Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1481988
54 maconmagazine.com | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2022 SUCCESS IS MORE THAN SEQUINS The new queens and kings are essential to The Tribe's success, according to Walker, who thinks The Tribe has differentiated themselves through reinvention. "Drag evolves. I mean, my drag has evolved, or else I will fade away. Society evolves, and they want to see something new," Walker intimated in The Grand's dressing room as they prepared their transition to Christina Leòn, which involves donning special padding, makeup, and wigs with an assistant popping in and out to help along the way. The evolution of Tribe shows involves new themes every time, from Y2Slay, a 2000s-themed performance, to The Tribe's prom show, which encourages audiences to dress up for a high school prom dance in their authentic gender identity to full queer acceptance. The troupe has put on a Queen of Hearts-themed fundraiser for the American Heart Association and played Chosen Family Feud for The Hope Center. Walker currently serves on the board of Macon Pride as the entertainment director. The venues are different, too. From Friends on the Hill in Warner Robins to Macon's Society Garden to Pub 96 in Bonaire, The Tribe has cultivated a regular following around the region, and audiences don't see the same show twice. "People like change," noted Walker, who tries to tailor their shows to different markets. This show at The Grand was The Tribe: LIVE on Broadway with numbers and costumes matching iconic musicals. The Tribe performed the first drag show in The Grand's history last year, which was a proud moment for Walker: "We do not hide that we are here. It means something to be Black and queer, and to pop out of the trap door Harry Houdini came out of." "We're literally being ourselves on the stage – it's just amplified," Smith explained about The Tribe's aesthetic. The leading duo incorporates signature talents into their act, like singing live or creating side-splitting jokes. The girls also all perform at other venues near and far. They credit their technique to frequently studying other drag performers in Atlanta or Athens as one reason The Tribe brings so much energy and professionalism to Central Georgia. Besides Yutoya Avazé Leòn and Christina Leòn, other frequent collaborators are CoCo Iman Starr, Pynk S. Dime, Akasha Giselle Vidalle, and DJ B3. Each has their own role. Vidalle, for example, has several years of experience and teaches other queens. Yutoya takes on marketing, creating colorful graphics and social media posts. Christina, as the "WE'RE LITERALLY BEING OURSELVES ON THE STAGE – IT'S JUST AMPLIFIED." — STEVIE SMITH