Conversational talks with Mx. Athens Pride Artivins Ravion Thorpe

Kyle Bower had the opportunity to talk to Artivins Ravion Thorpe, also known to many as Mx. Athens Pride 2019-2020. He shared his story of how he got into drag, some lessons learned, and his emerging style. 

Let’s discuss gender fluidity first 

For my friends who may be gender curious, let’s pause to talk about gender fluidity. Yes, I referred to Ravion as “he.” Yes, he does dress and perform in drag, but that does not mean he identifies as female. He, him, his are his preferred pronouns. 

During a drag performance he presents as female, but this is not his gender-identity. It is important to note that gender identity is unique and personal to each of us. There are drag performers or “queens” who may identify as transgender women and use the she, her, hers pronouns. 

Others may identify as gender nonconforming or queer and use pronouns such as they, theirs. Basically, if you aren’t sure which pronouns to use, ask. Show your fellow human that you care who they are and what identity gives them meaning. 

Kyle: How did you find drag?

Ravion: I went to a talent show with some friends. We rode the Greyhound bus up to Atlanta and went to this club called The Otherside. They had a monthly talent show, and my friends and I dared each other to enter. I did the song by Angelina called, “Release Me.” I danced throughout the performance and at the end I won $25 and got to perform next month in the show as a special guest. So, I started doing drag, and it got addictive for me. I just kept doing talent shows and winning. And I just kept going — it got kind of like, ‘I like this.’

Kyle: What did you like about it? What kept you coming back?

Ravion: The performing. The moment I walk out on the stage and hear the crowd and feel the crowd’s energy, I forget about all of my problems — and for those five to 10 minutes, I am completely free and in control. It’s a thrill! I was doing a show, and it was packed and had a really small stage. And I just do a gesture like (imitates a grand parting with his arms) and they, the audience, parted like the Red Sea.

Also, people tell me how my shows have, in some way, added happiness to their lives. So, I do it for my supporters to put smiles on their faces. And it helps me as well because life is not perfect. When I get all dolled up, I become Ravion The Diva, and all my worries and cares fade away for an hour of two.

Kyle: What would you say your drag style is?  

Ravion: Okay, so in my mind, I think my drag is Vegas showgirl cabaret. Some say it's very old-school. For the longest time I found it offensive, but now old-school is really a compliment. So, I'm pretty traditional. It’s over-the-top glam. Like when you are performing, if you walk into a room or walk into a big huge crowd, they should still see you. You should never blend in.

I was inspired by numerous entertainers because I attended a lot of shows. RuPaul was the very first drag queen I ever saw on TV. 

“Celebrate and appreciate those who came before you because they fought the hard battles so that you didn’t have to. ”

Kyle: Okay, so for those who might not be familiar with “old school” versus “new school” drag, can you give us a little bit of insight into the difference?

Ravion: Old-school is defined as having a very strong and precise lip-sync, a dynamic stage presence, and ornate and elaborate costumes. New school is more bubble gum and popish style of drag — very high fashion and naked. The new school of drag is more androgynous and entertaining. I do enjoy all different genres of drag. Everybody’s doing what they like, and that’s what makes drag fun. 

Kyle: How long have you been performing?

Ravion: It's been 24 years, and there’s still new stuff every day. At first I was just having fun, trying to figure it out. Luckily, social media wasn’t around then. There is so much judgement now. Since 2014, I’ve been more focused on my craft. And, I’ve gotten more confident. I know how to perform and hold the stage. I have also captured a few titles, had my own shows, and landed some acting gigs. 

I tell younger people not to rush it — take your time. Enjoy yourself. Do your research, and always celebrate and appreciate those who came before you because they fought the hard battles so that you didn’t have to. 

Kyle: That’s great advice. Is there anything else you share with aspiring Queens?

Ravion: Yeah, to have longevity in this industry, things change. You have to really think about it. When I first started doing drag, I was a high energy dancer. The older I got some things — like backflips in stilettos, wearing duct-tape, dancing to 13-15-minute mixes — I couldn’t do. And since that’s what I was known for, I had to adapt to keep giving the audience something new. So, I still move around, but my costumes are more elaborate to balance out not dancing as much... but an old broom can still sweep when necessary.

And never step foot on stage without earrings, lashes, nails — either fake or painted —  and always take care of yourself. Never let anyone steal your joy or what makes you smile. Always appreciate your supporters. 

“Always take care of yourself. Never let anyone steal your joy or what makes you smile. Always appreciate your supporters.”

Kyle: I think it’s really cool that you think about aging 

Ravion: Yes, you have to adapt and change to the times. As you age — and your face changes and your body changes -- your makeup and your costumes also need to change. For instance, one of my friends told me that the older I get, the less makeup I need to wear. However, you should always be painted. Like a lady once told me, “Every now and then an old barn needs a fresh coat of paint.”

Kyle: So, what is the most gratifying and most challenging thing about drag. 

Ravion: Pageants are very challenging especially when you win a title because you are representing that brand, and you have to carry yourself in a certain manner. The most gratifying thing about pageantry is the moment you win the title, you have a platform to be able to aid the community and really make a difference. 

For instance, as the first Mx. Athens Pride, I want to use my reign to not only grow it through recruitment, but also to cultivate the system for Queens or Kings that will come after me through community outreach and advocacy for the LGBT+ community. 

I do community outreach for an HIV clinic in Macon, Georgia. I am a peer advocate for The Fort Valley State University P.R.I.D.E. Navigator program where I am liaison between those affected by HIV/AIDS to resources such as food, shelter, and school. I also am a board member for NOMO, a non-profit directed to aiding the transgender community with issues and adversities that they face. 

Through these positions, I have been able to host resource fairs, feeding the less fortunate, trans support group, HIV/AIDS support group and other community outreach initiatives. 

These are the things I bring to my platform as Mx. Athens Pride because, after all, drag saved my life. A life that, for many of my friends who are not here today, involved sex work, drugs, and all sorts of illicit activity… Because of drag, I was saved from a life in the streets. This is why I am so passionate about drag and my platform.

But after all is said and done, I take off my makeup, wigs, and professional hats. I go home to my loving family — my mom, husband, and dog.