From Biology, to Faith, to Drag: How Terra Became Zimmorah

My name is Terra Bea Ware, and I am the woman behind the drag persona Zimmorah Mei. I’m a bit of a nomad, but Colorado Springs is where I spent many of my formative years. Outside of drag, I am a biologist by trade with a focus in food microbiology.

Living in Colorado for most of my life shaped me for both better and worse. I come from a deeply religious family and community that, while loving at times, was often exclusionary. Discovering my identity in one of the more conservative areas of the country made finding community and allies a necessity. Since moving across the state and country, I’ve discovered a level of resilience, determination, and love I never thought I’d have access to.

I found drag through a multitude of paths. Like many, RuPaul’s Drag Race showed me there were others in the world like me—a vital discovery for a deeply sheltered kid. I began experimenting with drag and gender play in high school, but the true way I found drag was through Porsha Demarco-Douglas. She was walking a runway at a Juneteenth event and she blew me away with her strut , her charisma and her fearlessness. Once I saw her hit a split at the end of that runway , I knew I needed to be involved in whatever world she was a part of.

In 2017, I finally dipped my toes in. My alma mater, the University of Northern Colorado, hosted an annual drag show, and I knew I had to try it. That show, hosted by Jessica L’Whore and Khrys’taaal, changed my world forever. I stepped onto that stage nearly ten years ago and was immediately bitten by the "drag bug." That same year, I began my professional journey and helped reignite the love for drag within the Northern Colorado community.

Zimmorah became my armour and my safest space. She gave me the courage to have fun, give back, and eventually become the woman I am today. Drag helped me realize I was a woman full-time, not just for a show. Quite literally, drag saved my life.

Drag is often met with negativity from the religious and conservative right, and I wish they could see what it actually does for people like me. Many of us grew up honing our talents in the church, and drag allows us to worship the divine in a uniquely queer way. To me, drag is spiritual; it reaches me the same way church reaches them. It builds community, fosters love, and creates family. The support I find here goes deeper than the environment in which I was raised. It is a sisterhood unlike any other. We may fight, but we stand together when one of us is in trouble.

As a Black, trans artist in this political moment, I know it is easy to feel discouraged. However, reflecting on what our Black and queer ancestors endured, I believe we have a responsibility to fight like hell for the next generation. I have been afraid before, but I won’t be again. Now is the time to build community and love one another.

If you want to show up for Black, trans people, the solution is simple: book us, hire us, educate us, and connect us to our dreams. Be the conduit to a brighter day. Challenge those who speak against our community, and never be afraid to be a warrior for your rights and for your people.

You can find and support Zimmorah on all socials, including venmo, at @Zimmorah.

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