I approach a dive that would appear quaint, if it were not for its pride flags and multi-colored string lights lining the roof. “CC SLAUGHTERS,” the sign reads above the door. Folks are stumbling out onto the patio laughing, cocktails in hand. Through the windows, I see a multitude of drag queens, stunningly beautiful, even from a distance. I take a deep breath, step inside and greet the bouncer.
Already, I feel welcomed by the kindness of the bouncer, who directs me to Sheniqua Volt, a beautiful woman standing beside the bar. I am told to approach her to ask permission to photograph, and I am filled with nerves. This queen is the host of tonight’s event, “TRANS-UHH-LICIOUS,” a night fully dedicated to trans kings and queens and their unique, encapsulating performances. Sheniqua Volt gives me a warm welcome at the bar and permits me to capture photographs of the performers.
The energy in the club is lively. It is just dark enough to feel safely shrouded in anonymity as you warm up to the space and your eyes adjust light enough to see all of the beautiful looks folks are serving. I grab my drink and head to the dance floor, where I hear the show will be starting shortly.
No matter where I am, I search for my queer community. They always offer a safe and accepting space to land, even when I am in a city like Portland, which still feels new and unfamiliar to me. I often walk through life feeling a sense of “otherness,” but I have always found that when I am in queer spaces with people who have shared similar experiences to my own, I feel like I have been wrapped in a tight blanket, passed a mug of warm tea and told that I am free to relax in my own skin.
Thus, the search for spaces to lather in queer joy begins here in Portland, the big city right outside our small, forested college. Especially in times of duress, when our community continues to face hostile policy from the federal government our administration, such as their recent and ongoing attacks on trans children in sports, I find that being in a space for queer joy and community is tremendously important.
Luckily, in Portland, there are welcoming queer spaces abound. Right next to CC Slaughters, you can find Darcelle XV Showplace, another venue featuring weekly drag shows. Darcelle XV was the home of the “oldest drag queen performer on the west coast,” before her passing in 2023.
I decided to start my exploration of queer nightlife at CC’s for a few reasons. The first reason is for the offer of an exclusively trans-cast drag show. Honoring the work of the trans community is essential to being involved in your local scene.
Not only that, but the host Sheniqua Volt and special guest Transjenifahs Gawdy expressed their pride in being Black drag queens and spoke to honor the Black queens and trans folks that came before them. The history of Black drag queens in Portland is vast and even formally recognized in Oregon’s House Resolution 3. By centering the voices of groups that have been historically silenced, CC’s is doing work that I am proud to witness and learn from.
Secondly, multiple of CC’s drag shows throughout the week have no cover to get in. This means your entry is completely free, so all you have to worry about is bringing cash to tip your performers (an ATM is also on site) and some money for drinks, if that is your jam.
Sitting at a small table near the dance floor, I already had a feeling I had made the right decision by coming to “TRANS-UHH-LICIOUS.” The music was flowing, queens were walking about preparing for their performances and the community was vibrant and buzzing with excitement.
The show began with the host Sheniqua Volt introducing what lay ahead, alongside her special guest Transjenifahs Gawdy. She outlined rules for respecting the queens and ways to enjoy the space, which I very much appreciated as a first-timer. She described the show as a “trans show for trans people” and reminded viewers of the importance of tipping their queens and screaming their lungs out with excitement during their performances.
It kicked off with a stunning performance from Transjenifahs Gawdy featuring some of my favorite Sabrina Carpenter songs, such as “Espresso.” Feathers lined her beautiful costume, and as she approached me, I stuck out a few dollar bills, feeling joy buzz through my body. Performances after that starred queens such as the ethereal Anna Quaintance, the electrifying Charm and intoxicating drag king Papa Titty.
Each performance left me mesmerized and digging in my purse for more dollar bills to show my appreciation. I danced, laughed and sang the night away with these talented performers. Afterwards, the crowd enjoyed beats from DJ Lyta Blunt. I cannot recommend CC’s enough for an affordable and fun night out in Portland to share joy with the queer community. The environment is welcoming for newcomers, and I even got to chat with some of the queens themselves after their performances. If you are looking for a night out and do not know where to start, this is a great spot to try out.
I would like to express my gratitude to the queens and kings for their welcoming energy and words, as well as the opportunity to photograph the event. CC’s offers an important space to celebrate trans joy, at weekly events such as “TRANS-UHH-LICIOUS,” which runs every Thursday evening from 9 to 11 p.m. They also have plenty of other weekly drag shows like “KEYED UP KARAOKE!”, “THE QUEENS KEYS” and more. You can check their website to find their weekly lineup. Keep in mind that this venue has a strict requirement that you be 21 and older. You will be sure to have a good time at CC’s, where the drinks are flowing, the music is bumping and the looks are absolutely flawless.
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This is such a gorgeous way to describe queerness. I couldn’t agree more as someone who frequents drag shows/queer performances. I especially loved the appreciation for black drag queens as today’s queerness wouldnt be what it is without them! Beautifully said Viviana! Bravo 👏