In back-alley bars and dance halls, drag grew into itself. It's fitting that the only regular drag shows in Oxford take place in a bar that's beneath the surface, because that's where the root of modern drag comes from: underground. This is Bar 1868, and tonight, there's a drag show in Oxford, Ohio. Anxiety seems to evaporate as empowerment fills its place.Īs the clock ticks on, the bar begins to fill rapidly. But after getting through the line and entering the bar, you don't think about the gloomy weather or tomorrow's Hallmark-card holiday. It's the night before Valentine's Day, and outside, it's cold and dark. Two pool tables sit to the left of the door, but right now, not a single person is playing. Five high-top tables and one long bench surround a cement dance floor, and seats are quickly snatched up.
Warm string lights adorn the ceiling, complementing the colorful party lights flashing on and off repeatedly - a textbook dive bar. It's a Wednesday night, and the street outside is mostly empty - nothing special seems to be taking place in this small college town tonight.īut what shines in this underground bar is so much more.Īt the bottom of the stairs, you're greeted by pop music, two bouncers and zero windows. As you descend the steps, you feel a beat thumping against the soles of your shoes. You enter through a narrow door and slink down a flight of stairs, walls confining you on both sides.