Darvin Roberts applies hairspray to his curled, blond hair before a show at Images in Chattanooga. Applying makeup and styling his hair can take Roberts up to three hours to complete. Roberts, a manager at the bar, has been a female illusionist for 15 years and performs nearly every weekend under the stage name of “Samantha Leblonc.” Many female illusionists wear wigs, but Roberts styles his natural hair for performances.When Darvin Roberts walked into his Lee Highway bar, Images, one Friday last month, his clothes were nothing special: a black button-down shirt with blue jeans and black slip-on shoes.
The outfit could never compare to the elaborate women’s ensemble he would be wearing by the end of the night.
Roberts, a co-owner of Images, is a practitioner of an “art form” known as female illusionism, or “drag queening.” He has perfected his Samantha Leblonc alter ego for 15 years.
Though female illusionists are a staple of gay culture’s entertainment, they represent much more, including acceptance and tolerance, Tennessee Valley Pride President Chuck Hill said.
“They entertain, deliver a message and guide the public on how they view themselves,” he said. “They have influence over young people and their attitudes. The gay community is very loyal to its [drag] queens.”