While living in Florida and spending most of their time in the queer nightlife world, Starr was introduced to meth by the person they were dating at the time."I actually got addicted to meth, and I've now been twelve or thirteen years sober. I always see myself as 'once an addict, always an addict,' so therefore I don't say I'm not an addict, I'm just a recovering addict," says Starr.
Though not always openly discussed, substance abuse is particularly rampant in the queer community, especially among drag entertainers. Working in bar and club environments doesn't just give performers easy access to start experimenting with alcohol and drugs, but it makes it hard for them to stay sober if they do choose to stop.
While Starr is now back to performing regularly and will take bookings at bars, they only want to host shows in"sober-positive" environments. Fortunately, a sober bar calledappeared in Denver just as Starr was beginning to embrace an alcohol-free lifestyle. Awake is an alcohol-free bar, bottle shop and coffeehouse offering zero-proof wine, beer and spirits.
"I was like, 'This is fate. This place is supposed to be in my life.' It was just a match made in heaven. They've been such a support to me, and it's a straight couple that owns it, but they've been allies for many, many years. I don't see Awake as a straight place, I don't see Awake as a gay place, or any certain type of place other than inclusive to everybody," Starr gushes.