‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ contestant Daya Betty to headline Ozarks Pridefest
A former Springfield drag queen who is now in the national spotlight is making her way back to the Ozarks to celebrate Pride Month.
Drag queen Daya Betty, known for her underground punk style and 10inch platform boots, will headline this year's Ozarks Pridefest in downtown Springfield. Betty competed on the 14th season of competition reality television show "RuPaul's Drag Race" in 2022. She was initially eliminated in the season's second episode but returned to remain through the final episode.
Ozarks Pridefest is Saturday, June 8 in downtown Springfield, starting at noon. This year's theme is "It's Giving Revolution."
"This year, we're not just celebrating; we're revolutionizing the way we stand together," the Ozarks Pridefest Facebook Page states. "Unrelenting against the tide of legislated fear that seeks to diminish our light, we choose to shine bright — fists raised, flags flying, unyielding and proud."
In addition to Betty, Ozarks Pridefest will feature live performances from folk musician Crys Matthews, Missouri Bearded Queen Karmella Uchawi, former Springfield drag queen Lux Kween, '90s tribute band The Mixtapes and Chicago-based drag king Tenderoni.
Ahead of the festivities downtown, the annual Pridefest Parade will kick off outside the Springfield Municipal Court, concluding at Park Central Square. Registration remains open for parade participants on the Ozarks Pridefest website through April 30.
Ozarks Pridefest is still looking for volunteers to help throughout the day. All volunteers are required to undergo a background check and training ahead of the event. For more information or to apply, visit the Ozarks Pridefest website.
Springfield drag queen Daya Betty poses for an official “RuPaul's Drag Race” portrait for season 14 of the reality competition television show. Betty is one of 14 drag queens who starred in the season's premiere.
Who is Daya Betty?
Originally from Kansas City, Betty graduated from Missouri State University with a Bachelors of Fine Arts in 2019. It was in Springfield where she discovered drag. Betty was one of the four core members of Get Dusted, a former monthly drag show held at The Outland Ballroom, hosted by Springfield native and "RuPaul's Drag Race" finalist Crystal Methyd.
Following her run on "RuPaul's Drag Race," Betty has performed as part of the "RuPaul's Drag Race Werq The World" world tour and at RuPaul's Drag Race Live in Las Vegas. Most recently, Betty announced her "For the Girls: a Sapphic Tribute Tour" with fellow season 14 contestants Bosco and Lady Camden. The four-city drag show tour is stopping in New York City; Columbus, Ohio; Los Angeles and Seattle.
Greta Cross is the trending topics reporter for the Springfield News-Leader. Follow her on X and Instagram @gretacrossphoto. Story idea? Email her at gcross@gannett.com .