Wanda Anne Cosmos
In early 2022 at 23 years old, Wanda Anne Cosmos was born in Eugene, Oregon. A drag queen who has become confident now overshadows the person who is anxious and nervous. Cosmos goes by she/they and out of drag as he/him.
Behind the performer lies the impersonator's personality, who has struggled with their identity, but drag helped him discover what he likes. From the first performance, it all clicked. Cosmos began performing at different locations through invitations from local drag queens. Now living in Tigard, Ore., he tries to get his name out there as much as possible.
The impersonator was openly queer before doing drag, and while dealing with self-acceptance, he battled internal homophobia and toxic masculinity. Now he has become more comfortable with who he is. "When I was young, there were no people who looked like me who do what I do now; I felt so isolated in my experience as a person of color trying to figure out my queer identity," said Cosmos.
It's an active learning journey that continues with their as a medical administrative assistant during the day with a career in psychology and helping clients with their mental health. In their free time, impersonator loves to shop, write poetry, watch movies, and play video games. However, much of that free time is spent preparing and planning drag outfits for upcoming shows. In just one year, they collected many pieces of clothing for various looks.
What keeps Cosmos going is his advice, "Maybe there is a little Wanda out there who is like gonna be at a show and see me... just be gay, and it's alright you can be happy anything you want you can have being black, and queer isn't going to stop you." Being a drag queen is a side gig, but if they become famous one day, they will consider being a full-time drag queen.
Cosmos organizes his drag items in bins and boxes on March 12, 2023. Wanda Anne Cosmos lives with his high school friend's family in Tigard, Ore. He has his drag outfits in three house spaces: his room, a guest room, and the garage.
Cosmos looks at a wing set and wonders if he should keep it on March 12, 2023. Cosmos gets rid of the pieces she won't use anymore by throwing them in the trash or donating them.
Cosmos uses hot glue to cover any revealing possible hair net during a performance on March 12, 2023. Cosmos prepares before upcoming shows by making minor repairs to the outfits planned.
Cosmos tries on heels to see how they feel and imagines all the possible combinations she can use them for on March 12, 2023. Cosmos takes pride in collecting used pieces for outfits but occasionally goes shopping. Cosmos used to worry about being seen shopping for women's attire, but now he doesn't care.
Cosmos went to a house party where he used to live as a student on March 4, 2023. Originally from Tacoma, Wash., Cosmos moved to Eugene, Ore., to study psychology at the University of Oregon for four years. After graduating, he returns to Eugene as much as possible, "The energy with living people you actually like was really nice...I miss that, the community, and the youthful energy around me."
Cosmos does final makeup touches before performing on stage on Feb. 4, 2023. Ideally, Cosmos would want to have 4 hours to get ready but usually only has around 2 hours because of work and other commitments.
Cosmos struggles with ADHD, and his thoughts are always racing, but as soon as Cosmos steps on stage, she is the moment on Feb. 28, 2023. Drag has become meditative for him, "I kinda get in this flow, this trance...I let go of trying to know the words and dance moves, just live in the music, and whatever comes out of that, that's gonna be my best stuff."
Cosmos performs at Darcelle XV Showplace in Portland, Ore. home to the longest-running drag show on the West Coast, on Feb. 28, 2023. With today's laws, drag venues are closed every day. Cosmos doesn't take performing at Darcelle for granted, and it will always be special for Wanda Anne Cosmos, "It just really feels like my drag ancestors are speaking to me at the moment and can kinda feel their power...I always try to give my A game."
Cosmos tips a local performer on March 4, 2023. Spectrum Queer Bar in Eugene, Ore., is one of many places she performs, but she sometimes goes as a spectator and loves to celebrate other people for their work and admire their strengths.
Cosmos projects his Nintendo Switch on the wall as he plays Pokemon on March 12, 2023. "I've reached a point in the game where it's mindless tasks that I'm doing in the game, which is great, it's a nice brain break from working on drag and work," said Cosmos.
Javi’s Support System/El Sistema de Apoyo de Javi
Javier Eduardo Sandoval Góngora, 17, a Salvadorian-American born and raised in Eugene, Oregon, is a junior in high school with an American dream of playing professional soccer. Sandoval Góngora attends Marist Catholic High School. At first impression, many of his peers have told him he seemed arrogant; however, when I asked what three words he would describe himself as, he said, "Genuine. Dedicated. Outgoing."
Since age four, Sandoval Góngora has played soccer at a high level in various clubs. He’s had the opportunity to compete at camps and tournaments in Arizona, California, Idaho, and Washington. When not playing at the high school level Sandoval Góngora dedicates his time to playing club soccer. Sandoval Góngora has not been alone through this soccer journey. He has a great support system — his parents, cousins, uncles, and especially his brother.
What makes the bond with his brother special is, "When we lived together, we experienced a lot of hardships...we got each other to keep us connected and pushing forward no matter how hard it gets, we have each other's back." The difficult times of family turmoil and unhealthy arguments helped build their relationship today.
In the short time he is free, he enjoys listening to music, watching youtube or tv, and helping others. Sandoval Góngora prides himself on being a good role model for anybody looking at him and seeing his story.
Javier Eduardo Sandoval Góngora, de 17 años, un salvadoreño-estadounidense nacido y criado en Eugene, Oregón, es un estudiante de secundaria con el sueño americano de jugar fútbol profesional. Sandoval Góngora asiste a la Escuela Secundaria Marist Catholic. A primera vista, muchos de sus compañeros le han dicho que parecía arrogante; sin embargo, cuando le pregunté con qué tres palabras se describiría a sí mismo, dijo: "Genuino. Dedicado. Extrovertido".
Desde los cuatro años, Sandoval Góngora ha jugado fútbol a un alto nivel en varios clubes. Ha tenido la oportunidad de competir en campamentos y torneos en Arizona, California, Idaho y Washington. Cuando no juega en el nivel secundario, Sandoval Góngora dedica su tiempo a jugar fútbol de club. Sandoval Góngora no ha estado solo en este camino futbolístico. Tiene un gran sistema de apoyo: sus padres, primos, tíos y especialmente su hermano.
Lo que hace que el vínculo con su hermano sea especial es: "Cuando vivíamos juntos, experimentamos muchas dificultades... nos apoyamos el uno al otro para mantenernos conectados y seguir adelante sin importar lo difícil que se ponga, nos apoyamos mutuamente". Los tiempos difíciles de confusión familiar y discusiones poco saludables ayudaron a construir su relación hoy.
En el poco tiempo que tiene libre, le gusta escuchar música, ver youtube o televisión y ayudar a los demás. Sandoval Góngora se enorgullece de ser un buen modelo a seguir para cualquiera que lo mire y vea su historia.
Javi Sandoval Góngora juega en un campamento de identificación de fútbol en Vancouver, Washington, el 20 de mayo de 2023. "El fútbol es mi verdadero amor y pasión. Ha sido algo que siempre ha estado ahí para mí. No importa qué agujero oscuro esté o me derrumbo, siempre está ahí para levantarme", dice.
Javi es uno de los muchos atletas a los que se presentaron los entrenadores universitarios el 20 de mayo de 2023. Ha visitado campamentos toda su vida para mostrar sus habilidades y ayudar a construir relaciones con los entrenadores.
Javi ha estado del lado de los ganadores de muchos torneos pero no de todos. "...las derrotas que sufrimos en la final duelen. Y me recuerda la vergüenza que sentí cuando nos dieron esas medallas... Es algo que me motiva", dice Javi.
Antes de hacer la transición al fútbol, el primer amor de Javi fue el baloncesto. Todavía mira baloncesto con frecuencia con sus padres en su casa en Eugene, Oregón.
Javi pasa de tres a cuatro horas por la noche haciendo su tarea.
Sandoval agradece la libertad que tiene con su hermano, Jorge Jr. "No necesito avergonzarme. Puedo ser yo mismo, no poner un espectáculo, no poner una cara falsa, es solo si me siento mal". y él siente que hablamos de eso o simplemente tontamente o un abrazo normal o simplemente como si yo lo mirara con disgusto mirándome a mí o al revés".
"Pasar tiempo con la familia siempre es divertido, sin importar quién sea... Los chismes pueden pasar de 0 a 100 muy rápido", dice Javi. En el Día de la Madre de 2023, la parte de la familia de Portland no pudo estar en Eugene por la celebración, pero la norma es reunirse a menudo.
A Javi no le gusta llegar tarde, así que se despierta antes que el resto de su familia durante el campamento de fútbol.
"Mis padres son mis seguidores número uno, amo y aprecio todo lo que hacen por mí y se sacrifican por mí", dice Javi. “Si el fútbol no le funciona, sobre todo quiero que sea un buen ser humano”, dice la madre de Javi, Xitlali Sandoval Góngora.
Javi camina hacia el campamento de fútbol en mayo de 2023. Espera jugar en la universidad y está interesado en la Universidad de Portland, la Universidad de St. Louis y el Thomas College.
Jorge Jr. disfruta del apoyo que recibe de Javi, "Quiero que haga algo que sé que le apasiona mucho y sé que mis padres ya luchan con muchas cosas".
Javi Sandoval Góngora plays at an identification soccer camp in Vancouver, Washington, on May 20, 2023. "Soccer is my true love and passion. It's been something that has always been there for me. No matter what dark hole I'm in or slump, it's always there to spring me back up," he says.
Javi is one of many athletes that college coaches introduced themselves to on May 20, 2023. He has visited camps all his life to showcase his abilities and help build relationships with coaches.
Before he transitioned to soccer, Javi’s first love was basketball. He still frequently watches basketball with his parents in their home in Eugene, Oregon.
Javi has been on the winner's side of many tournaments but not all. "...losses we took in the finals hurt. And it reminds me of the shame I felt when we were given those medals... It's something that motivates me," says Javi.
Javi spends three to four hours a night doing his homework.
Sandoval appreciates the freedom he has with his brother, Jorge Jr. "I don't need to shy away. I can just be me, not put a show, not put a fake face, it's just if I'm feeling bad and he senses it we talk about it or just goofy or a normal hug or just like me looking him in disgust looking at me or the other way around."
"Spending time with family is always fun no matter who it is...The gossip can go from 0 to 100 real quick,” says Javi. On Mother's Day 2023 the Portland part of the family couldn’t be in Eugene for the celebration, but the norm is to get together often.
Javi doesn’t like being late, so he wakes before the rest of his family during soccer camp.
"My parents are my number one supporters, and I love and appreciate everything they do for me and sacrifice for me," says Javi. "If soccer doesn't work for him, above all, I want him to be a good human being," says Javi’s mother Xitlali Sandoval Góngora (Trans. from Spanish).
Javi walks to soccer camp May of 2023. He hopes to play in college and is interested in the University of Portland, St. Louis University, and Thomas College.
Jorge Jr. enjoys the support he gets from Javi, "I want him to do something that I know he is super passionate about and I know my parents already struggle with so many things.”