Ophelia Peaches: Drag, Advocacy, and Empowering the Next Generation

Jameson Johnson (they/them), a 19-year-old LGBTQ+ advocate renowned for their drag persona, Ophelia Peaches, is a dynamic force in the LGBTQ+ community. As a drag performer and young queer activist, Johnson empowers others through creativity and self-expression. Notably, Johnson is the vibrant face behind Denver’s Dragutante and has been featured on HBO’s reality TV series, Generation Drag. Ophelia’s journey from a starstruck 12-year-old at their first Pride event, to a Center Stage emcee at Denver Pride in front of thousands has been nothing short of transformative. In this interview, Ophelia shared insights into their journey, their passion for advocacy, and their hopes for the future of Pride and the LGBTQ+ community.

The Spark of Drag and the Magic of Pride

Ophelia’s introduction to drag and the LGBTQ+ community came at an early age. Recalling their first Pride experience at just 12 years old, they describe it as a moment of pure magic that changed their life forever.

“I was wearing this terrible purple Goodwill dress that my mom and I had bedazzled with cheap Joanne jewels the night before,” Ophelia reminisces with a laugh. “A family friend invited us backstage, where I was introduced to Chad Michaels. They took my little hands, spoke to me like I was present with them, and I felt so listened to and validated. It was magical, like Cinderella meeting the fairy godmother.”

This experience ignited a spark in Ophelia. The feeling of being fully and authentically themselves for the first time led to a profound realization: drag was not just a performance art; it was a means of self-expression, empowerment, and identity.

Years later, Ophelia has returned to that very stage, not as a starstruck child, but as a performer in their own right, commanding the attention of thousands. Yet, every time they step onto the stage, they think back to that first magical Pride, and to Chad Michaels, who made a young person feel seen and heard.

“I think of Chad every time I walk onto that stage and hear the crowd cheering my name,” Ophelia reflects. “It’s important for my generation to recognize the work that those before us did—the lives they put on the line so that we could be free and loved. That first Pride was the beginning of it all for me.”

Becoming Ophelia Peaches

Following that first Pride, Ophelia’s passion for drag only grew stronger. For their 13th birthday, they hosted a drag-themed party, complete with another thrifted dress and a dramatic makeover. It was during this celebration that Ophelia decided realized that drag was an inseparable part of who they are.

“I told my mom in the car after that birthday party that I felt more me than I ever had before,” Ophelia shares. “That was when Ophelia Peaches was born. And it was special because Ophelia’s drag birthday is my birthday.”

This newfound identity led Ophelia and their mom to establish a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Dragutante, focusing on creating safe spaces for young people to experience the art of drag. The goal was to offer support, community, and opportunities for families to engage in the journey together. Through this initiative, Ophelia began performing at Pride events, traveling to New York and Los Angeles for advocacy work, and connecting with other queer youth across the country.

The Role of Drag in Advocacy

For Ophelia, drag is more than just an art form—it’s a powerful tool for advocacy and connection. They believe that the visibility and celebration of queer identities through drag can create a sense of belonging and affirmation for young people who may feel isolated or misunderstood.

“My advocacy work allows me to be the voice for those in my generation who either can’t speak up or don’t have the ability to yet,” Ophelia explains. “It’s the most fulfilling thing I can do—connecting with them and realizing that their life is unique and beautiful in its own way.”

Ophelia emphasizes the importance of intergenerational understanding within the LGBTQ+ community. They frequently reflect on the sacrifices made by previous generations, recognizing that the freedoms and opportunities available today are the result of hard-won battles.

“I think it’s important for my generation to realize the work that those before us did—the lives they put on the line so that we could be free and loved,” Ophelia says. “I have a lot of hope that we will continue to build on that foundation.”

The Future of Pride and LGBTQ+ Youth

As the LGBTQ+ community looks toward the future, Ophelia is optimistic about the role that Generation Z will play in shaping the narrative. They see the next generation as more interconnected, informed, and united than ever before, thanks in part to social media and technology.

“Gen Z is entering the workforce, and because we’re so interconnected, we really do stand unified,” Ophelia notes. “Denver Pride, and Pride events everywhere, have championed this unification of our community. It’s about being present, supporting each other, and being proud of who we are.”

Ophelia encourages younger LGBTQ+ individuals to embrace their identity, find community, and stay connected to the roots of the Pride movement. As they celebrate the 50th anniversary of Denver Pride, they offer this message:

“First of all, 50 years of Pride is monumental. Our generation, Gen Z, needs to continue the work that previous generations started. We are here, we are queer, and we’re not going anywhere. Let’s use our interconnectedness to champion each other, build a stronger community, and ensure that future generations can be even more out, proud, and present.”

Ophelia Peaches embodies what it means to live authentically and use one’s platform to advocate for others. Through their drag and their commitment to the LGBTQ+ community, they are helping to create more inclusive and vibrant spaces, including at Denver Pride.