Christian greetings!

 

Last week a friend forwarded an email message to me regarding a long-time friend who passed away in March 2006.  The message reiterated that on Sunday, April 23, there would be a potluck farewell memorial for this person at Darcelle XV.  The person honored is none other than a talented drag performer, fondly known by her friends and peers as "Katy K-Y".  I am pleased and proud to honor her memory.

 

For a good part of her life, Katy was "heavy set", "full-figured":  Katy was very pretty.  In fact, were Katy transgender, she could have passed as a woman in everyday life easily.  Katy lived in the male identity and excelled in stage drag shows and pageants.  Darcelle XV Production hosts an annual major beauty pageant called LA FEMME MAGNIFIQUE.  The main pageant is held over Labor Day weekend with celebrity judges selecting the most glamorous female impersonator in the Universe.  In March a "full-figured" version of the pageant is held.  For years Katy has held the full-figured LA FEMME title; she wore the crown proudly.  In fact, when on her deathbed at a hospice in Hawaii, Katy made sure that her LA FEMME crown/tierra was at her bedside.

 

In addition to enjoying high glamour drag, (Katy made her own costumes while lying on her stomach with the fabric in front of her) Katy also had a spiritual side to her.

 

During my years of working in AIDS ministry I was honored to serve side-by-side with this wonderful person at Our House, a Portland residential care facility for PWAs (people with AIDS).  Friends and relatives of clients would often come into the kitchen, needing a hug, or a laugh, or spiritual support.  Some of the deepest and most meaningful spiritual experiences of my life happened while in AIDS ministry.  I thank God for the opportunity to minister in this arena. 

 

One morning the mother of a client told me that her son had just passed away.  "Sister Paula," she said, "when you have a moment could you please come in and pray over him."  I said I would be glad to.  About two hours later, when finished with my duties in the kitchen, I joined this lady at the beside of her son who had passed on.  Inasmuch as I had never prayed over anyone who had passed on, I silently asked the Holy Spirit to give me the words to say - words that would bring love and comfort to this woman who was experiencing the deepest kind of pain there is -- the loss of a child.  Across the bed, we I held hands as I prayed.  I cannot recall what I said in that prayer -- I only recall vividly that the right words came out and I knew that the Holy Spirit, in a Divine language, was praying through me.  The presence of God filled that room.  When we opened our eyes at the conclusion of the prayer, we both noticed that there was a smile on the young man's face that was definitely NOT there when we entered that room.

 

Jerry was a chef at Darcelle XV.  Jerry was stricken with full-blown AIDS and was a client at Our House.  During this time Katy was doing volunteer work at he renowned facility.  In addition to her other duties, Katy spent many hours at Jerry's bedside.  When Jerry took his last breath, Katy was holding him in her arms.  Later Katy shared with me: "When Jerry took his last breath I could feel the spirit leaving his body and he was lighter in weight after he passed on."  Katy said: "Before working at Our House I did not believe in life after death.  I now believe in the hereafter, where we go after we die."

 

During the 1980s I had a roadshow called PAULA NIELSEN & FRIENDS.  We toured towns on the Oregon coast.  Katy often went along with us and helped out with the myriad of backstage details that go into putting on a female impersonation revue.  When sharing memories of Katy at her memorial on April 23 I mentioned the names of other drag entertainers who went on the road with us.  When I finished I was suddenly hit with the fact that all but one of these wonderful performers have since passed on.  Our road manager, Carl (who we fondly called "The Carlotta"), head waiter at Darcelle XV; Carl's partner Reggie (who we fondly called "The Regine"), a talented Hawaiian hairdresser and fabulous performer; Lana Lizanne, a hispanic hairdresser and superb entertainer (Lana even passed as a woman when working in stripper bars/nightclubs); Myra Sims, a Portland LA FEMME titleholder, who died from AIDS in the earily years of the pandemic; and the fun-filled and racy Dava -- people whose wonderful memories fill my life experiences.  In March 2006 Katy K-Y joined them at the pearly gates of heaven. 

 

Yes, Katy K-Y is gone.  Yet her memory lives on.  I am honored to have known her and am proud that she was a part of my life.  While I almost died a little over a year ago, I am glad that I am still here to honor Katy's memory, and give thanks and praise to God for the many wonderful friends He has placed in my life. 

 

And always remember, there's someone who loves you, who is with you whenever you pray.  That one is Jesus Christ, seated at the right hand of God, ever living to make intercession for us -- who is touched with the feeling of our infirmities -- who understands are cards  Know that! 

 

                                                              SISTER PAULA NIELSEN

 

PS - For those who asked -- my mailing address is: PO Box 2206, Portland, OR 97208

 

God bless!