Derek McCance Castro and his dog, Zeus — the inspiration for a foundation that McCance is involved in.
Entrepreneur, artist and survivor — Derek McCance Castro isn’t going to let anything slow him down.
Co-owner of Kings Rising Salon and Spa (KRS Beauty) with husband, Bon’Sel Lightfoot, the pair will be hosting their second annual Legendary Queens Showcase at 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23, at the Andrew Carnegie Free Library and Music Hall in Carnegie. This year spectators won’t just be supporting the artistry of female impersonation, they’ll be supporting the With Love From Zeusy nonprofit foundation.
“Every dollar that is made after everything is taken care of is donated to the foundation,” McCance explained. “We’re not doing it for profit. We want to help people and we love the art form.”
A survivor of sexual abuse himself, McCance said he understands the importance of empathy, positivity and unconditional love. Having been molested for roughly three years as a young child, McCance understands struggle and the path to salvation. Along with years of darkness, there were also years of light. Most of that is credited to his late dog, or fur-baby, Zeus, upon whom the foundation is based.
It was quite simple. Five years ago when McCance was 24, a counselor advised him to get a dog. He thought she was crazy.
“I remember looking at her and thinking, are you kidding me?” he recalled. “I’m a mess, a disaster in my life, and I love myself so little.”
But that all changed after meeting Zeus.
“Every day I received unconditional love from this dog,” he said. “I literally changed my life because of him. With Zeus, I went to school, I got my degree in cosmetology and I simply did it because I had to make money to take care of my dog. The reality is I couldn’t remember the last time something loved me so purely. When you feel love like that, it motivates you.”
Although McCance lost Zeus this past December, the pair already had plans to host the show. But they knew this was the time to launch something even greater: the foundation. The showcase will feature talented dancers and singers, and both male and female performers from around the world. It is meant to feature dazzling talent, stunning visual effects and be an embodiment of love and unity. Ticket options range from $65 to $150, and each guest will receive access to vendors, a souvenir cup, various drink options and a seat to a performance of a lifetime. Featured talents include Flame Monroe, Rasean Montrese, Coco Van Cartier and more.
“It’s a tribute to Zeus and a celebration of survival,” McCance said. “I don’t find a better place to launch it because drag was such a prominent part of my life and I say that because I want people to understand that it’s so much more than performing and lip-syncing on a stage.
“It’s a journey, an artform and it’s a family.”
McCance understands the feeling of isolation and darkness. Despite how young he was at the time, he remembers every moment of the assaults, every moment of the court hearings and every moment of the trauma.
“Yes, I was a victim, but if I hadn’t made the decision at some point to be a survivor, I don’t know if I’d be where I’m at today,” he said. “Even as a victim, I believe there’s some accountability that we need to take because the control that you take from the predator is the fact of you not letting them control your narrative anymore.
“At some point I just chose to take the better path for myself and that’s when Zeus came into my life.”
Zeus was always by his side; he went to bars, sat in dressing rooms and traveled everywhere with McCance, especially when he was actively involved in female impersonation performances.
“He was always there waiting after wins and losses – the boy had rhinestones in his stool,” he explained with a chuckle.
He simply wants others to experience a love similar to the one he had.
The foundation’s ultimate goal is to help kids and adults heal from sexual abuse through unconditional love. To do so, all profit made at the Aug. 23 event will help assist in pairing the survivors with therapists, counselors and fur-baby love.
“We want to remind people what unconditional love looks like and how it can heal,” McCance said. “I am living proof that it works.
“Let’s change someone’s life together.”
Ticket information for the Aug. 23 event can be found at tickettailor.com or eventbrite.com, and they also can be purchased at the Kings Rising Salon and Spa in Carnegie.
“The show is a place of love and unity,” McCance said. “At least for a couple of hours, when you walk through those doors, you can feel what unconditional love is like in a place that is safe.”
For more information, visit the Legendary Queens Showcase Facebook page.
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