Drag performer killed in Ft. Worth, another critically injured
by Rob Howard
Associate Editor
Drag performer Bianca Giselle Davenport Starr was killed at her home in Fort Worth, Texas on Friday, Dec. 8. Her roommate, London Starr was injured in the shooting, according to reports by Fort Worth police and by family and friends on Facebook.
London Starr was taken to Harris Methodist Hospital in critical condition.
The shooter was identified as a black male, 35, with salt-and-pepper colored facial hair, according to the Dallas Voice, a Texas LGBT+ newspaper and website. Police reports initially said the shooter was a third roommate at the home. Friends later said that the description of the shooter was accurate, but that he was not the third roommate.
Oklahoma City drag performer Shantel Mandalay told The Gayly that she was the victim of an incident in recent years. “I was working at the club; someone followed me to my house. They came in, grabbed me by the arm, but I was able to free myself, and when I was calling the police, he ran out the door,” she said.
While saying she doesn’t know if violence has happened in OKC in the past, that nationally, “It seems to be more prevalent lately, or maybe we’re just hearing more about it.”
The murder of Bianca Starr was the second of a drag performer in a few months in Texas. In August, San Antonio performer Torrance Cheeves, known by her fans as “Miss Whoochie” was brutally murdered.
"Bianca Giselle Davenport Starr was Miss Dallas Pride 2017 and Miss Texas State At Large 2017. The multitude of tributes left on her Facebook page by family and friends described her as a talented performer as a well as a loving and supportive friend and family member with an amazing sense of humor,” said the Voice.
Shantel Mandalay discussed the possibility of violence with The Gayly. “I worry about it, and take precautions to protect myself.”
Among her precautions are taking her wardrobe and makeup to the club, and getting ready for a show there. In addition, “I have a house with a garage, so I can drive in, close the garage door, and then enter my house from the garage.” That prevents her from being in the open in her performance attire.
The clubs are protective of their performers as well, she said. “The clubs usually walk us out. One of the bartenders or door guys. They are very good at doing that for us. You just have to be extra careful.”
Shantel Mandalay is currently Miss Oklahoma USofA Classic, and is former Miss Vintage American National Star. She has performed for 17 years in Oklahoma City and other venues. She performs at The Boom and Tramps in OKC.
Copyright The Gayly – December 11, 2017 @ 1:20 p.m. CST.