The Daily Gamecock

PHOTOS: PT's 1109 creates safe space for self-expression in Columbia

PT's 1109 has been a friendly hotspot in the Vista for the LGBTQIA+ community for the past 20 years. The bar hosts drag shows five nights a week to embrace the vibrant LGBTQIA+ community in Columbia, S.C.

Dorae Saunders closes the Saturday night drag show at PT's 1109 on Sept. 10, 2022. She channeled old Hollywood glam into the nights finale.
Dorae Saunders closes the Saturday night drag show at PT's 1109 on Sept. 10, 2022. She channeled old Hollywood glam into the nights finale.
Songbird Lady T puts passion into her performance at PT's 1109 on Sept. 10, 2022. PT's, which is known best for its drag shows, hosts local kings and queens five nights a week.
Songbird Lady T puts passion into her performance at PT's 1109 on Sept. 10, 2022. PT's, which is known best for its drag shows, hosts local kings and queens five nights a week.
Songbird Lady T strikes a pose during her performance at PT's 1109 on Sept. 10, 2022. PT's hosts local kings and queens five nights a week.
Songbird Lady T strikes a pose during her performance at PT's 1109 on Sept. 10, 2022. PT's hosts local kings and queens five nights a week.
Beau O’Bishop makes his way around the bar during his performance at PT's 1109 on Sept. 10, 2022. O'Bishop is a drag king who performs at PT's, which embraces the vibrant LGBTQIA+ community in Columbia, S.C.
Beau O’Bishop makes his way around the bar during his performance at PT's 1109 on Sept. 10, 2022. O'Bishop is a drag king who performs at PT's, which embraces the vibrant LGBTQIA+ community in Columbia, S.C.
Beau O’Bishop performs at PT's 1109 on Sept. 10, 2022. He closed his show with one hand on his hip and the other holding a fan customized with his name and face on the front. 
Beau O’Bishop performs at PT's 1109 on Sept. 10, 2022. He closed his show with one hand on his hip and the other holding a fan customized with his name and face on the front. 
Dorae Saunders takes a break from hosting the drag show at PT's 1109 to perform her own set on Sept. 10, 2022. Decked in red from head to toe, she accented her romantic performance with a cheetah print fan. 
Dorae Saunders takes a break from hosting the drag show at PT's 1109 to perform her own set on Sept. 10, 2022. Decked in red from head to toe, she accented her romantic performance with a cheetah print fan. 
Dorae Saunders surprises the audience with a costume change during her show at PT's 1109 on Sept. 10, 2022. After finishing a romantic ballad, Saunders twirls into a new, shorter version of her original outfit.
Dorae Saunders surprises the audience with a costume change during her show at PT's 1109 on Sept. 10, 2022. After finishing a romantic ballad, Saunders twirls into a new, shorter version of her original outfit.
Songbird Lady T brings drama to her second set at PT's 1109 on Sept. 10, 2022. Her outfit change featured bright red accents and a royal robe.
Songbird Lady T brings drama to her second set at PT's 1109 on Sept. 10, 2022. Her outfit change featured bright red accents and a royal robe.
Songbird Lady T makes her way down the aisle at PT's 1109 on Sept. 10, 2022. She collects money from patrons during her final performance of the night. 
Songbird Lady T makes her way down the aisle at PT's 1109 on Sept. 10, 2022. She collects money from patrons during her final performance of the night. 
Beau O’Bishop returns for his second set at PT's on Sept. 10, 2022. His outfit change featured a bedazzled butterfly suit and matching white fedora. 
Beau O’Bishop returns for his second set at PT's on Sept. 10, 2022. His outfit change featured a bedazzled butterfly suit and matching white fedora.