As a gay male, I am always astonished how in our own culture  we perceive our own levels, ranks, and societal norms. We label ourselves as a community that strives for inclusiveness, while excluding some simply because they do not meet our definition of sexy or hot. Among those communities is the drag community, which most perceive as queens that are considered "passable" as just another bizarrely-costumed, diva-tempered male version of Naomi Campbell. The truth is that by this definition we are all one wig away from the gender-bending behavior many look down upon. It is also by this definition that we can define others as 'drag queens' - whether they are the narcissistic gym boi dressed all-out in Abercrombie & Fitch that believes he is the one everyone is lusting for, or the Leather Daddy that insists on inviting you to his dungeon where you will submissively satisfy his ultimate fantasy.
 
Rarely can one person so easily cross over with ease so many sub-cultures, simply by being true to oneself. Perhaps it was in this jealous emotion of being so free and open with ones self that drew my interest towards this particular self proclaimed drag queen- Your Flawless, Ashlee Stone.
 
Ashlee has taken drag to a new level unsurpassed in recent memory. When most drag queens storm the stage lip-syncing "Jingle Bells" to the tune of Carrie Underwood's "Before He Cheats," Ashlee catwalks across the stage, one step at a time, fine tuning all eyes to her fierce custom gowns and costumes, perfectly syncing to "Bleeding Love" by Leona Lewis. Her commitment to entertainment and the art of drag outshines those that surround her. One could easily pick out her laugh, not by its unique tone, but by the glowing energy she emits across the largest venues.
 
While most drag queens distinguish themselves with their catty remarks, Ashlee separates herself from the cast of any performance with her ability to make everyone feel as beautiful as Carrie Bradshaw with front row tickets at the hottest New York Fashion Week Runway Show.
 
Before deciding to focus her attention on furthering her education, she turned a once hidden secret of our community into an upscale boutique no straight male cross dresser was afraid to enter.  Her former salon and boutique - Fashion Le Femme - was the go to place for the hottest drag accessories and wigs. It was also the place for hair and make up advice.  
 
When asked about her upbringing Ashlee talks about John Ritter, or Goose as he is affectionately called when not in drag. She talks about a shy, self-conscious boy growing up in Yerington, a quiet farming community in rural Nevada. She talks about an amazing journey of discovery of his own self worth, and the strong personalities of those that helped to open his mind from that quiet farming boy into who he has slowly become.
 
From the great leaders of the Silver Dollar Court, to his Nona who has been the shining light that has guided him through his most troubling times, Goose has great and deep emotional debt to those he loves and admires.
 
The strong contrast between the young naïve twink and the queen in the shimmering gown and MAC makeup dancing to the radio in her downtown Belvedere condo is remarkable...and much like the transformation from cocoon into the erratic yet graceful flight of the springtime butterfly.
 
Often, coming of age marked in many cultures by age or by the ritualistic practices of their society. For Ashlee, her coming of age is not only marked by her upcoming 21st birthday, but also by an inherent dream of every drag queen to not only become Empress for her community, but to use that position as the first step in an effort to reach  a world-wide community. As grandiose as it may seem, Ashlee is quick to remind me that "[t]o dream big is to go big - Everything you've always dreamed of … just one step at a time."
 
When plagued with rumor and gossip, Ashlee vigorously defends her name. She proves to the community that one slammed door of negativity carries the force to open another towards something more positive and greater than one could ever imagine. It is this passion to be and do something greater for herself and her community and to reach for the stars is the true culture of drag.
 
I have no doubt that Ashlee Stone will someday reach the rarified heights of great deeds much like many of her Silver Dollar Court predecessors.  She holds true admiration for those immense role models; such as Keith Ann, Jack- E and the Diva's On The Run, all of whom have championed the culture of drag into something greater and immeasurable than themselves. To Ashlee, these are people whose roles she hopes to someday emulate. They are people who are so deeply rooted in our community and seflessly committed to the causes of others, that no matter where life's path leads her, she will forever seek their comfort and guidance.
 
As my interview comes to an end, it is only fitting that she jumps to her feet, singing along with Jordin Spark's "One Step At A Time":
 
"Hurry up and wait
So close, but so far away
Everything that you've always dreamed of
Close enough for you to taste
But you just can't touch
 
You wanna show the world, but no one knows your name yet
Wonder when and where and how you're gonna make it
You know you can if you get the chance
In your face and the door keeps slamming
Now you're feeling more and more frustrated
And you're getting all kind of impatient waiting
We live and we learn to take
 
One step at a time
There's no need to rush
It's like learning to fly
Or falling in love
It's gonna happen when it's
Supposed to happen that we
Find the reasons why
One step at a time."
 
 
Whether it is her shows and events which have raised thousands of dollars for charities such as the Silver Dollar Court and now The ReNO AIDS Community Task Force, or her talents for self-promotion and her larger-than-life persona that have made her one of Reno-Tahoe's most prominent drag entertainment personalities, Ashlee Stone has managed to turn an otherwise unassuming pretty boy into the model, entertainer, fashionista, and Super Model Drag Queen - Your Flawless, Ashlee Stone.