Poison Waters
For 38 years Rose Empress XLIV Dr. Poison Waters has represented the International Court System throughout the Pacific Northwest and beyond, coordinating and hosting an endless docket of benefits and revues for various local, regional and national charities. She has been recognized for her Community service, raising awareness, and providing entertainment to such charities as Cascade AIDS Project, Dress for Success Oregon and Make a Wish Foundation. Poison has received The Assistance League of Greater Portland’s National Operation School Bell Award, a Jose Honor, as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Court System, and the Fred E. Tree Spirit of Stonewall Award for outstanding activism and leadership. Membership in the Imperial Sovereign Rose Court her entire drag career has garnered her the prestigious positions of Rosebud/Jr. Empress, First Lady, Princess XXV, Rose Empress XLIV and Queen Mother II of all Oregon.
She’s spoken on the Capitol steps in Salem, addressed the Oregon House of Representatives and accepted multiple invitations to speak at City Hall in Portland. She is currently in her 6th year as an adjunct professor at Portland Community College teaching a course on Portland’s Drag History and in 2023, was a co producer of Drag-a-Thon, the Guinness World Record breaking longest running drag show at 48 hours, 11 minutes and 30 seconds, raising over $300,000.00 for The Trevor Project! That same year, Poison was also featured in the Oregonian newspaper as one of the 25 most inspiring people of 2023.
In 2025 Poison received an Honorary Doctorate degree from Portland State University. 2026 marks the 26th year volunteering with summer camps for children whose lives have been affected by HIV. Poison, as Kevin is the Camp Director for Cascade AIDS Projects’ Camp KC (Kids Connection).
Contact Poison at kevinefcook@comcast.net