If you're familiar with Springfield, Missouri's drag scene at all, you've probably already heard the exciting news that our very own Crystal Methyd is strutting into Season 12 of RuPaul's Drag Race. Maybe you even got to attend the 4th Birthday Bash of the Get Dusted drag show, where Crystal made her big announcement. She shared fierce looks and delicious cupcakes with all of her guests and fellow queens while hosting one of the most exciting drag shows I've ever experienced.

According to this article in Sartorial Magazine (Missouri State University's student-led debut fashion magazine), the persona for Crystal Methyd -- a fitting name for a queen in the 417 -- was created through an artistic lens, dynamic performance ability, and a dash of healthy vengeance. In 2015, Crystal collaborated with The Outland Ballroom's Johan Collin to create Get Dusted, drawing inspiration from drag shows in NYC and Chicago, as well as what they saw on RuPaul's Drag Race.

Since then, the show has gone on to acquire a full cast of talented queens. Putting on shows monthly, Get Dusted offers itself to the Springfield community as a fun, inclusive, and -- most importantly -- safe environment for people to open their minds to, and eventually celebrate, the world of drag. Starting as soon as next weekend, we'll get to see Crystal showcase her talent on the same runway that's been inspiring her from the beginning.

Dressed as Napoleon Dynamite characters Kip and Deb (see cover photo), my boyfriend and I got to meet Crystal at Get Dusted's Halloween party in 2019, and I could not believe how phenomenal she was -- so kind, so energetic, so stunning. Crystal Methyd is an actual goddess, so I'm writing this article simply to wish her luck and to say that she could not be more deserving of this opportunity.

Controversial as it may be in a state like Missouri, Crystal and her Get Dusted crew literally have thousands of followers loving and supporting them. If you're in the area and are ready for some excitement, you can stop by Martha's Vineyard (where many of Springfield's drag queens get their start) to join the watch party and to cheer for Crystal as she takes the stage by storm.