We had the good fortune of connecting with Cream Puff and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cream Puff, how do you think about risk?
I think starting and running a queer performance art group in a smaller, conservative town like Waco, Texas was taking a huge risk. In the beginning, I was surrounded by people who told me I couldn’t and shouldn’t even try. My business partner (who is also my fabulous mother) and I decided that the benefits were worth the risk. We started a small queer, artistic family in Waco and it has only grown exponentially since then. We always have people and regular fans telling us how much our work and dedication have been appreciated for the queer community in Waco. Even when we’ve had people go out against us for what we’re doing, we make sure to keep pushing and doing exactly what we need to do for those who we love and care about; our community.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I think that my willingness to be a proud, colorful, plus sized AFAB drag performer sets me apart from others. I have always felt safe in the queer community, but it took me 17 years to really discover myself and realize I was not a woman; I was a non binary person who happened to be AFAB. I think what I do and demonstrate can be really empowering and impactful for other plus sized AFAB performers like me. In the beginning, I was always told that I wasn’t “allowed” to do drag because I was AFAB, and it gave me an “unfair advantage”. If anything, being taken seriously as an AFAB drag performer has been much more of a struggle/challenge in my career rather than an advantage. I’ve also learned along the way that not every interaction that my performance house has with businesses is personal; I’ve had to grow a thicker skin to survive, but I wouldn’t trade what I’m doing here in Waco for the world.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The Cameron Park Zoo is a can’t miss stop for me. I have a mild obsession with animals; learning about them, working with them, etc, and I worked there as an education specialist for two years. The CPZ is nationally recognized for its high standards and quality care of animals. I also would recommend the Mayborn Museum for fun, family friendly activities; we also have some outstanding boba/bubble tea stores like 1102 or Waco Cha, which are all queer/POC owned. You also MUST do yourself a favor and track down/get you some lunch from Le’s Kitchen. It is so worth it.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would definitely like to dedicate my shoutout to my mother, Sinna Weaver; and my drag parents Victor Entropy (Denton) and Maxine LaQueene (Austin).

Image Credits
Devin Maxey, ReBar Houston

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.