Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Oliver Dixon. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Oliver, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Back in June 2017, I took the stage as Oliver Dixon, and since then, I’ve had incredible opportunities to perform at various venues in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. One of the highlights was being a featured performer at the Austin International Drag Festival in Austin, Texas. I’ve been involved in diverse shows, including burlesque variety shows, Dayton Prides, benefits, fundraisers, and an All-King revue show with the amazing Landon Cider for Columbus Pride in 2022.
In addition to performing, I hold a B.A. in Media Studies from Wright State University, which led me to pursue my own side business as a digital media producer. I handle a wide range of tasks, such as video production, audio editing/mixing, and using Photoshop and Stable Diffusion (an artificial intelligence program) for photo manipulation. Noteworthy projects I’ve been involved in include filming, editing, and creating motion graphics for a children’s show pilot episode on PBS, as well as filming and editing a docuseries featuring LGBTQ+ veterans.
What sets me apart in both the performance community and the digital media production industry is my neurodivergency (ADHD), which fuels my creativity and innovation. I’m constantly seeking new projects to work on and refining performance concepts.
One of my proudest achievements is building friendships within the LGBTQ+ community in various Midwest cities (and even unexpectedly in Texas). Discovering my love for travel has been transformative, especially after being separated from my community for years. Now, I feel like I’m finally able to embrace the world and everything it has to offer.
In the midst of my journey, I was incredibly lucky to meet my current partner, Mama Cum Laude, during a burlesque workshop. We instantly connected, and have since performed together for a few acts. Sharing the stage with her enhances our relationship along with diversifying our performance types.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
A way for society to best support drag performers is to come out to our shows! We love that everyone will show up and support a big pride show featuring a booked queen from RuPaul, but we also cannot forget the weekly drag revues hosted by your local drag entertainers every weekend. I think everyone needs to remember that Ru queens didn’t start on Drag Race–they started on stages at their local LGBTQ+ nightclubs, and through MANY performances, death drops and flops, they finally “made it”. But I think it is important to note that many local LGBTQ clubs may be growing one of the next entertainers to make it big, and YOU could be one of their supporters to get them there. Tipping entertainers is what helps us pay our bills, AND fund our art.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
After achieving my goal of performing at the Austin International Drag Festival, my focus has shifted towards finding safe and accepting performance spaces. Many performers, including myself, have experienced uncomfortable environments where speaking up is risky due to fear of retaliation. I aim to be part of a performance troupe that creates a truly safe venue and cast, where body comments and uninvited physical contact are strictly prohibited.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://beacons.ai/oliverdixon
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oliverdixondrag/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OliverDixonDrag
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliverdixondrag
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/OliverDixonDrag
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNNzt7Euje_bn9cO1Xjy4vg
- Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@oliverdixondrag?lang=en
Image Credits
Megan with Knack Video + Photo Kyle Cheney with Purple Monster Multimedia Aerin Moore Lola Vuitton