Jett Black: A Rising Star in the Evolving World of Drag

Article written for SCAD District — May 2024

(Photography by Gillian Kate Photography)

Seeing Jett Black on stage, it’s hard to fathom that she’s been performing for just over one year. Harder still, is it to believe she’s only 20 years old. From her exquisite, often handmade outfits, to her skills in makeup and ballroom, everything about her screams professional. But she had to start somewhere.

The Early Years

Jett's love for performance began in early childhood, deeply rooted in activities like dancing, gymnastics, and theater. From a young age she was drawn to the spotlight, performing for family and participating in school musicals.

“I guess I have one of those personalities where you walk into the room and I’m the character,” she explains, describing her natural inclination to the stage. However, it wasn’t until she discovered drag that she found her true calling. “I wanted to create my own character. But it never really fit together until I found drag,” she recalls, noting that performing as a man in traditional theater never felt right for her. Drag opened the door for Jett to explore gender, self-expression, and artistry, alongside other young queer people.

Despite her early involvement in performing arts, Jett felt a disconnect with the roles she played. She discovered, during this time, her trans identity. This desire for authenticity fueled her search for a creative medium where she could fully express herself. The art of drag, with its inherent playfulness and fluidity, provided that much-needed outlet.

The Catalyst: Quarantine and Discovery

A major turning point in Jett’s journey with drag came during the 2020 quarantine. Like many, she found herself stuck inside watching T.V., at a loss for what to do with all her free time. It was then that a pastime turned into a passion.

“That’s when I found out about Drag Race, and I learned about drag through drag race. I specifically got really obsessed with the lip sync battles, and I liked to do dancing and stuff in my room, so I saw the Alyssa Edwards vs.Tatianna lip sync and I was like— wait, let me do choreography to this.”

These performances inspired Jett to begin practicing makeup, around her sophomore and junior years of high school, coming out of quarantine. But she didn’t start performing in drag until she moved from Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, the name of which is apparently “the best thing about it,” to Savannah, Georgia, for school.

“I actually started being able to do drag here.” she smiled, thinking back fondly on her start. She started performing in February 2023, at the monthly Star Search competitions held at Club One. This platform allowed her to showcase her talent and creativity, paving the way for her rapid rise in the local drag scene.

The Drag Scene in Savannah

Jett’s entrance into the Savannah drag scene was met with an outpouring of acceptance. “The overflowing amount of support and love that I have received from literally everyone in the scene. I will never forget the things that people have said to me that have been so kind and so reassuring, and the help that people have offered... ,” she gushes, appreciating the camaraderie among local queens.

The drag community in Savannah is known for its diversity and creativity, with performers bringing unique styles and perspectives to the stage. Jett quickly found her niche and began to connect with other artists who shared her passion.

Juggling a demanding fashion major at the Savannah College of Art and Design, (SCAD), alongside her drag performances, is no easy feat. Jett’s schedule is packed with classes, assignments, and rehearsals, yet she embraces the challenge.

“It’s so difficult,” she admitted, but she is grateful for the support she receives from her drag family. Being part of the House of Threats—a local drag house—has been instrumental in her growth. Her drag mother, Amerys the Empress, took her under her wing, offering guidance and encouragement. “It was one of the most valuable consolation prizes I could have ever received,” Jett recalls, describing her adoption into the House after losing Star Search, despite a stellar performance. This family dynamic has not only provided mentorship, but also fostered a sense of belonging in the drag community.

This support has guided her to new heights, one such being the Forsyth Park amphitheater stage, where she performed on Sunday, October 27th, for Savannah Pride. Jett has grown so much so quickly for a young drag queen, with this performance marking her rise to

popularity among local drag performers.

The Importance of Community

The drag community in Savannah is characterized by its strong support networks. Jett emphasizes how essential these connections are for both new and seasoned performers. She receives mentorship, support, and even the occasional wig from her family in House of Threats, and she’s incredibly grateful for the people she’s surrounded with.

“I feel really secure in the community here. I have found my chosen family here and definitely want to be a part of it for a while. At the end of the day we’re all trying to do the same stuff, so why not help each other be the best at it?”

The House of Threats has become a vital resource for Jett, offering emotional and practical support. “I could name off the top of my head so many different people who have been like, yeah I’ll make something for you! I’ll style a wig for you! Yeah, of course, I want to see you succeed! The community here is really tight-knit,” she shares, highlighting the collaborative spirit that defines her community. For Jett, this journey is about more than just performing; it’s about creating a supportive environment for emerging queens.

Navigating the Future of Drag

On the future of drag, and where it’s headed, Jett commented on the hypersexualized impression many have of the art.

“They think of drag as...inappropriate,” she noted, acknowledging a common stereotype. However, she believes there’s a new narrative emerging. “There’s a much more modernized version of drag that fits more into fashion.” This evolution, she believes, is being shaped by platforms like Drag Race, which challenge traditional notions of what drag can be.

Jett is particularly passionate about the shift she’s observed in the drag community, especially among younger performers. She expressed concern about the dilution of drag that occurred during the pandemic when clubs were closed, when a more cookie-cutter, social media-driven aesthetic gained traction. “There was a rise in ‘no padding, naked, human hair, jump splits, not funny’ performers,” she explained, citing names like Krystal Versace and Plastique Tiara as examples. Yet, she sees a resurgence of individual intention and vision in new queens today.

“I see this the most in the Doll House here in Savannah, they’ve all really got their stuff together,” Jett observed, referring to the drag community here in Savannah. When she first entered the drag scene, there weren’t many competitors her age in Star Search. However, she’s thrilled to now see a new generation of “baby queens” taking the stage and learning from their elders.

The New Generation of Queens

This new wave of drag, marked by fashion-centric performances and unique storytelling, is pushing the boundaries of what drag can be. Jett is excited about the diversity of expression emerging in her community.

“Now a lot of the new queens are really trying unique things and coming into the scene with actual perspectives and personas,” she said, emphasizing the artistic freedom that characterizes this new generation. The influences of social media are evident, but Jett believes that the heart of drag remains in mentorship, live performance, and sisterhood.

Jett has also noticed a trend toward more experimental and avant-garde performances. “I think [young drag queens] definitely are making a positive impact by making drag weird and interesting again,” she said.

This willingness to push boundaries is reflected in the performances at events like Star Search and other local drag showcases, where queens explore themes and aesthetics that challenge conventional drag norms.

Mastering the Craft

Despite the challenges inherent in drag—where seven different art forms are layered on top of one another—Jett is committed to mastering her craft. She embraces the trial and error that comes with learning.

“I am really glad I can look back and see my growth,” she said. For her, entering the scene perfectly polished would undermine the valuable lessons that come from experimentation and evolution.

“A vital part of the journey is learning as you go,” she emphasized, encouraging fellow performers to embrace their unique journeys.

Jett’s artistry extends beyond just performance; she is also deeply involved in costume design and makeup. Her ensembles, ranging from glittery black corsets to shiny red lingerie, perfectly convey the “cool, awesome, goth moon princess” vibe she aims for.

“In terms of my designs, I’m always thinking of off the beaten path but still fitting the category, how can I make it something that is super unique and show stopping every single time,” she said, highlighting the satisfaction that comes from designing costumes that reflect her personality. Looking forward, Jett dreams of one day appearing on Drag Race, a goal that drives her artistic journey.

“My ultimate goal is I want to win drag race. And, I want to sweep. I don’t want to be struggling...so yeah, see me on season 37!”

Her determination is clear, to keep evolving as an artist. She believes that the future of drag lies in the fusion of humor and intensity. “One of my favorite performances ever was by Kochinita, who just sat down and ate McDonald’s on stage then sprayed the crowd with silly string,” she shared. “That. Is. Drag. Give me laughter and joy, along with fierceness.”

Jett Black’s journey is not just about personal success; it reflects a broader movement within the drag community. As younger queens find their footing and challenge existing norms, they contribute to a richer, more inclusive drag culture.

Jett’s commitment to her craft, her community, and her vision for the future of drag make her a beacon for those who share her passion, and an inspiration to emerging drag artists everywhere.