San Antonio drag performer Kristi Waters says she’s taking break due to cancer diagnosis

Kristi Waters, one of San Antonio’s highest-profile drag performers, said Tuesday via social media that she’s pausing her performance schedule for an unspecified amount of time to deal with a cancer diagnosis.

“This is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to share, but I want to be honest with my community, who’s shown me nothing but love and support over the years,” Waters said via Instagram. “I’ve recently been diagnosed with Stage 3 cancer, and because of that I’ll be stepping away from performing to focus on treatment and my recovery. This isn’t goodbye forever — just a temporary pause.”

Waters didn’t reveal what kind of cancer she is battling or a timetable for recovery.

“I’m determined to fight with everything I’ve got and come back stronger, healthier and more grateful than ever to do what I love,” she added. 

A former Corpus Christi school teacher, Waters is beloved for her one-woman comedy shows and Lady Gaga tributes. In between serving as drag mother to fellow superstars Aruba Waters and RuPaul’s Drag Race alum Jorgeous, she’s performed at, hosted and directed drag shows at a variety of San Antonio venues.

Waters has also served as Grand Marshal of the first-ever Pride River Parade and did a stint as Countess of the River Walk, a title she won by helping the San Antonio River Walk and Visit San Antonio raise funds for hospitality management scholarships.

As testament to her popularity, Waters has won Best Drag Performer every year from 2020 to 2024 in the Current’s annual Best of San Antonio readers’ poll.

Waters’ Instagram followers thanked her for sharing her diagnosis and reached out with messages of support and love.

“Sending you love and strength Kristi,” fellow drag performer Miss Taint posted. “You got the whole community right behind you!”
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This article appears in Jun 12-25, 2025.