How one Coastal Bend drag business is defending rights

Isis Paris York, whose real name is Jacob Perez, and their husband, Izzy Perez Gonzalez, run AZUL Entertainment, a drag entertainment business in the Corpus Christi area.
AZUL Entertainment has faced challenges including political discourse and threats from hate groups.
Despite facing adversity, AZUL Entertainment remains resilient and continues to provide a platform for LGBTQ+ performers.

Under a lone spotlight, Isis Paris York lip-synched to a blend of Ariana Grande’s “God Is a Woman” and “7 Rings” as people in the crowd stood up to tip her with dollar bills at Corpus Christi’s oldest gay bar, the Hidden Door.

The rhinestones on Paris York’s nude-illusion bodysuit glistened in the light as she strutted down a runway, tossing her hair back and forth.

Later in the night, Paris York came back onstage to mingle with the audience. She ribbed on people’s outfits, joked around with a patron’s parents and congratulated a newly married couple.

“We’re all here to have a fun time tonight,” Paris York said into her microphone before welcoming the next drag queen on stage.

Paris York’s real name is Jacob Perez. Since 2018, Perez and their husband, Izzy Perez Gonzalez, have been running AZUL Entertainment, a business that allows venues and individuals to book drag performers for parties, weddings and other events.

In recent years, numerous bills in the Texas Legislature have targeted the LGBTQ+ community, including attempts to ban drag shows altogether. Perez and Perez Gonzalez, who live in Portland, said they have tried to stay optimistic in the face of both political discourse and local challenges.

“We get a lot of people who come to a show for the first time and tell us afterwards that it was not what they expected it to be,” Perez said. “If you’ve never been to a drag show, come and gauge it for yourself. If you don’t like it, that’s fine. The same freedom I deserve to be able to live my life and express myself in a space that’s safe for me, the same applies to others.

“The same way you want to be respected by me, I want to be respected by you.”

‘We’re not going anywhere’

Six years ago, there were only two LGBTQ+ venues in Corpus Christi: Sanctuary and the Hidden Door.

At the time, both venues had show directors that already had set entertainers. Unable to perform at those clubs, Perez and Perez Gonzalez sought to create a business to help performers take the stage.

Since then, AZUL Entertainment has performed at countless bars and clubs in the Coastal Bend and across the Lone Star State.

Perez is the face of AZUL Entertainment as his drag persona, Isis Paris York, while Perez Gonzalez handles the business behind the scenes.

With a wide range of duties, including marketing and design, Perez Gonzalez referred to himself as the CEO of AZUL Entertainment who pulled from his family’s experience with small businesses and live productions.

John Wootres, also known as Gemini B. York, is one of the entertainers on AZUL’s roster. Wootres said joining the business has empowered them and helped them grow as a performer.

President Donald Trump’s recent actions on LGBTQ+ issues have included efforts to rescind anti-discrimination policies, ban trans athletes from competing in sports and cancel federal funding for research into the health of LGBTQ+ people. Wootres said that although Trump’s administration may seem “scary,” AZUL Entertainment isn’t afraid to face that fear.

“AZUL Entertainment’s never been quiet or one to back down from anyone,” Wootres said. “Trump is coming for our literal existence, so it’s very important for us to be visible and stay public. By doing so, we are letting them know we’re not going anywhere. We will continue living our life by going on stage and performing.”

Obstacles faced along the way

Perez Gonzalez said some productions they’ve held have received backlash from the Coastal Bend community, but most protesters are not from the area.

He recalled a few occurrences when “hate groups” from North Texas and other states called venues to threaten owners who planned to host drag performances.

Joshua Maisonet, whose stage name is Noel Matthewz York, joined the business in May 2023 because he “wanted to be with the best.”

Since joining, he said he’s seen AZUL Entertainment face obstacles but continue to rise above them.

“We’re truly fearless,” Maisonet said. “We know, we understand and we’re very aware what we’re up against. We’re not going to stop. As long as we continue to show up and provide a safe space for each other, nothing will stop us.”

Other than hateful comments online, the two said a constant struggle they face is finding venues that work with drag entertainers.

“Because of the political climate, some businesses don’t want to come out and say they support us by hosting us,” Perez Gonzalez said. “They don’t want to take that hit financially. Some say they don’t want to put us in harm’s way because of their clientele; others say they will wait until things calm down before they take us in. All of that in understandable; we don’t get upset about it.”

‘Now drag is political’

There are nearly a dozen performers in AZUL Entertainment’s roster, but Perez and Perez Gonzalez said they are always seeking out fresh talent, especially performers who want to grow and refine their craft.

“Drag is a job, and now drag is political,” Perez Gonzalez said. “When you get on that stage, you’re advertising to the world who you are and what you stand for. We are here to entertain and make a statement. When you come on board, you have to be ready to be on the front lines and defend our community. You need to realize drag is a protest.”

They said those interested in joining may approach them after a show they host or reach out to them via social media.

Eight years in, Perez and Perez Gonzalez said they’re looking forward to retirement in the next eight years when they’re in their early 40s.

“We didn’t start AZUL Entertainment with this idea of us being a pillar of light and beacon for our community,” Perez said. “I wasn’t getting booked and neither were my friends. We wanted to create a space where we can perform and have a good time.”

They said another generation will eventually continue their unexpected legacy.

“We laid out the groundwork; now they just need to follow our templates and continue the work,” Perez said. “They need to continue the fight for equality.”