The Queen of Bowling Green Drag

'Goregina George' performs at Donna’s Bar in Bowling Green, Ky. on Sat. March 8, 2025 for their 35th birthday. “The Booger Ball [event] is for my birthday, and so I’ll make this show for me.”

Adam Dobson, 35, is not only known in Bowling Green as Adam, but also as ‘Goregina George’. For nearly 16 years, Goregina has been working on and creating their place within the drag community here.

“I started wearing dresses and playing with makeup at the age of 12,” George said. “It wasn’t until Catholic school that they told me I was gay. I felt like I didn’t belong there.”

At the age of 19, George started performing drag within the community. Here is where George found the community that they were looking for.

Goregina George (left) joins Chanel Eclipse (right) and an anonymous friend (center) before the Booger Ball main event begins. The pre-show is a audience-judged competition, where the winner will join the official Primadonna's lineup for future events.

'Goregina George' has been performing in drag for over 16 years in Bowling Green, Ky. For Goregina, drag is an outlet for expression and personal growth. "I've had a lot of people tell me that I look different than they expect; I say me too".

Billy Durban, Georges boyfriend of 11 years have recently separated. George initiated the breakup. “He has some issues surrounding alcohol,” said George. “Issues that can’t be solved together.”

“We’re doing three weeks no contact. I’m hoping that we can both take this time to realize that we want to be good for each other and that we can make it work.”

Despite their separation, Durban still showed up to Donna’s Bar on Saturday, March 8th, 2025 for an event hosted by George.

The ‘Booger Ball’ was hosted and curated by George for their 35th birthday. From the music they performed to the theme of the night, George wanted the night to be theirs.

Left: 'Goregina' prepares for her drag performance behind Donna's bar. Billy Durban (right) recently separated from Goregina after an 11 year relationship. After rekindling, Goregina and Durban are focusing on a healthier relationship.

Right: Goregina prepares for her stage performance in the changing tent behind Donna's Bar on Saturday, March 8, 2025. Donna's Owner, Aaron Anderson hopes for the future that Donna's can expand to house more of the community on nights like this. "Donna's is great, but we need more space. Aaron is working on that for us."

The Booger Ball pre-show ends in a tie between two drag performers. Goregina expresses her excitement. "This couldn't have ended any better, now they go head to head".

“Drag has changed so much from when I first started,” George said. “Everyone wants to take their clothes off and in doing so, the media and politics have become attached to drag performance.”

George feels that these changes the scene is facing are pulling them away from performing. “I think I’ll take a break after this show”.

“Drag will always be a part of me,” George said. “I’ll always be involved with the PrimaDonna’s.”

Top Left: Goregina shares some tips with a drag performer who has been performing for just over a year. "Drag isn't about making enemies, its all about finding allies and being there for each other".

Top Right: Goregina changes between outfits after her first performance at the Booger Ball on Saturday, March 8, 2025. Surrounded by other performers, Goregina does not care about showing this side of herself.

Center Left: Goregina decides on a hat to wear one of the performances at the Booger Ball. “I never plan for a specific outfit. I listen to the song I’ll perfom while looking for an outfit.”

Center Right: In preparation for the Booger Ball, Goregina applies makeup six hours before showtime. "It usually takes me around three hours for makeup alone".

Bottom Left: Goregina uses many different forms of makeup to bring her ideas to life. From blush and eyeshadow, to gorilla glue and small gems, Goregina finds creative ways to create the look she is seeking.

Bottom Right: Some of Goregina Georges’ wigs stored above her laundry machine.