Proud moment in Windsor

From left, audience members Kim Wilcox, of White River Junction, Vt., Mikey Barton, of Windsor, Vt., and Eric Marks, of White River Junction, react to a performance by David Price, of Middlesex, Vt., aka Luci Furr-Matrix during an all ages Pride Month drag show at The Exchange in Windsor on Friday, June 23, 2023. Between performances drag queens talked about the value of inclusivity and queer joy, especially during an era of increased discrimination directed at trans people. “We’re one big family,” said Anthony Wood, of Rutland, Vt., aka Rita Cocktail. “That’s how we stay strong.” (Valley News / Report For America - Alex Driehaus) Copyright Valley News. May not be reprinted or used online without permission. Send requests to permission@vnews.com. Valley News / Report For America photographs — Alex Driehaus

Tonya Durant, left, of Brandon, Vt., performs as Anita Cocktail alongside Jae Martin, 12, of Brandon, aka Shenita Mocktail, during an all ages Pride Month drag show at The Exchange in Windsor, Vt., on Friday, June 23, 2023. The show was Martin’s second time ever participating in a drag show and her parents and sister were in the audience to cheer her on. “It is so empowering and so freeing,” Durant said of performing in drag. (Valley News / Report For America - Alex Driehaus) Copyright Valley News. May not be reprinted or used online without permission. Send requests to permission@vnews.com.

Darcie Allen, left, of West Rutland, Vt., aka Mama Dukes, helps Tonya Durant, of Brandon, Vt., aka Anita Cocktail, apply her false eyelashes before an all ages Pride Month drag show at The Exchange in Windsor, Vt., on Friday, June 23, 2023. Durant, who grew up in Windsor, started participating in drag shows six years ago and said the experience has given her access to parts of herself she didn’t know existed. “It gave me so much confidence,” she said. “Anita lets me the person Tonya is afraid to be.” (Valley News / Report For America - Alex Driehaus) Copyright Valley News. May not be reprinted or used online without permission. Send requests to permission@vnews.com.