2019 Issue 6 Nov/Dec - Focus Mid-South Magazine

photo by Andrew Stanford
Wunderland is the reigning Queen Pegasus, Queen Pegasus
XVI. The Mystic Krewe of Pegasus Memphis (the city’s only
Mardi Gras krewe) is a charitable organization that designates
a beneficiary for each year. Wunderland is pictured above with
the group’s reigning king, J.D. Armstrong
a lot of work, but it’s so much
fun to see something come
from nothing to the stage –
and people like it.”
Cossitt is now the current
president of the board of
Friends of George’s, and
Allysun will perform in the
holiday show this fall.
Cossitt joined Mystic Krewe
of Pegasus Memphis, Memphis’
only Mardi Gras Krewe. He
wanted to enrich the
community, and rapidly rose to
fill the role of current reigning
Queen Pegasus XVI.
“I was fortunate enough to
be asked by the previous
Queen, Nathan Bell. Our ball
theme this year is A Night
Under the Big Top. The show
will be January 25 at
Minglewood Hall. Now
everything I see is circusthemed!”
photo by Andrew Stanford
In addition to the Pegasus
title, Allysun holds Drag
Bingo afternoons with other
drag performers at Dru’s
Place to benefit the Krewe’s
charity, the Shelby County
Drug Court Foundation. The
foundation helps past
offenders graduate from a
rehabilitation program to
give them a new start.
Cossitt expands on the
charity’s mission: “To hear
their stories and how it’s
changed their lives – how
they truly get a second
chance – is moving. If you
successfully attend and
complete the program, your
record is expunged. A lot of
people get arrested who
aren’t repeat offenders.
There’s the mom from east
Memphis, there are fathers
providing for their families –
it keeps families together, it
saves the taxpayers money.
“I wanted to promote our
diversity since our Krewe is so
diverse. Everybody loves
bingo. You play a game, watch
drag queens insult each other
on stage, and win prizes!
Sunday afternoons at Dru’s
Place have become the home
of Pegasus’ Drag Bingos, with
ten games for $25, and prizes
for both winner and bad
bingos.”
In addition to performances,
Allysun is also half of the
re:Focus podcast team, a
Focus magazine production.
“Goldie Dee and I were
approached by Ray Rico,
publisher of Focus Mid-South.
They had the idea for a
podcast, and they wanted
Goldie Dee (Micah Winter, also
on the FOG board) and me to
do it. We’ve recorded at
Goldie’s house during a dinner
party (among other places).
Goldie and Allysun have a
good rapport.”
Guests on the show include
favorite allies, local news
celebrities, publishers, and
area personalities. Re:Focus is
free on major podcast
platforms.
Cossitt credits Allysun’s
drag sisters with her evolution.
“With the help of many
friends, I’ve morphed into
someone more glamorous. It’s
all about how you carry
yourself and give it all you’ve
got. I’m more impressed by a
performer that has confidence
and isn’t as polished than as
one who looks perfect but
doesn’t deliver.
“If Ty had not suggested we
make the YouTube show, I’d
still be a Halloweener. My dear
sister Camille Collins helps me
not to be so frumpy. Allysun
gives voice to the words that
Stephen won’t say.
“Three pounds of makeup
and a wig is like armor to me
– I get away with a whole lot
more as Allysun than I would
as Stephen!”
Treat / NOV+DEC 2019 / focusmidsouth.com / Page 25