PHOTOS: The 27th annual Birdcage drag show showcases South Carolina drag talent

At the 27th annual Birdcage drag show, headlined by RuPaul veteran Heidi N. Closet, local and statewide drag performers came together to showcase their talent. The event is put on jointly by one of USC's LGBTQIA+ clubs, IRIS and Carolina Productions. This year saw a record-breaking 19 performers take the stage.

Drag king "King Perka $exxx" vogues down the middle aisle during Birdcage on April 16, 2025. King Perka $exxx has been performing since 2018 and is based out of the Southeast.

Drag king Oliver Clothessoff performs on stage at Birdcage on April 16, 2025. Clothessoff performs drag all around South Carolina and is a veteran Birdcage performer.

Drag queen Paris Lefaris poses on the stage at Birdcage on April 16, 2025. Lefaris co-hosted the night alongside headliner Heidi N. Closet.

Local drag group Kings N' Things perform "Time Warp" from "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" at Birdcage on April 16, 2025. The group is based in Columbia and offers local drag performers the chance to enter into the art.

Drag king Don Javi performs on stage at Birdcage on April 16, 2025. Based in Columbia, Javi is a frequent Birdcage performer and also collaborates with local drag talent.

Drag queen Medusa Chaos performs "Abracadabra" while dressed as Lady Gaga at Birdcage on April 16, 2025. Chaos refers to herself as the "Cosplay Queen" and "The Carolinas' Very Own Gaga".

Drag queen Vertigo performs on stage at Birdcage on April 16, 2025. Several resident drag queens from the Capital Club performed at the event.

Drag king Han D. Mann grabs tips from audience members at Birdcage on April 16, 2025. Mann is a part of local drag group Kings N' Things that features a variety of local drag talent.

Drag queen Susu Serenity struts down the center aisle with tips in hand at Birdcage on April 16, 2025. Serenity was previously the first Miss Charleston of Black Pride.

Drag queen Heidi N. Closet performs the closing number at Birdcage on Apr. 16, 2025. Closet, who previously starred in RuPaul's Drag Race, headlined the 27th Birdcage at USC.