In this episode of Slightly Unhinged, Justin sits down with Riley Burrows, a high-glamour, high-energy drag performer whose story is as compelling as the performances themselves. From starting drag at just 13 years old in deeply conservative Idaho to building a full-time career as a traveling entertainer, Riley opens up about identity, ambition, survival, performance, and what it really takes to make drag your whole life.
Justin and Riley get into growing up queer in places that were anything but safe, the tension between performance persona and real self, and the very real physical, emotional, and financial labor behind drag as a full-time job. They also talk about Portland, chosen family, favorite local venues, drag community, and the strange, beautiful reality of building a life completely on your own terms.
This one is hilarious, brutally honest and full of the kind of perspective that makes Slightly Unhinged feel like more than a podcast. It feels like community.
Riley Burrows is a full-time traveling drag entertainer originally from Boise, Idaho, now based in Portland. Known for high-energy performances, sharp humor, and serious stage presence, Riley has been performing for over a decade and has built a career touring, producing, and performing across cities while staying rooted in queer community and live performance.
Instagram: @rileyburrowsofficial
Riley says Instagram is the best place to keep up with performances and what's happening next.
CC Slaughters
Website: ccslaughterspdx.com
Instagram: @slaughterspdx
Alberta Street Pub
Website: albertastreetpub.com
Instagram: @albertastreetpub
Clinton Street Theater
Website: cstpdx.com
Instagram: @clinton_street_theater
Sun Valley Pride
Website: Sun Valley Pride
Instagram: @sunvalleypride
Humpin’ Hannah’s
Website: humpinhannahs.com
The Balcony Club
Website: thebalconyclub.com
Nicole Onoscopi
Instagram: @nicoleonoscopi
Kharisma with the K
Instagram: @kharismakwiththek
Sheniqua Volt
Instagram: @sheniqua_volt
Riley specifically shouts out Nicole, Kharisma, and Sheniqua as queens she loves and respects in the Portland scene.
Instagram: @slightlyunhingedthepodcast
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