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

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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.

Calista Pushman

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.

Calista Pushman
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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.

Calista Pushman

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.

Calista Pushman
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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.

Calista Pushman

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.

Calista Pushman
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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.



Calista Pushman

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.



Calista Pushman
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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. 

Calista Pushman

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. 

Calista Pushman
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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. 

Calista Pushman

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. 

Calista Pushman
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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.

Calista Pushman

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.

Calista Pushman
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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.

Calista Pushman

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.

Calista Pushman
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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. 

Calista Pushman

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. 

Calista Pushman
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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. 

Calista Pushman

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. 

Calista Pushman