelle XV at the drag venue since the early 1990s.[5] [7] She has also performed in drag shows and gay pride events in Beaverton,[8] Bend,[9] Hillsboro,[10] and Salem.[11]

Poison Waters has modeled in drag pageants and was crowned as Empress of Portland's Imperial Sovereign Rose Court in 2001.[12] On stage, she was part of the cast of Darcelle Showplace XV's musical Pageant in 2017,[13] and she played Mother Ginger in Oregon Ballet Theatre's production of George Balanchine's The Nutcracker.[14] She has emceed events, such as the trade show Sexapalooza in Portland in 2012,[15] and hosted drag brunch at Darcelle Showplace XV and Stag PDX.[16] [17] She has also read books about diversity and inclusivity to children at libraries,[18] including Multnomah County Library's "Drag Queen Storytimes" series in 2018.[19] [20] [21] In 2019, she and other drag artists performed at Smith Memorial Student Union to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots; the event was organized by Portland State University and Portland Community College.[22] She performed at a Juneteenth block party in 2020.[23]

Poison Waters has supported many organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union, Cascade AIDS Project, and Habitat for Humanity. She has volunteered with Cascade AIDS Project since 1988 and served on the organization's board of directors twice. Additionally, Poison Waters has worked with Women's Intercommunity AIDS Resource and Camp KC (Kids Connection) to help families affected by HIV/AIDS. She has also participated in fundraisers for the youth empowerment organization Girls, Inc. and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.[24] [25]

In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Poison Waters was a host for Vashon, Washington's online pride festivities.[26] She was also recruited to be Oregon's "drag ambassador" by Drag Out the Vote, a nonpartisan national organization "aiming to educate, register, and turn out voters, while maximizing fun and some glorious looks in the process".[27] In 2021, Poison Waters encouraged people to wear face masks on public transportation as part of TriMet's public service campaign.[28] She also hosted a youth fashion show fundraiser in Portland, in which she modeled upcycled new designs with other local drag performers.[29] During the city's annual Pride Festival, which was mostly held online because of the pandemic, Poison Waters provided entertainment as part of a film screening benefitting LGBT veterans.[30] [31] Additionally, she performed at a socially distanced outdoor entertainment venue at Zidell Yards.[32] In Hillsboro, she appeared at an outdoor pride concert as well as "Pride Storytime" for children at a local community center.[33] She also hosted drag bingo, fundraisers, and corporate events via Zoom.

Poison Waters writes a weekly column for the digital LGBT publication Shoutout, featuring local drag artists, as of 2021.[34] In 2021, Cook taught a course at Portland Community College called "Histories of Drag Performance in Portland".[5] The University of Portland's Gender and Sexuality Partnership hosted the show "Poison Waters and friends" in 2022.[35]

Recognition

Poison Waters has been described as "iconic",[36] and in 2021, Portland Monthly writers called her "a shining jewel in our city".[37] According to the Gay and Lesbian Archives of the Pacific Northwest, which named her a "queer hero" in 2013, Poison Waters has also been recognized by Cascade AIDS Project, the Coalition for AIDS, the Imperial Sovereign Rose Court, the Oregon Bears, and Pride Northwest for her "steadfast work within the HIV/AIDS community".

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: November 9, 2017 . Who is Poison Waters? Artslandia at the Performance Nov/Dec 2017 . May 18, 2022 . Artslandia . en-US . May 18, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220518152544/https://artslandia.com/blog/2017/11/09/who-is-poison-waters/ . live .
  2. News: Vondersmith . Jason . Darcelle and friends take the (outdoor) stage . June 23, 2021 . . . April 5, 2021 . 46708462 . June 28, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210628022705/https://pamplinmedia.com/pt/11-features/503564-403264-darcelle-and-friends-take-the-outdoor-stage?wallit_nosession=1 . live .
  3. Burris . Emily . Costello . Ian . 6 Questions: Poison Waters . June 23, 2021 . . June 11, 2021 . June 12, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210612231930/https://www.koin.com/podcasts/6-questions/6-questions-poison-waters/ . live .
  4. Web site: Oehler . Justin . Always Funny and Ever Wise: Poison Waters . The Western Howl . 5 February 2016 . . May 18, 2022 . May 18, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220518231038/https://wou.edu/westernhowl/always-funny-and-ever-wise-poison-waters/ . live .
  5. News: Ligori . Crystal . Camhi . Tiffany . June 23, 2021 . Poison Waters dives into the history, craft and politics of drag . . live . June 23, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210628022639/https://www.opb.org/article/2021/06/23/poison-waters-dives-into-history-craft-politics-of-drag/ . June 28, 2021.
  6. Web site: Queer Heroes NW 2013: Kevin Cook/Poison Waters . May 18, 2022 . . April 25, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210425162819/https://www.glapn.org/6337PoisonWaters2013.html . live .
  7. News: Pope . Cervante . Poison Waters Says Volunteering Is the "Easiest Way to Enrich Your Soul and Help the Community." . June 24, 2021 . . November 26, 2019 . June 24, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210624211524/https://www.wweek.com/giveguide/2019/11/26/poison-waters-says-volunteering-is-the-easiest-way-to-enrich-your-soul-and-help-the-community/ . live .
  8. Web site: June 24, 2021 . 8 things to do this weekend: June 25–27 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20210703043530/https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/8-things-to-do-this-weekend-june-25-27/283-a1a333f0-29ee-4d93-80d0-df996129f577 . July 3, 2021 . May 12, 2022 . . en-US.
  9. Web site: Rook . Erin . Portland's Poison Waters Returns to Bend for 11th Annual Drag Show . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220518144745/https://www.bendsource.com/bend/portlands-poison-waters-returns-to-bend-for-11th-annual-drag-show/Content?oid=2294341 . May 18, 2022 . May 18, 2022 . . en.
  10. News: Easlon . Janae . May 28, 2019 . Hillsboro to host first Pride event June 1 . Hillsboro News Times . live . June 27, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210628223913/https://pamplinmedia.com/ht/117-hillsboro-tribune-news/429543-337152-hillsboro-to-host-first-pride-event-june-1?wallit_nosession=1 . June 28, 2021.
  11. News: Harrell . Saphara . August 2, 2019 . Salem Pride in the Park materializes thanks to volunteer support . Salem Reporter . live . June 27, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210628022653/https://www.salemreporter.com/posts/1096/salem-pride-in-the-park-materializes-thanks-to-volunteer-support . June 28, 2021.
  12. Web site: Jankowski . Andrew . June 30, 2020 . Portland's Oldest LGBTQ+ Nonprofit Responds to Allegations of Racism and Insensitive Language . May 18, 2022 . . en . October 12, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201012035942/https://www.portlandmercury.com/blogtown/2020/06/30/28593388/portlands-oldest-lgbtq-nonprofit-responds-to-allegations-of-racism-and-insensitive-language . live .
  13. News: Williams . Lee . September 18, 2017 . Darcelle XV turns 50 amid a drag scene it helped go mainstream . The Oregonian . live . June 27, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210510140152/https://www.oregonlive.com/entertainment/2017/09/darcelle_xv_50th_anniversary.html . May 10, 2021.
  14. Web site: Hallman Jr. . Tom . December 18, 2021 . For these Portland artists, performing for live audiences again is a holiday gift . May 12, 2022 . . en . December 21, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20211221133723/https://www.oregonlive.com/entertainment/2021/12/for-these-portland-artists-performing-for-live-audiences-again-is-a-holiday-gift.html . live .
  15. Web site: Sexapalooza: Hot (or Not) in the Oregon Convention Center . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20161008015450/http://www.wweek.com/portland/blog-29475-sexapalooza-hot-or-not-in-the-oregon-convention-center.html . October 8, 2016 . May 18, 2022 . Willamette Week . 19 November 2012 . en.
  16. News: Hamilton . Katherine Chew . September 3, 2020 . A New Drag Brunch Is Coming to the Historic Darcelle XV . Portland Monthly . live . June 23, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210428011758/https://www.pdxmonthly.com/eat-and-drink/2020/09/a-new-drag-brunch-is-coming-to-the-historic-darcelle-xv . April 28, 2021.
  17. News: Smith . Suzette . June 6, 2019 . The Unique Flavors of Portland's Drag Brunches . Portland Mercury . live . June 27, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210424110945/https://www.portlandmercury.com/queer-issue-2019/2019/06/06/26594540/the-unique-flavors-of-portlands-drag-brunches . April 24, 2021.
  18. News: DeCosta . Nicole . June 18, 2020 . 6 Things for Father's Day weekend 2020 . KOIN . live . June 27, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201220111211/https://www.koin.com/news/oregon/6-things-for-fathers-day-weekend-2020/ . December 20, 2020.
  19. News: Dowling . Jennifer . September 8, 2018 . Drag Queen Storytime is a hit at Holgate Library . KOIN . live . June 27, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201126221506/https://www.koin.com/news/drag-queen-storytime-is-a-hit-at-holgate-library/ . November 26, 2020.
  20. News: Carson . Teresa . September 11, 2018 . Drag Queen Storytime struts into Fairview Library Sept. 24 . . Pamplin Media Group . live . June 24, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210624213037/https://pamplinmedia.com/go/42-news/405857-303564-drag-queen-storytime-struts-into-fairview-library-sept-24-?wallit_nosession=1 . June 24, 2021.
  21. News: Truong . Kevin . October 16, 2018 . From Brooklyn to Wichita, public libraries create LGBTQ-affirming spaces . . live . June 27, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210408225117/https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/nbc-out/brooklyn-wichita-public-libraries-create-lgbtq-affirming-spaces-n920446 . April 8, 2021.
  22. Web site: Concannon . Sophie . Retz . Gregory . June 3, 2019 . 50 years since Stonewall . May 18, 2022 . . en-US . May 9, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210509111849/https://psuvanguard.com/50-years-since-stonewall/ . live .
  23. Web site: Jackson-Glidden . Brooke . June 22, 2020 . As Portland's Restaurants Reopen, the City Celebrates Juneteenth With Parties and Fundraisers . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20200821060025/https://pdx.eater.com/2020/6/22/21299221/juneteenth-2020-portland-phase-one-reopening . August 21, 2020 . June 27, 2021 . . Vox Media.
  24. Web site: June 4, 2020 . Kevin Cook (aka Poison Waters) for Girls Inc.'s Power of the Purse . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220518152542/https://katu.com/amnw/am-northwest-lifestyle-health/kevin-cook-aka-poison-waters-for-girls-incs-power-of-the-purse . May 18, 2022 . May 18, 2022 . . en.
  25. News: September 9, 2019 . Portland drag queens raise money for cancer . KOIN . live . June 24, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210624212057/https://www.koin.com/news/portland-drag-queens-raise-money-for-cancer/ . June 24, 2021.
  26. Shepherd . Elizabeth . Time for Pride, with online events including a dance party . . June 18, 2020 . June 27, 2021 . August 6, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200806085557/https://www.vashonbeachcomber.com/life/time-for-pride-with-online-events-including-a-dance-party/ . live .
  27. News: McCann . Fiona . Poison Waters Gets Primed to Drag Out the Vote . June 23, 2021 . . August 20, 2020 . March 2, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210302223432/https://www.pdxmonthly.com/news-and-city-life/2020/08/poison-waters-gets-primed-to-drag-out-the-vote . live .
  28. News: Portland drag queen Poison Waters promotes proper mask safety on public transportation . June 23, 2021 . . January 26, 2021 . January 26, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210126212113/https://katu.com/news/local/portland-drag-queen-poison-waters-promotes-proper-mask-etiquette-on-public-transportation . live .
  29. News: Smith . Suzette . The Hottest Drag Show in Portland This Week Features Outfits Made From "Trash" and Designed by Kids . June 23, 2021 . Willamette Week . May 12, 2021 . May 16, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210516084930/https://www.wweek.com/arts/fashion/2021/05/12/the-hottest-drag-show-in-portland-next-week-features-outfits-made-from-trash-and-designed-by-kids/ . live .
  30. News: Stein . Rosemarie . These live and virtual events celebrate Pride 2021 in Portland . June 23, 2021 . The Oregonian . June 7, 2021 . June 9, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210609205604/https://www.oregonlive.com/events/2021/06/these-live-and-virtual-events-celebrate-pride-2021-in-portland.html . live .
  31. News: Johnson . Destiny . 8 things to do this weekend in the Portland metro: June 11–13 . June 23, 2021 . KGW . June 10, 2021 . June 15, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210615153910/https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/8-things-to-do-this-weekend-in-the-portland-metro-june-11-13/283-76c98125-9754-4366-a5b9-157d3a9b3e3b . live .
  32. News: Get Busy: What to Do in Portland This Week, Inside and Outdoors . June 23, 2021 . Willamette Week . June 15, 2021 . June 28, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210628022653/https://www.wweek.com/culture/2021/06/15/get-busy-what-to-do-in-portland-this-week-inside-and-outdoors/ . live .
  33. News: Jankowski . Andrew . A Portland Pride Events Guide . June 23, 2021 . Willamette Week . June 1, 2021 . June 3, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210603035424/https://www.wweek.com/culture/2021/06/01/a-portland-pride-events-guide/ . live .
  34. News: Reed . Conner . Shoutout Aims to Fill a Void in Portland's LGBTQ Coverage . June 24, 2021 . . February 16, 2021 . June 24, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210624212007/https://www.pdxmonthly.com/news-and-city-life/2021/02/shoutout-aims-to-fill-void-in-portland-s-lgbtq-coverage . live .
  35. Web site: The art of drag comes to UP . May 12, 2022 . . May 12, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220512230132/https://www.upbeacon.com/article/2022/03/the-art-of-drag-comes-to-up . live .
  36. Web site: June 11, 2021 . 6 Questions: Poison Waters . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20210612231930/https://www.koin.com/podcasts/6-questions/6-questions-poison-waters/ . June 12, 2021 . May 18, 2022 . KOIN . en-US.
  37. News: Dawn . Eden . Carlos . Lauren . Mayer . Jordyn . Black-Owned Businesses: Service Directory . June 27, 2021 . Portland Monthly . May 17, 2021 . February 8, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210208230232/https://www.pdxmonthly.com/style-and-shopping/black-owned-businesses-service-directory . live .

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