Drag performer Honey Davenport made history over the Memorial Day Weekend when they became the first drag queen to win the title of International Mr. Leather. Davenport advanced to the international contest, held at Congress Plaza Hotel in Chicago, by winning the title Mr. Palm Springs Leather last Nov. 1.
Sgt. Alex, Mr. Cinncinnati Leather 2025, was first runner-up, and Denzel Belin, Mr. Twin Cities Leather 2026, was second runner-up.
Atlas Rose, Route 66 Bootblack 2025, won the title of International Mr. Bootblack (IMBB) during the 48th IML Weekend, with Jimmy Basset as first runner-up and Pup Verde as second running up.
Honey Davenport (James Heath-Clark) was already a longtime fixture in the New York City nightlife scene when, in 2019, she gained national attention when she competed on season 11 of RuPaul’s Drag Race. They identify as non-binary pansexual and are married to John Heath-Clark.
Although Honey Davenport is from New York (later moving to L.A.) they have strong ties to North Texas as a member of the legendary Davenport family. Honey’s drag mother is Lady Deja Davenport, but her drag grandmother is Dallas’ own Kelexis Davenport, and her drag aunts include Dallas legends Kennedy Davenport and the late Sahara Davenport, both of whom gained national attention on Drag Race. Kennedy is also reknowned for her dancing talents and her many local, state and national pageant titles.
Honey Davenport’s drag cousins include A’keria C. Davenport and Ra’Jah Davenport, both from Dallas and both also Drag Race alums.
Although not a North Texas connection, it is worth noting that Honey Davenport is the drag mother of Monét X Change, the Drag Race season 10 Miss Congeniality and the winner of Drag Race All Stars 4.
— Tammye Nash