Pride Party a time for reunions, fun – Texarkana Gazette

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TEXARKANA, Ark. — The local gay bar Village Station hosted a Pride party on Saturday that provided entertainment for all and a place of reunion for others.

Drag performer Vivien Vee pulled three attendees from the crowd surrounding the dance floor who were celebrating birthdays. McKennah Ball wasn’t marking a birthday but was experiencing his first time at a bar and came up at Vee’s urging.

Ball was also meeting his half-sister, London Kohler, for the first time. Kohler met Ball a year ago when he introduced himself as her brother.

“Whenever he first told me, I didn’t believe him,” Kohler said. “I reached out to McKennah a while back on Facebook and I messaged him, saying, ‘Hey, I’m sorry I told you that you weren’t my brother and stuff. I’d like to have a relationship with you and learn about you.”

Ball always knew he had a sister but said his motherdidn’t want to rush anything out of respect for Kohler’s mother.

“I didn’t want to intrude or tell her until it was the right time,” Ball said. “I think whenever I did tell her I had pink hair; it was a little outrageous.”

“(I reached out to Ball) because I wanted to have a little brother,” Kohler said. “It’s pretty cool to not be alone.”

Kohler and Ball said they spent their evening talking about things they’ve experienced and comparing their traits.

“We both like to draw and stuff,” Kohler said. “We both do music and we both like to sing, and we’re just learning stuff about each other.

Vee and drag queens Aysia Camille and Ann Ceity performed choreographed dances for their audience. Vee’s face was expressive during performances of songs by disco singer Donna Summer and pop artist Jennifer Lopez. Camille danced to Demi Lovato’s “Cool for the Summer,” and Ceity lip synced to a parody song.

During the intermission, Vee selected two winners of a gift basket from Venus. Village Station raised $150 from tickets purchased for the raffle. The proceeds go to the Trevor Project, an organization that helps young LGBTQ+ individuals.

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