March 24, 2023, at 2:07 p.m. PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Walter C. Cole, better known as the iconic drag queen who performed for decades as Darcelle XV, has died of natural causes in Portland, Oregon.
Cry because she’s gone. But please also happy cry because she made it to 92. I am so glad, in a sense, to be mourning a queer elder who actually got to be an elder. This is a success story as told by an entire, whole, complete human lifetime. Rest in peace, Darcelle. I can’t imagine the struggles you have seen, the oppression you have overcome, and the life experience you’re taking with you to the other side. We love you. And we are so glad you made it to 92.
