Portland Public Schools puts drag performer front and center in ‘radical joy’ welcome video

Portland Public Schools (PPS) opened an official Facebook welcome-back video for teachers, principals and staff Friday with drag performer Poison Waters, who thanked district employees as the 2026-27 school year began.

Waters, whose legal name is Kevin Cook, appeared first and was identified onscreen as an advocate, educator and host. Waters thanked district employees for their work with students.

"I’m here to wish you all a successful 2026, 2027 school year and to thank all the amazing principals...