PHOTO BY TODD COOPER
BEST DRAG QUEEN
1. Karress Ann Slaughter
2. Trai La Trash facebook.com/mstrailatrash.
3. (tie) Diva Simone Slaughter and Angelica DVil
Karress Ann Slaughter, né Cornel Hardiman, has become a cultural
and community staple in this town. If you haven’t seen Slaughter sashay
across a local stage, you are probably one of those scaredy cats who haven’t
ventured downtown since the empty Taco Time was one of Broadway’s
main attractions.
Or perhaps you know Hardiman as a friendly face at The Kiva, where
he always has a kind word or funny story for his customers. Either way,
Slaughter or Hardiman, night or day, Eugene is a better and crazier place
thanks to the performing artist and dancer.
In addition to the limelight, Hardiman has also done decades of
charity work through The Imperial Sovereign Court of the Emerald
Empire, one of Lane County’s oldest LGBTQIA nonprofits.
“I hate to make it sound cheesy,” Hardiman told EW over the
phone — when he only knew that he made the top three, not that he
won. “But being nominated is the best thing. People considering
me is awesome.”
When asked why his drag shtick resonates with audiences
after 20-plus years, Hardiman pauses for a moment. “I think
it’s because I’m always trying to stay modern,” he says. “I
have a different look than most drag queens. I try my best to
look like a woman. I just try to be as pretty as I can be and try
to look as real as can be.”
Hardiman says he’s kept up with his energetic routines and
excellent physique by staying mobile, walking and dancing
every day, drinking lots of water and taking multivitamins.
And what keeps him returning to the stage after two decades?
“For me, it’s just the energy [audiences] give when you’re up
there,” he says. “I love doing it. I love fashion. I love hair. I love all
that stuff. It’s kind of like a crazy addiction.”
You can catch Slaughter performing 10 pm every Friday night for
Glamazon, the drag cabaret hosted by The Wayward Lamb (see Best
New Business and Best Bar). Expect some new routines inspired by Miss
Jackson, if you’re nasty.
“Janet [Jackson] just came out with an amazing album,” Hardiman says.
“I’m just heading towards my old favorites,” which could be anything from
Michael Jackson to Beyoncé.
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eugeneweekly.com • November 5, 2015
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