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He was raised in the conservative south, where being gay would surely be shunned both societally and politically. Yet Jay Claypool found his calling here, twice.

Growing up wasn’t easy in Augusta, Georgia but when Claypool discovered drag, it authenticated his identity and led him to find support in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

As his Dixie Crystal persona rocked the Augusta nightclub scene, 9/11 happened. Like many at that time, Claypool reassessed his life, which led him to an air force recruiter.

His active status in the military morphed into a 20+ year career. But there was a catch. It was the “don’t ask, don’t tell” era. Yet, he continued to perform in drag. This has led Claypool into penning, Gay AF: The Military Career of a Georgia Drag Queen. His book takes the reader on a journey of self-discovery and how to reconcile an unwelcoming social climate.

CONNECT WITH JAY:

https://www.instagram.com/dc_dixie/

https://www.amazon.ca/Gay-AF-Military-Career-Georgia-ebook/dp/B0CV2JC7GH

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit debbieelicksen.substack.com