Phantom: The True Definition of Illusion

 

 

A few months ago, I was scrolling through YouTube trying to find new artists to pay attention to and found a performance of a drag king named Phantom who dressed up as Edward Scissorhands and captivated an entire club of drag fans. That performance on YouTube was absolutely beautiful and I can only imagine what it would have been like to witness in person. Since then, I've been closely following Phantom, and the love he has for his art most definitely shows. Need an illusion to blow your mind? Call on Phantom. 

1. Who is Phantom as an artist?

 

Phantom is everything and anything I wanted to be as a child.

 

 

2. When did you start performing?

 

January 13th 2008

 

 

3. Do you have a favorite look or performance you've done so far? 

 

My favorite character to do is Jack Skellington. I'm a very big Nightmare Before Christmas fan and Tim Burton fan in general.

 

 

4. Who is your biggest inspiration?

 

A Drag Queen by the name of Glen Alen. The first drag competition I witnessed had him in it and I was hooked. He's been an ongoing inspiration to me and many others.
 

 

5. Do you have a most embarrassing moment? 

 

The very first competition I was in, I had lost and didn't even place. I remember crying in the club and feeling very embarrassed. That experience made me want to try even harder.

 

 

6. Being a Drag King, do you ever feel misunderstood in the drag community? 

 

Misunderstood is bit of an understatement. I walk into a drag room dressed as some creature and not say a word while everybody stares at me and whispers. I always kept quiet and to myself which got me through the experience.

 

 

7. What is your biggest pet peeve?

 

Seeing real talent go unnoticed because they are a Drag King. I'm trying to change this with every show I do. "life is a drag show"

 

 

8. What has been your biggest accomplishment/obstacle?

 

My biggest accomplishments would be featured alongside Kings such as Landon Cider in a documentary called the "Making Of a King " directed by Nicole Miyahara produced by Nicole Osborn. I was the first king to win at 340 night club in Pomona. I was also the first drag king to win Lip Service at the famous Abbey in Weho. Being able to balance being a drag king and a mother has been accomplishment in itself. I have many obstacles I face everyday. I am deaf in one ear and losing hearing and the other. It makes it hard to perform properly. I am a mother of 2 special needs children .They require my full attention and that is something I take with great pride. In between caring for my kids, I'm sewing, working on show ideas, prepping for other shows ect. Time is precious and I do not like to waste any of it.

 

 

9. What is your favorite and least favorite thing about the drag community?

 

In our community, there are more and more people accepting of the idea of Drag. It's a very exciting time. On the other hand, most people don't know about Drag Kings or the fact we even exist.

 

 

10. What is the biggest lesson you've learned during your career?

 

The biggest lesson I've learned in my drag is to always be prepared. Make sure you research your character properly. Makeup music outfits etc. Always be prepared to change your number to fit the stage. Bring back up numbers. Basically be ready for anything.

 

 

11. What is an item you can't live without?

 

My traveling makeup box. It carries everything important I need for the shows.

 

 

12. Do you have any advice for someone who wants to become a drag king?

 

Make sure you do your research and ask a lot of questions. Entering into competitions is good practice even if you if you don't win. It takes time to build your persona but someday you will get to the point where you are comfortable with your drag.

 

 

13. How long does it take you to get ready for a performance?

 

Getting ready for a performance is different every time. For a regular guy face it'll take me a good hour...maybe more if I add real hair. For a more crazy character performance like say hell raiser it might take maybe a couple of hours to get into. I've learned to do makeup fast so that I can do my outrageous makeup changes during shows that I'm in. It's all about the shock factor for me.

 

 

14. What is something that not many people know about you?

 

I have attention deficit disorder. Sometimes it's just too hard to stay focused. My anxiety gets the best of me sometimes I had a fear of speaking in public .I had faced this last year by hosting my own show.

 

 

15. If you could work with anyone in the future, who would you choose and why?

 

Glen Alen because he's my inspiration . The whole reason why I decided to do Drag with out him phantom would not exist.

 

 

 

 

Follow Phantom:

 

Twitter: @msphantomking

Instagram: @phantomkingmama

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elena.olivera.33

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC61EJnARtkWhqRnZ-hHlR1Q

 

 

The Drag Enthusiast:

 

Twitter: @DragEnthusiast

Tumblr: dragenthusiast.tumblr.com

Instagram: @ragingdragaholic

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dragenthusiast



 



Discord Addams: Variety and Chaos

Discord Addams may seem like every other spooky queen out there, but the most appealing quality she has is she's able to step outside of the normal idea of what drag is and everyone's standards of what she should be and she does whatever she wants. Most performers have an established image that they want to portray and with Discord, you never know what you're going to get.

1. Who is Discord Addams?

Discord is multi-layered. One minute shes a punk rock bitch performing in back alleys, and the next she’s in a beautiful gown singing smell yo dick, and maybe the next week she has a pig snout and a wife beater on. The thing about chaos is it comes in many forms.


2. Where did you get your drag name?

I chose the name Discord from the goddess of Chaos and Addams from the Addams family. I like to think of myself as Morticia’s white trash cousin in the trailer out back. All of their names were always so clever and I’d like to think id fit right in at a family dinner.


3. Where did you learn how to do your makeup? 

Everything I’ve learned about makeup I taught myself. I started out knowing absolutely nothing, watched a few youtube tutorials and just practiced every day until I found out what worked best for me.  Plus I’ve always been interested in special effects makeup even before starting drag.

4. When and why did you begin doing drag? 

I have so many reasons for doing drag that it’s hard to pick just one.  I’ve always felt this calling to the stage ever since I was younger, however despite all my grandest efforts I still sound like a dying horse when I try to sing, so being in drag allows me to be the rock star I’ve always dreamt of being. As a drag artist I can be whoever and whatever I want to be whenever I want to be it and having that option is so liberating and beautiful. Drag is punk as fuck and it’s crazy that people don’t realize that, we take societies ideas of gender and beauty and say Fuck you. I’m here to create havoc and chaos and that’s because I’m sick of the way things have been and it’s well overdue for some change. I want the world to know that they CAN be whatever it is that they want to be without having that fear of backlash and criticism. Words are only as strong as you allow them to be, and I think it’s time that we take the power away from those trying to tear us down. Art is a beautiful thing and there are so many reasons we all have for doing it, and none of those reasons are wrong, as long as you do what you do with conviction.

 

5. What is the most misunderstood thing about the drag community in your opinion?  

I think the biggest misunderstanding Is within the drag community actually, and I think it’s that in order to be a drag queen you have to be a cunt. I can't explain to you how many queens in the dressing room are just straight up rude with this holier than thou attitude that I can’t wrap my head around. I just believe that if you want the world to treat YOU with equality then you need to treat the people within your own sub community with the same equality you expect from everyone else.

6. Do you have a favorite look that you've put together?

I have 2 favorite looks, my interpretation of The Grinch that I recently threw together for Christmas, and my typical look of some leather and an oversized Mohawk.

7. Does your family support your drag career?

My parents are so incredibly supportive. My dad has come to so many of my drag shows and will always sit in the dressing room and give makeup tips to me and other queens and then give all my friends money to give me and other girls performing. He even let me dress him up as Lady Gaga for a contest before Andhe’s straight!

8. Who is your biggest inspiration and why?

Fame is my biggest inspiration.  Not a lot of artists get to broadcast their work on such a wide platform and to have that opportunity would be life changing.  There’s a lot of negative energy that permeates throughout the drag community and I’d like to help tip the scales in a more positive direction. Right now, I can perform and speak all I want and sometimes it’ll fall on deaf ears, but I want the world to hear what I have to say and see what I am capable of.

9. What is your biggest accomplishment?

 Honestly, just getting my name out of this state and into the ears of people throughout the country has been my biggest accomplishment. Anytime I get a message from someone telling me that they love what I do, or they can’t wait to have the opportunity to see me perform, that is an accomplishment for me.

10. Do you have a most embarrassing moment?

I was performing completely naked once and my tuck came undone…oops.

11. What is one product that you can't live without? 

Liquid latex!


12. What is something that makes you unique from other performers?

 I think something that makes me different, is that I don’t allow myself to be put in a box of on specific type of drag. I want to do everything and do it well. A lot of times with performers you know what they’re going to perform before they’re even on stage. I want you to come to my show and have no idea what I’m going to be doing.

13. If you could meet anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and why?

I would love to meet Steven Tyler, he’s been one of my bigger inspirations since I was about 10 and Aerosmith was the first concert I ever went too when I was in the 5th grade.  From the way that he moves on stage to the way that he dresses I’ve always been completely enamored with him.  

14. How long does it take you to get into drag? 

About an hour and a half.

15. What is the best advice you can give to newer queens just beginning to do drag?

 

Sharpen your wit not your claws.

Stalk Discord Addams:

Twitter- @discordaddams

Instagram- @discordaddams

Facebook- https://facebook.com/discord.addams?fref=ts

YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYRxhhZwgR_VGzit4NwCjhg

The Drag Enthusiast:

Twitter- @DragEnthusiast

Tumblr- dragenthusiast.tumblr.com

Instagram- @ragingdragaholic

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/dragenthusiast

A Story About A Girl Named Lucky Madison

The most compelling thing about Lucky Madison is the fact that she's a true inspiration. Just beginning to talk to her, she seems shy and reserved, but when she gets onstage she transforms into a complete goddess in ever sense of the word. Her performances are very high energy and fun to watch, and she turns every performance into a full production. She just recently started owning her drag career and she doesn't let the opportunities go to waste.

1. Describe your drag persona.

Lucky is really just a heightened version of myself... blonder, bolder and even more white washed. On stage Lucky is a triple threat-full out production. A theatrical popstar if you will. I'll give you full on high energy dance routine with backup dancers, tell you a mini story all while singing live. I'm a theater kid, that's just how we roll. Off stage, Lucky loves to kiki with just about anyone and lives by the thought of "What would Beyonce do?" seriously though, the woman always has her sh*t together!

2. What is your biggest accomplishment?

For me personally, my biggest accomplishment was when I got to join SAG (the screen actors guild) As an actor it was definitely a milestone in my career and I owe it all to Lucky.

3. Who is your biggest inspiration?

Britney Spears... circa 2000...but really any blond bombshell icon. I've always kinda had a gay crush/obsession with them. Lucky is me living through every memorable moment from them. 

4. What is the biggest lesson you've learned regarding drag?

I feel like I'm still learning so much about myself and my craft but the biggest lesson so far would have to be that it's OK! For a long time I shy'd away from really taking ownership of my drag because of my own personal insecurities but then one day it hit me... you love doing it, you're good at it, people enjoy you doing it and it keeps opening up doors and opportunities, how could I not just embrace it already!

5. When and why did you start doing drag? 

Though I only started taking real ownership of my "drag career" within the last year, I actually started about 6 years ago when a group of coworkers/close friends and I decided it would be fun to put a "Pussycat Dolls" type drag group together and perform at a work talent show. After finding out we were actually really good we started doing the club scene but then eventually when things started to get a little too Destiny's Child up in there, Beyonce had to leave and do her own thing :) And it was the best decision because I'm the only one now still doing it... well except for the "Kelly Rowland" of the group, but she's the "Kelly Rowland" of the group... haha

6. How did you come up with your drag name?

Two things... Britney and where I got my start at, Club Lucky at House of Blues in Anaheim 

7. What is your biggest insecurity?

The chance and risk of failure but it's also that rush that makes it all so exciting and fabulously dangerous!

8. What is something that not many people know about you?

I'm the oldest of 3 boys. My youngest brother is also gay, a popular LA-based fashion photographer and the middle brother couldn't be more opposite; he's an ex-marine with a son.

9. What is your favorite song to perform to?

Anything I can create a mini pop musical out of. Give me dancers, give me a live mic and let me create a story... I LIVE for a production number. 

10. If you could rid the world of one thing...what would it be and why?

Labels. Gay. Straight. Bi. Trans. Fem. Whatever... Life is not that simple. 

11. What is your favorite/least favorite thing about drag?

My favorite thing about drag is that its the freest form of creative performance. It's your own art. You can tell the story however you want and I love that. My least favorite thing about drag would have to be the negative attitudes or hate within our own community. I mean don't we all get enough of that on the outside? 

12. If you could work with anyone, who would you choose and why?

It's a toss up between my two favorite drag queens, Rupaul & Lady Gaga :)

13. Favorite drag item?

A good weave! Half the reason I wanted to do drag was so when I was dancing around I could whip my mutha f*ckin hair around back and forth!

14. How many drag competitions have you been part of?

I've been in 3 competitions so far. Was a finalist in Raven's Raucous Roundup at 340 Nightclub in Pomona and was first runner up in Season One of Melissa Befierce's The Face & also first runner up of Season Three of Project Drag at Micky's in West Hollywood... I'm the drag Susan Lucci :)

15. Advice for other queens?

Do everything you do full out with love and passion, if you can't then it's not worth doing it at all.

Follow Lucky Madison:

Instagram- @luckymadisonflirt

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/ShesSoLucky

The Drag Enthusiast:

Twitter- @DragEnthusiast

Instagram- @ragingdragaholic

Tumblr- dragenthusiast.tumblr.com

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/dragenthusiast

Katrina "The Hurricane" Colby: Living Up to Her Name

Katrina "The Hurricane" Colby is a performer who resides in Virginia Beach, Virginia. She started drag at the ripe age of 18 when her current drag mother captivated her through a performance. She believes in high energy performance and staying humble and kind to everyone she comes across.

1. Who is Katrina Colby?

Katrina Colby is a persona I made when I was 18. She came out when Steven came out! She's a crutch for dealing with homosexual life, and has grown much more than I would ever have imagined. 

2. When and why did you start doing drag? 

Drag came to me when I went to the Park Night Club in Roanoke, VA for the first time. I was still in high school and my best friend and I went to the drag show they had every Friday and Sunday. My to be drag mother, Jayda Colby, was entertaining and she just captivated me throughout the show. We became friends and I would hang out with Jayda at her home and play in her drag. She asked me if I wanted to do it and I told her no! I didn't think it was for me. Little did I know it was everything I wanted to do and be. Halloween came around that year and she painted and my sister (best friend) in the men's restroom of the bar for my first time. 

3. Where did you get your drag name?

 

Katrina Colby was not my first try at choosing my name. Many names came before, but how Katrina got her name "the hurricane" is because at any given time you could catch me twirling, splitting, and vouging on the dance floor at the park. I would do it from open till close. It was what I lived for. I would watch the kids come in and do their dances and battles and I would watch them so I could learn more. I also took influences of old YouTube videos India Ferrah, Tandi Dupree, Chevelle brooks, Angelica Sanchez and many more legends! 

4. What is your biggest pet peeve?

My biggest pet peeves are new girls who have huge heads and are ungrateful, and girls who don't think they have any room to grow. Drag is ever changing and an evolving sport! It's a stop on the road of life! 

5. Who is your biggest inspiration?

I have so many! This list is a mile long and each one has there special reasons! I will just say this...I am so humble to be in the hands of such legendary entertainers that have given me the tools that I needed to grow and become the lady I am today. Special thanks to Jayda Colby, Arione DeCardeza, Kristina Kelly, Tim Clark, Enya Salad, India Ferrah, Dana St. James, Jessica Jade, Sandra Lopez, Jennifer Dion, Mercedes Douglas, Victoria Foster, Alessandra McQueen, Kiara, Raquelle Colby! All of these and many more have had direct influence in my career and I am so blessed to have such a loving and supportive team.

6. How long does it take to get into drag? 

The transformation process takes anywhere from 45 minutes to 3 hours. Depending on what I'm doing and such! 

7. What is something no one knows about you?

Hmm! This is difficult. My family is pretty close to me I don't think there's anything. Each of them know special pieces of me! 

8. What is the most misunderstood thing about drag?

In my opinion, the drag community's biggest misunderstanding is that drag is an art and there's no rules. Drag has evolved once again and most don't agree but with time things change! 

9. What is your favorite/least favorite thing about drag?

My favorite thing about drag would be getting into it...the transformation, really! It's so exciting to see your face transform with the makeup and hair! It's unreal!! The thing I hate the most about drag would be not being able to pee! It's torture! 

10. Who would you like to work with in the future?

The person I would want to work with the most would have to be Chad Michaels. She is such a sweetheart and one SICK queen! Poised, Glamourous, and talented!!!! The true queen!

11. What is your favorite song to perform to?

They change with the week! My current one is "Burning Up"...It just makes me wanna dance. 

12. What is one product you can't live without?

Hmmmm. Does 301 lashes count. Lol a lady is always LASHED!!!!

13. Where you ever star struck?

The last time I was star struck was when I met Erika Andrews. She was so lovely. I just stared at her. Gone too soon (RIP LADY). 

14. What is your biggest accomplishment? 

I would have to say is not giving up when people that I held closest to me said I couldn't do it. Also having my lovely daughter Rocky, She amazes me every time I see her!!

15. What is one thing that makes you unique? 

My heart! In this world of hate and anger, I always can see the best of people. I will always help the under dog and the new girls to the best of my ability and try not to turn  away.

Follow Katrina:

Instagram- @katrina_thehurricane_colby

Twitter- @katrinacolby

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/colby.katrina2

The Drag Enthusiast:

Twitter- @DragEnthusiast

Instagram- @ragingdragaholic

Tumblr- dragenthusiast.tumblr.com

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/dragenthusiast

Harlee Rainz: The Ride Of Your Life

Harlee Rainz is a young drag performer from Ohio who naturally captures everyone's attention with her loud and eccentric personality. She uses her drag to embrace who she is, a natural performer.

1. Who is Harlee Rainz?

From where I live I'm called many names..... some I love, others I brush off from the haters ... but HARLEE RAINZ is a mix of 80's glam.... LA street kid and a girl who doesn't give a fuck what anyone thinks. I do me and I come to work and entertain both on and off the stage. My show isn't just a 3-5 minute number on a stage with a spotlight, I'm wild, loud, and a ball of energy on and off the stage. My tag line is "hi im harlee .. ya know like the Davidson ill give you the ride of your life!!"

 

2. When and why did you start doing drag?

I officially started drag on august 19th 2010.... when I was 18, but was sneaking into bars at the age of 16 once I found out about the drag and gay scene. After coming out at the age of 13, I knew once I heard about the bars and what goes on there that I had to see it! Coming from doing theater and being the class clown, I knew that I could be a fucking drag queen and entertain everywhere! I love being in the spotlight and making people laugh and smile. Also, drag was a way out of my everyday life from the bullying name calling and shit I had to deal with on my regular everyday life but once the night hit, bam, I was unstoppable!

3. Where did you get your drag name? 

Growing up, I've always loved the names Riley and Harlee, I wanted twins named that for some reason. But Harlee just clicked with me, and my drag mother had the last name of Rainz and she offered to help me and grow into what I have become today... she wasn't the only one to help but the one that saw something in me and, bam, Harlee Rainz was born.

4. What is the biggest obstacle that you've overcome in the past? How did you overcome it?

oh lordt! There are many in the past as well as the present.. with my diabetes and celiac diseases it makes performing really rough sometimes but I push through it because I don't wanna disappoint my fans/followers or friends and family that come to my shows every weekend. But the biggest thing that I still fight today is trying to prove that I am a great entertainer and not being cocky but being confident, something most queens don't know the difference between, and it saddens me because once I walk into a bar im WORKING just like a regular 9-5. I put on my shiny shoes, a smile, and I greet every single person in the bar tell a joke or whatever to ensure their money and time is well spent.... and a lot of queens don't do that which is funny because a lot bitch and complain because they didn't make a lot or whatever the case. It's funny I see my drag different then everyone. I don't wear hip pads or big ass fake jewelry and costumes that cost an arm and a leg etc. I wear what I like and spend a lot of time adding to or making.... I stick to my status quo not the quo of  other entertainers... 

5. What is something you wish to accomplish with your drag?

I would love to be on Rupaul's Drag Race because I want to be that role model to every single lgbtq girl/guy/transgender/transsexual/gender fluid that can see that, yes, I went through hell and back In high school/health issues/personal life...I wannabe a queen that can travel and talk at colleges and high schools about being YOU is all you really need... the added support of family and friends is a treasure and that although things get crazy more then half of the time it does truly get better.... (this coming from someone who preaches this stuff but cant take their own advice LOL)

6. Where did you learn to do your makeup?

Makeup is magical! I learned from MAAAANY!!!! Trial and errors...there  are pictures on my facebook and instagram to prove that! But I would sit in front of my computer or phone and watch drag makeup tutorials and regular girl makeup on contouring, blush, eye shadow, eyebrows...you name it I've probably watched video on it! It was and still is an addiction of mine, always new things to see and learn!

7. What is something that makes you unique compared to other drag artists?

Not to be a bitch or a cunt but FIRST THINGS FIRST IM THE REALIST!  I love Iggy... but I don't worry about how much this costume costs or how big this hair piece is... I know I can make a crowd stay for the entire show and laugh, smile, and have a kick ass time...because once I get off stage I freshen up a little then I go out and talk, chat, dance, and laugh with all these people who are paying to see the show. I don't give a fuck about who doesn't like me or who does because at the end of the show night I promise that I'll be an everlasting memory in the peoples mind! I love taking pictures with people and new Harletz (what I call my army of supporters) 

8. In your opinion, do you think that Rupaul's Drag Race has helped the drag community or do you think it has hurt the drag community? Why?

To be honest its both! Hello, it's a tv show and they are going to show you what they want to! But it always shines light on a lot of very different styles of drag and I enjoy that part. Then they show the fighting and shade throwing which, yes, I have done but I'm working really hard not to, because I've been judged and given shade so many times. It's childish and STUPID. It's funny some queens talk about "this should be a sisterhood...yadda yadda yadda..." and then go run their mouth about a queen they just were nice to. High school all over again, just magnified by 100 because of Rupaul's Drag Race, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube etc.

9. How long have you been doing YouTube videos? 

On off for about 2 or 3 years 

10. Which video was your favorite video to make on the channel Altered Illusions? 

Every one of them, from the serious to the stupid, it was a chance for my fans out of Ohio to see me and my craziness! Might start back again, but who knows.

11. Who is your biggest inspiration?

Drag: Sonique from Season 2 of Rupaul's Drag Race

 

Celebrity: Miley Cyrus, Iggy Azalea, Nicki Minaj, Katy Perry, and Pink  

12. What is your New Years resolution for 2015? 

To strive in my drag career and make sure I keep my health to perfection...and hopefully make it on a certain tv show. 

13. How long does it take you to fully get into drag? 

25 minutes...used to be 3 hours!

14. What is a makeup product that you absolutely cannot live without? 

my Kat Von D Tattoo foundation from Sephora!!!! It's PERFECTION!

15. What is the most misunderstood thing about you? 

My style of entertaining...but, hey HATERS GONNA HATE HATE HATE! I'm still booked pretty much every weekend with having 10-30 people at the bar just for me, but they also tip the other entertainers and drink and dance and play along with everyone! #imnotacunt 

Stalk Harlee:

facebook.com/harleerainz

instagram: @narleeharlee

The Drag Enthusiast:

Twitter- @DragEnthusiast

Tumblr- dragenthusiast.tumblr.com

Instagram- @ragingdragaholic

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/dragenthusiast

"Hey Qween!" With Laganja Estranja

Every season of Rupaul's Drag Race, there's always an underdog, a mean girl, an annoying queen who everyone hates, and an instigator. It's like the secret formula to entertaining reality television that will get more views. Everyone loves a good dramatic, over the top, and insane hour of TV. In this aspect, Rupaul's Drag Race never fails to deliver. 

Season 6 of Rupaul's Drag Race was full of shade, laughs, and lots of tears. Everyone has their favorite moments, but when you mention a certain name in any online social media outlet, you will most likely get the usual "she's so annoying" response from fans of the show.

In my experience, I've learned that the editors will take advantage of every single situation and run with the dramatics for views. It's their job. Season 6 was no different. Watching that particular season was one of the biggest roller coasters for me as I watched one of my favorites, Laganja Estranja, get torn to shreds.

After this particular season, in all it's glory, I really came to realize why I always connected to the most misunderstood person in the cast every single year. Laganja helped me learn a lot about myself and I've never had shame in vocalizing it. 

Today was the release of Laganja's episode of the YouTube series "Hey Qween", which is a talk show with host Jonny McGovern who does a fabulous job at interviewing and getting to know each queen individually. I've been watching the show for a while, but this particular episode was a hard one for me to watch, but in a good way. Not because it was terrible, but seeing someone I admire dearly cry was really hard for me.

I've come to realize the real reasons why Laganja was so special to me. Through all the hate, tears, misunderstandings, and broken bridges...she had hit rock bottom and still ended up picking herself back up and continuing her work. Not just as Laganja...but as Jay as well.

In this episode, Laganja finally had the platform to show her true self and she seemed at peace with who she is. She had admitted that she took a lot of things to heart and that she even had a drinking problem because of it. What I loved most is she never said she was the victim...just that she didn't know what she was getting herself into and she wasn't emotionally ready. Through all the drinking and heartache, she decided to stop destroying herself and prove everyone wrong. Let me tell you, she's doing one hell of a job.

Being a very misunderstood individual myself who is also very sensitive to what people think of me, it gives me reassurance to know that someone I admire knows what I'm going through. It gives me strength and inspiration to prove people wrong...that I can make something out of myself...and that I can rise up from the ashes in dark times. 

I'm so proud of Laganja and how much she's grown in a year's time. I'm very happy she finally feels at peace with who she is and that she wants to make a positive change in this crazy world we live in. Overall, this particular episode was everything I hoped it would be. For once I saw Laganja being understood, not just as a crazy drag queen, but an actual human being who just wants to be loved. She wasn't "feeling very attacked" for once, and it was very refreshing to see. 

"Hey Qween!" With Laganja Estranja:

http://youtu.be/6vmrAZQKIXA

Follow Laganja: 

Twitter- @laganjaestranja

Instagram- @laganjaestranja

Tumblr- laganjaestranja.tumblr.com

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/LaganjaEstranja

Follow "Hey Qween!" Host, Jonny McGovern:

Twitter- @GayPimp

The Drag Enthusiast:

Twitter- @DragEnthusiast

Tumblr- dragenthusiast.tumblr.com

Instagram- @ragingdragaholic

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/dragenthusiast