These stories first appeared at Out Front Magazine.

Stories by Julie River, Scarlett Elise, Ryley Sundbye, and Jordan Cunning at Out Front Magazine

AURORA | This year’s Aurora Pride gets a healthy dose of punk rock. Whereas the entertainment at Denver Pride is mostly limited to DJs and drag performers, Aurora Pride has a few rock acts to spice things up, including Soy Celesté, Gila Teen, and the headliners, Plasma Canvas. 

Aurora Pride will be held this year at Fletcher Plaza in downtown Aurora on East Colfax Avenue Aug. 30, and at two nearby venues.

“Aurora Pride will look a bit different this year with a block party-style celebration in the middle of the city’s Cultural Arts District,” organizers said. “We are providing new offerings like a designated sober space, partnerships with public health agencies, and two stages featuring dazzling performances by local artists.”

Fort Collins-based Plasma Canvas is a community favorite band, and they’re excited to play their first city-wide Pride celebration.

“It was usually something like punk Pride night, or underground Pride, or DIY, independent Pride, or something like that,” says frontwoman Ren Ash about other Pride events they’ve played in the past. “We had never been asked to play the Pride event for the city of Aurora, for example, or Fort Collins Pride or Denver Pride. We’ve never done anything like that.”

Ash, a trans woman, finds herself always happy these days to play lineups of queer bands, but that wasn’t always the case.

“It used to be a thing where I felt a little bit pigeonholed,” says Ash, “because when it’s you and three folk punk acts, it can get a little bit weird. We don’t sound anything alike, and the only reason we’re here is because we’re all trans. But then I’ve really come to love and respect and appreciate, even if I had a lineup like that, just because of the way things are in society and the way fascism is taking hold of a lot of parts of society. I feel like any opportunity to be in a room with a bunch of queers is a beautiful, wonderful thing, and doing that in basements feels one kind of amazing, and doing it in a big room full of queers feels a different kind of amazing.”

Aurora Pride isn’t the only thing on Ash’s mind, as the Plasma Canvas frontwoman is in the midst of launching her new solo project, L13S, a glitzy pop side-project inspired by her forays into online sex work after struggling to find a job.

“With this project, I set out specifically to be a hoe in a band,” she explains, “like a sex worker in a project, because finding so much positivity and liberation within my own skin that I felt I loved myself and I was beautiful, despite my body, despite this, despite that. It’s about celebrating the fact that my body is fucking hot, and there are people who want to see it, to pay me for it, and the confidence that that brings me is what allowed this music to come out, because it’s very heightened, it’s exaggerated.”

The resulting project is a character piece, with L13S embodying that sexuality in a very theatrical way. “It’s a character, and I’ve been able to do what Gerard Way did on their early records, which is become a superhero,” says Ash. “Become something that doesn’t have to be stamped with my name and said in earnest as myself, I can become something else and be whatever this person is.”

While L13S isn’t scheduled to make an appearance at Aurora Pride, you’ll be able to catch Plasma Canvas in all of their punk rock glory to celebrate a much harder rocking Pride celebration.

As Ash says, “I am excited to celebrate the work in our band with the people who need to hear the music the most.”

More this year, closer to home

This year’s Aurora Pride promises some of the most exciting music artists, drag performers, and DJs from Colorado and beyond, plus something a little extra that promises to be truly unique and memorable. Here’s a list of all the great performers you can catch at Aurora Pride 2025, and a little bit about why they’re all going to be worth checking out.

Drag Performers for 2025 Aurora Pride

Evelyn Evermore: Always one of OFM’s favorite drag performers, Evelyn Evermore (she/her) is an emcee, a DJ, and a seamstress, and one of Denver’s most bad-ass, award-winning drag queens. Gracing the Aurora Pride stage as both a drag performer and a host just means we get to see even more of one of the biggest rising stars of the drag scene.

Porsha De Marco Douglas: Doing drag for about two decades now, Porsha DeMarco Douglas (they/them) can show off their skills through any kick, flip, or split they do on stage. Their wide range of performances can be found at Tracks, Hamburger Mary’s, and X Bar.

Wo Yao Wang: All the way from Taiwan, here is Wo Yao Wang. They combine Taiwanese music and culture into their works, creating a beautiful experience for all. Recently a part of Underground Pride/Wrath, you can watch their spectacular performance soon at Aurora Pride.

Coco Bardot: Coco Bardot (she/her) has been performing for about a decade now, and she has been killing it! Celebrating pride since she was 18, Bardot is the definition of a Black Girl Magic Warrior and takes to the stage as a way to express herself. Bardot makes sure everyone can see the happiness drag gives to the world.

Phresh Air: Doing drag for about a year and a half now, Phresh Air (he/him) is a new king/thing y’all just have to check out. He makes a lot of his own clothes and mixes for his performances, displaying the brilliant tomfoolery he is known for. He also connects his art to Black culture whenever possible.

Snickerdoodle The Strongman: Snickerdoodle the Strongman (they/them) is a Denver-based Drag King. Snickerdoodle has been involved in the Denver drag and alternative scene for some time, and they recently performed at Seventh Circle Music Collective for Underground Pride/Wrath. Snickerdoodle is also very well known for performing with the Creme Brulesque troupe. They’re absolutely a can’t-miss performance at Aurora Pride this year.

Geo Conjure: Geo Conjure (she/her) is a spiritual artist based in Denver. She identifies as a drag queen, dancer, creative, Hoodoo practitioner, and conjurer. She describes herself as a “TransSpiritualBaddie” and is an Original Avatar Princess of the Kiki Haus of Renaissance. 

Terrah Card: Terrah Card (she/they) is a designer and drag performer from Pensacola, Florida. She is known for her appearances on Canadian reality show Sew Fierce. Terrah has gotten lots of recognition for her unique and experimental outfits, portraying very high-energy. She hosts local drag events and performs in many cities.

Die Anna: Die Anna (she/her) is known for her drag brunch performances, especially with the “Thee Enchantress of the Eras” Tour. She is a drag performer based in both San Francisco and Los Angeles.This queen dabbled in many genres of drag such as, punk, glam, and camp, showing her audiences you can check all the boxes at once.

Knocked Lucy: Denver’s Knocked Lucy (she/her) is famous for doing things a little differently. This transmasc drag queen likes to do her performances to metalcore music, most notably her namesake, rising Kentucky metalcore act Knocked Loose. Always an advocate for queer and trans people, especially queer and trans youth, Knocked Lucy is an expert at—as her Substack says—”thriving during the unsurvivable.”

Vicious Pryce: Born out of a love for all things horror, rap, and punk, Vicious Price is hailed as “the undead drag king of Denver.” He’s been building a name for himself with a uniquely twisted take on dark themes, often spoofing religion, winning him the 2023 Mr. Eggplant competition. You may have also seen the same performer doing burlesque under the name Siouxsie Cupcakes. But whether it’s drag or burlesque, Pryce is a consummate performer who always dazzles the crowd.

Void Phlux: One of the drag performers you’ll most often see at OFM events, transmasc performer Void Phlux (he/they) isn’t a drag king or queen, he’s a drag creature. Known for outrageously unique alt-drag performances, Phlux has also gained a reputation for making disability visible and sexy. But even when performing with a mobility aid, that doesn’t hold Plux back from putting on one hell of a show—one that will make you rethink your definition of what drag really is. He’s also the host for the 21+ stage. 

Tokyn: A relative newcomer to the drag scene, having done their first public drag performance in 2023, Tokyn (he/she/they/xe) is one badass, androgender drag(lesque) performer who is quickly becoming one of the local scene’s rising stars. With some of the most outrageous and complex drag outfits you’ll ever see, Tokyn promises to wow you in Aurora this August.

Taint: Billing themselves as a “devil from the city of angels,” Los Angeles/Las Vegas-based drag performer Taint (they/them) is a master of many trades, from burlesque, to drag, to costuming. Oh, and, as if that all wasn’t enough, they’re training to be a sword swallower. It’s hard to nail down what they’re most known for: they t’ain’t this and they t’ain’t that, they’re just Taint, and they’re going to blow you away on the stage.

La Vladimira X: Born and raised in Denver, La Vladmira (they/them) prides themselves as a local activist, educator on queer and trans history, and stunning drag performer. They always rock something fashionably different, whether it’s alternative or glamorous—sometimes serving up a mix of both. With their online boutique, Syc, they bring forth unique items of inspiration and fashion. La Vladmira loves to blend styles that make heads turn.

Zimmorah Mei: Zimmorah Mei has been doing drag for almost seven years now, performing all around the state. A local trans legend, she co-hosts the podcast What The Drag! and has aired over 30 episodes. She makes frequent appearances at Drag Bingo and Show at Shambles Tavern that celebrate Black trans artistry. Zimmorah’s shows always deliver bold, sharp entertainment that’s unforgettable.

Sigorney Beaver: Featured on The Boulet Brothers’  Dragula, Sigourney Beaver won the hearts of many. Known for her big hair, polished presentation, and dramatic costuming, she makes glamour meet horror. She inspires talent and integrity, shattering norms as a “female impersonator impersonator,” and she’ll continue owning that stage with the latest horror-inspired looks. 

Aurora Pride Bands

Gila Teen: Gila Teen’s weird, eclectic pop reflects elements of post-punk, emo, folk, new wave, shoegaze, and—in their own words—”indie-sleaze.” And, much like vocalist and guitarist Huntyr Moon’s signature star-shaped guitar, Gila Teen completely breaks out of the mold of what you’ve come to expect. This genre-diverse band is going to bring all those elements to one hell of a knockout performance in Aurora this August.

Unluckystar: It’s hard to nail down exactly what a performance from Denver’s own music and performance art creature Unluckystar is like. This one-person project is full of theatricality and showmanship and is always memorable. Still riding high off the release of their new EP 80s Villain, Unluckystar is defying expectations of gender and genre in spectacular ways. With the versatility to play the same song with synthesizers on the album and then with just a ukelele on stage, Unluckystar is shining bright at Aurora Pride this year.

Soy Celesté: Local Latin feminist punk act Soy Celesté blend Latin folk with riot grrrl energy to produce socially conscious music based around the idea that—as one of their song titles declares—”Feminism is Intersectional.” Fronted by the fierce and fiery Celesté Martinez, their debut album Feminista Manifestó is designed to be the musical equivalent of a riot grrrl zine, putting their rebellious politics front and center.

Pretty. Loud.: Self-described as “Denver’s piano punk, dork rock, electronic funk hop, big muppet energy power trio,” Pretty. Loud. prides themselves on their eclectic mix of styles that can range from folk punk to blues to ska to whatever they feel like pulling out of their bag of tricks at one of their live shows. There’s a good reason those periods are there in their name: the band is pretty, the band is loud, the band is Pretty. Loud.

Gone Full Heathen: Proggy post-metal band Gone Full Heathen are queer, femme, and always in gremlin mode. They’ll be bringing a warrior woman energy to the main stage this year. 

Ebony Dark’ness: While still a very new band—having only played their first show of their career earlier this year—queer/trans emo mathcore darlings Ebony Dark’ness are quickly becoming a band to watch out for. Pulling their name from the protagonist of the legendarily-bad viral fan fiction My Immortal, they demonstrate a wicked sense of humor. They are fresh off their landmark performance at this year’s Underground Pride/Wrath, and they’re working this summer on putting together their first recorded material. Check them out so you can say you knew them when they were still brand new!

The Left: The Denver punk band known simply as The Left stands out as uniquely as their bassist Emma Latuszek’s signature hot pink bass with alien stickers all over it. That bass (and Latuszek’s butt) grace the cover of the band’s first release, The Beerio Singles, which came out last summer and demonstrated a fierce political punk style with harsh, passionate vocal delivery. Punk fans who like their music a little on the abrasive side and heavy on the emotional intensity are going to really enjoy this set at Aurora Pride.

DJs for Aurora Pride

CXRDINALIS: One of OFM’s dearest friends and the darling fiancé of the above-mentioned drag performer Void Phlux, CXRDINALIS (he/they), a.k.a. Seven Coveney, is ready to take over the decks and rock the hell out of Aurora Pride. A handyman by day—not to mention the resident DJ for Death in Drag—CXRDINALIS specializes in bringing electronic music to queer spaces and bringing queer people to electronic music. Don’t miss out on the chance to check out this awesome, experienced DJ and producer.

DJ Echo Quon: DJ, Vtuber, artist and, according to their social media, a “cute chaotic cult leader,” DJ Echo Quon (she/they), a.k.a. Ika Echo, is here to DJ for Aurora Pride and spread only good vibes. This openly pan DJing diva is ready to tear things up for us as we all celebrate our community this August in Aurora.

Dance at Aurora Pride

Ballet Folklorico Sangre de México: With a mission of preserving and demonstrating important Mexican cultural traditions, Ballet Folklorico Sangre de México promises to be one of the most colorful, exciting, and unique performances you’ll catch at Aurora Pride this year. No stranger to Pride festivals, having recently performed on the Latin Stage at this year’s Denver PrideFest, the dance performance troop is dedicated to intersectional ideas of equality and stand proudly with the LGBTQ+ community. Come and see an unforgettable performance that will fill your soul.

And there’s a helluva headliner at Aurora Pride 2025

Aurora Pride 2025 will feature none other than Jaymes Mansfield, a beloved drag queen hailing from Las Vegas, Nevada, as the mainstage headliner. 

Best-known for her appearance on Ru-Paul’s Drag Race Season 9 and All-Stars Season 8, she became iconic for her beautiful wigs, which she has made a business out of after her time on the show. She also has a successful YouTube channel where she posts vlogs, reactions, wig-styling videos, and more. 

In the words of Jaymes Mansfield about her upcoming performance and about the importance of Pride! 

What made you want to come to Colorado?  

Honestly, I love Colorado! I drove through it when I traveled to Vegas to move there. We actually drove from Wisconsin to Nevada, and we drove through Colorado a little bit. Beautiful state, oh my god—so much green.  

Are you looking forward to performing at Aurora Pride? Is there anything specific that has you excited?  

Yeah, I’m so excited! The Colorado crowds are like none other, like, they’re so cool and have so much energy, and just like, a different vibe. Maybe it’s because, what’s that called, the mountain pressure? I only performed in Denver once, and coming down the stairs was a little trepidatious! Need to adjust, I hear.  

Right, you’ve performed in Colorado before at Bad Habits in Denver—do you think the crowd here differs from your home crowd in Vegas? If so, how?  

I would say the local crowds there are amazing, because in Las Vegas, it’s all tourism, so you never see the same audience twice. You can tell people come out because they’re dedicated in Colorado—They genuinely like drag and want to support it.  

Would you like to keep coming back to Colorado in the future?  

Oh, absolutely! I’ve wanted to come back for a while now because it’s just very fun and it’s a beautiful place. And also, I wanna see that Casa Bonita restaurant that I hear so much about! I’ve heard both positive and horror stories from the past, so I just want to experience it at this point.   

Can you tell us a little bit about your plans for the main stage at Aurora Pride?  

At the moment they’re a little bit secret because, well, your gal is still figuring out what exactly she wants to do. It’s more a matter of, like, “What dress do I want to wear?”  

What do you think makes Pride so important?  

Honestly, especially nowadays, it’s good to be out there and be visual and be seen, even if it’s just showing up. That’s all that really matters; that’s the best part. The smallest bit is still an act of protest, I say. Just being out in public and showing yourself and not being afraid to be a part of this is exactly what we need right now.   

So, does Pride feel different in 2025 than it has in previous years?  

I totally think it’s more important than ever. For many years, we took it for granted, and people have gotten a little jaded with it. And now that the world’s turning upside down, you kind of realize you can’t take things for granted. Be louder! That’s all I gotta say—Be louder.  

What is your favorite thing about Pride?  

This year, I got to tour a lot and see different Prides, different places, and what cracks me up is that it’s the same everywhere you go. People just come out, and they’re showing their support, and of course, there’s haters on the sidelines, but throughout the years, I’ve seen those numbers shrink and shrink and shrink. And more people are just kind of opening their minds to it—I mean, this year, we’ll see, but yeah, you can’t really rate them. They’re all kind of different, but, like, it’s all the same concept of people coming together and creating community, and we need community now more than ever.   

When people go to see Jaymes Mansfield, what do you hope they feel or take away from the experience?  

If anything, I hope I can make you smile. A smile is free!  

You’re known for your incredible wig-styling skills; what would your top piece of advice be for someone wearing a wig for the first time?  

If you’re wearing one for the first time, invest in hair clips, because it’s going to be in your face within the first five minutes. There’s nothing worse than seeing someone choking down their wig! And if it’s a bachelorette party or something, get something cheap so that if you lose it, you won’t miss it (laughs). If it ends up in the gutter at 12 a.m., you’re not gonna care.  

Just for fun: if you were cursed and unable to wear a wig in any shade of blonde ever again, what would be your next go-to color?  

Oh my gosh, I guess I’d have to go be a redhead because that’s what people do when they get bored of being blonde. Brown and black are too much to dedicate your hair to, and red is the fun color!  

IF YOU GO:

What: Aurora Pride 2025

Where: Main Stage at Fletcher Plaza, 9899 E. Colfax Ave. Other stages and spaces at the nearby People’s Building and Manos Sagrados

When: Aug. 30, 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Tickets: The event is free. Details and RSVP’s here.

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