Darlington drag queen reveals how inclusive the town really is

Adam Blewitt-Brigham, also known as Roxie Trix, has been a regular in the Darlington drag scene since 2018, and can usually be found in Harvey’s Late Bar on Blackwellgate on a Monday night.

Adam’s interest into the world of drag began when a friend of his was working as a drag queen in the town four years ago and Adam realised this was something that could bring him joy too.

Adam said: “It was just something that took my fancy. I’d never really thought about it before at that point and I realised it could be a chance for me to be who I wanted to be, without actually being me.

“I was invited out one night to give it a go and it’s just spiralled from there and I love it.”

Adam said it takes him 60 to 90 minutes to transform into Roxie. Picture: PUSH POP

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The 26-year-old said: “I just love seeing the smiles on people’s faces and making them happy. Also, seeing that gay society is much more open, it’s nice seeing everyone have a laugh together.

“There is obviously a minority of people who don’t accept it (drag entertainment) and that does make it difficult. Most people there though are there to see you (the drag artist) and they want to have a good time and support who you are but you always get one or two in the crowd who don’t support it and come to pull it down.

“Gay nights in Darlington are very accepting for anyone to come out and have fun. It’s not like it’s only for gay people. It’s for anyone who wants to have a night out and a good laugh, we accept everybody.”

Roxie Trixx made it to the semi-final of Drag Idol Newcastle in 2020. Picture: PUSH POP

Despite the minority of haters, Adam has had great success as Roxie and was a semi-finalist in Drag Idol Newcastle in 2020. Unfortunately, due to work commitments, Adam had to withdraw from the competition and so Roxie did not appear in the final.

Adam said he feels like a different person when he has transformed into Roxie. Picture: PUSH POP

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Adam teased that Roxie has more events and competitions in the pipeline to pursue.

As it takes Adam 60 to 90 minutes to transform into Roxie, the glamorous world of entertaining is a million miles away from Adam’s day job as a care worker at Wear Referrals Veterinary Hospital in Bradbury, Sedgefield.

Entertaining the people of Darlington as Roxie Trixx is a million miles away from Adam's day job. Picture: PUSH POP

“I do feel like a completely different person as Roxie. There’s loads of stuff I would never dream of doing as just me but Roxie can get away with anything. When you put that face on it gives you a disguise, it’s a mask and you can be whoever you want to be,” Adam explained.

Roxie Trix can often be found at Harvey's Late Bar in Darlington on a Monday night. Picture: PUSH POP

Roxie Trix will be appearing at Darlington Pride this month around the town centre and at Harvey’s with Kitty Scott Claus from RuPaul’s Drag Race on the evenings.

Darlington Pride kicks off with MonGay on Monday, August 8 with various events and appearances, with the main event on Saturday, August 13 from noon in the Market Square.

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