Frances is continually evolving into a creature that is proud to show off every aspect of themselves, and it seems that transformation is a specialty of Frances. Even their performances alter each and every time they take the stage: sometimes igniting humor, sometimes fear, sometimes defending a political standpoint. “I’ve gone political before, and I definitely want to go more so,” they say. “We live in a time when it is so important. There’s a time and a place for people who really want to look pretty and do drag. And there’s nothing wrong with that, but I do try and have more of a theme and a plot … rather than just going onstage, doing a tap number and exiting stage left. I realized people really appreciate [those] with a powerful message.” Everything about Frances exudes power, from their performances to their looks to the very essence of their character.
For one of their more recent performances, Frances took to the stage as a mystical space creature in a unique Dr. Who performance, “which was my favorite thing ever,” they say. “But I would really like to break out of doing something that I think is serious. Being able to be hilarious is such a strength for some queens.” And for Frances, the art of drag has brought out other gifts besides humor that they never thought they could harness all in one art form. “I never thought that I would ever in a million years gather up all this confidence in one place and just do it,” they say. “It’s a freeing process and stimulating to be around different artists who can see the world from a similar angle.”
The community of artists that The Bad Kids has inspired has become crucial for the cultivation of future artists. “There’s a certain energy that’s being brought here … Salt Lake could very well be what everyone is running away to,” they say. “People here are really reversing the entire scene, and I can put the Bad Kids into that revolution,” Frances explains. We need artists like Frances—individuals who aren’t afraid to be themselves and aren’t concerned when that self requires adjusting for room to grow. “It’s an advantage that you can use for other people who don’t feel strong enough to talk,” Frances says.
Be sure to come out and support your local artists like Frances at the next Weirdo event or Bad Kids performance, and follow them on Instagram (@opal.ascension) or on Facebook.
Opal Ascension, also known as Frances Moondust Fishbaugh. Photo: ThatGuyGil
Frances is an extremely fluid individual with a genuine kindness and sweet disposition. Photo: ThatGuyGil
Frances has won over the hearts of many in a relatively short amount of time. Photo: ThatGuyGil
Opal Ascension was born in the fall of 2015. Photo: ThatGuyGil
“[Opal Ascension is] as if Venus Extravaganza from the House of Extravaganza had a baby with Leigh Bowery in space, ‘cause there’s glamour on one end, and then there’s a completely a different digestion of glamour.” Photo: ThatGuyGil
Opal’s looks are simultaneously beautiful and vile, as they love transforming their cherubic face with an array of makeup, facial jewelry and anything that can be held on with glue. Photo: ThatGuyGil
“I miss the New York culture … but Salt Lake definitely has its perks,” says Frances. Photo: ThatGuyGil
Opal hails from upstate New York and was born and raised in Rochester. Photo: ThatGuyGil
“Being able to be hilarious is such a strength for some queens.” Photo: ThatGuyGil
“I realized people really appreciate [those] with a powerful message.” Photo: ThatGuyGil
“There’s a certain energy that’s being brought here … Salt Lake could very well be what everyone is running away to.” Photo: ThatGuyGil
Frances is continually evolving into a creature that is proud to show off every aspect of themselves, and it seems that transformation is a specialty of Frances. Photo: ThatGuyGil
“I never thought that I would ever in a million years gather up all this confidence in one place and just do it.” Photo: ThatGuyGil
“There’s a time and a place for people who really want to look pretty and do drag. And there’s nothing wrong with that, but I do try and have more of a theme and a plot.” Photo: ThatGuyGil
“It’s a freeing process and stimulating to be around different artists who can see the world from a similar angle.” Photo: ThatGuyGIl
Opal’s performances sometimes ignite humor, sometimes fear. Photo: ThatGuyGil
““I’ve gone political before, and I definitely want to go more so. We live in a time when it is so important.” Photo: ThatGuyGil
For one of their more recent performances, Frances took to the stage as a mystical space creature in a unique Dr. Who performance. Photo: ThatGuyGil
Opal’s performances alter each and every time they take the stage. Photo: ThatGuyGil
Everything about Frances exudes power, from their performances to their looks to the very essence of their character.
“People here are really reversing the entire scene, and I can put the Bad Kids into that revolution.” Photo: ThatGuyGil
![“[Opal Ascension is] as if Venus Extravaganza from the House of Extravaganza had a baby with Leigh Bowery in space, ‘cause there’s glamour on one end, and then there’s a completely a different digestion of glamour.” Photo: ThatGuyGil](https://www.slugmag.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/00-ED-SLUG-CreatureFeature-OpalAscension-GilGarcia-0020.jpg)
!["I realized people really appreciate [those] with a powerful message.” Photo: ThatGuyGil](https://www.slugmag.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/00-ED-SLUG-CreatureFeature-OpalAscension-GilGarcia-0022.jpg)
