Spotlight: Epoxy
THIS is DRAG - SPOTLIGHT 019 / APRIL 2025
Epoxy
Curated by Kevin Blondin
For April’s spotlight on THISisDRAG.com, we step into the curated, charismatic, and campy world of Epoxy, Windsor’s premiere drag host and the mastermind behind Epoxy Events. With a passion for building community, celebrating queer history, and pushing creative boundaries, Epoxy has become a force in Windsor’s drag scene. Whether she’s producing large-scale shows at the Masonic Ballroom, co-hosting historic showcases, or dazzling audiences with her signature blend of glamour and tackiness, Epoxy is here to make Windsor a cooler and queerer place—one show at a time.
Epoxy: The Drag Queen Making Windsor Queerer, Campier, and Bolder
A Drag Star is Born
Epoxy’s journey into drag wasn’t just a leap—it was an evolution. Originally from Windsor, Cole Fortier (Epoxy out of drag) built a name for himself as a fine artist, graphic designer, and small business owner. His work landed him international success, selling over 2,000 prints through Urban Outfitters and even supplying costume pieces for Stranger Things (Season 4) and Broadway productions. But when the pandemic hit, closing his vintage fashion business, Cole found himself drawn to a new artistic pursuit—drag.
“In quarantine, I had time to really dive into drag, something I had always wanted to explore. By 2021, Epoxy was born, and it became bigger than I ever expected.”
The Art of Epoxy
Epoxy describes her aesthetic as if "a rich lady’s crusty little poodle became a 6’3” woman." Blending camp, glamour, and big sparkly drag energy, she revels in tackiness and embraces the classic elements of drag with a fresh perspective. Inspired by legendary funny women like Agnes Moorehead, Lucille Ball, Joan Rivers, and Carol Burnett, her performances bring a mix of humor, nostalgia, and high-energy charisma.
When it comes to must-have drag essentials, Epoxy swears by Pros-Aide glue, Drysol antiperspirant for those sweaty summer gigs, and Mehron clown white for that perfect highlight. And if you catch her backstage, you might just hear her getting pumped up to My Neck, My Back by Khia.
“I might not be the prettiest one in the room, or the thinnest, but one thing I know for sure is- I’m also not the smartest.”
Building Windsor’s Drag Future
More than just a performer, Epoxy is a builder—of shows, opportunities, and spaces for queer expression. She’s secured multiple grants and funding to produce drag-centered projects, including a historical drag showcase chronicling 150 years of Windsor-Detroit drag in collaboration with historian Walter Cassidy. She has also co-hosted major productions at the Capitol Theatre and continues to push for larger-scale, high-production-value drag events in Windsor.
“I love trying new things and pushing boundaries. I love pushing my drag peers to think big and bring their best to my shows.”
Now, as the founder of Epoxy Events, she’s bringing drag into new venues, with a focus on elevating the Windsor scene through high-quality productions. Her latest venture? A series of monthly drag shows at the Masonic Ballroom, with Battle of the Babes 6 set for April 26.
A Legacy in the Making
While Epoxy has already accomplished so much, she’s just getting started. Looking ahead, she sees herself exploring new business opportunities or even working abroad—always chasing the next adventure. But one thing remains constant: her commitment to queer visibility and artistic expression.
“Drag is a protest. Being visibly queer and sharing queer art with the world is so important.”
With Epoxy leading the charge, Windsor’s drag scene is in for a wild, glitter-filled ride. Follow her journey, support her shows, and watch as she continues to make waves in the world of drag. And make sure not to miss Battle of the Babes 6- Bling Edition, on April 26!
Battle of the Babes 6: Bling Edition
Friday, April 25, 2025
At Temple Ballroom - 986 Ouellette Ave, Windsor, ON