Ever wonder what happens when you stop waiting for permission and just go for it? Dez the Lez (they/she) knows. A few years ago, they were unemployed, their marketing career stuck in neutral, and unsure if they’d ever find their way forward. Then in one of the lowest points of their life, they said “why the hell not,” and walked into Cheer Up Charlies. She had no idea that choice would change everything.
The Turning Point
Dez had been out of work for months when she finally got an offer for what seemed like their dream job. Two days later, the position was canceled. She was crushed—until they called their back. Someone quit, and they wanted to hire them after all.
But during those two days of limbo, something shifted. “I realized I didn’t want to just wait for good things to happen to me,” she says. That same night, she showed up to photograph their first drag show.
“I just wanted to do the one thing that’s always brought me joy,” Dez says, “and that was being with the queer community.” But she was still scared. “I was terrified I’d make a faux pas. At the time, I identified as bi and thought they’d laugh me out of the room.” Instead, they found a group of people who celebrated creativity, resilience, and pure happiness—and they welcomed her with open arms.
How It Started
Armed with a camera, Dez made it their mission to show up everywhere. Drag shows four nights a week? Sure. Introducing themself over and over with, “Hi, I’m Dez. I do photos!”? Absolutely.
Their big break came at Oilcan Harry’s, where they asked if they could photograph Lady Grackle’s competition. Nine weeks later, they had a portfolio and a whole new reputation. “I think people were surprised that I was actually good at it, even though I’d been a photographer for over a decade at that point,” she says, laughing.
Why It Matters
Drag isn’t just glitter and theatrics (though there’s plenty of that). For performers, it’s an art form, a livelihood, and a way to build community. But professional photos? That’s often out of reach.
“These artists put so much blood, sweat, and tears into their shows,” Dez says. “It’s an honor to capture that.”
She keeps their rates affordable, often working on a sliding scale because it’s not just about photography—it’s about giving back.
Their work isn’t just photos. It’s storytelling—and a way of preserving history and the community legacy.
The OutWellness Photoshoot
When Dez had the idea of drag queens lifting weights, she thought it was hilarious and knew she had to make it happen. They asked OutWellness if we’d be up for it, and of course, we said yes!
Beyond the laughs, it was a chance to showcase the creativity and resilience that drag embodies, especially in these times. “The queer community, especially drag artists, have taught me how to party through heartbreak,” Dez says. “In this political climate, joy and connection are acts of defiance—and they’re what keep us going.”
Lessons from the Drag Scene
Dez’s story isn’t just about photography. It’s about finding your place, even when it feels impossible.
“Find something you love in the queer community and just keep going,” she says. “Keep introducing yourself. Keep being there. Eventually, people will recognize you as one of their own.”
For Dez, it wasn’t about being the best or fitting in right away. It was about persistence—and a little heart-shaped flair.
Preserving Moments That Matter
Dez is still balancing their photography with a full-time job, but for them, it’s not about going full-time. It’s about passion.
“Joy and connection are what keep me going,” she says. “The drag performers in Austin taught me how to party through the apocalypse. They showed me how to make art when everything feels like it’s falling apart. That’s why I do what I do.”
Check out Dez’s full gallery here.
