The Drag Enthusiast: Kandy Warhol: Living for the Applause

Taking her name from one of the most influential icons of the decade, Kandy Warhol started drag by dressing up as Lady Gaga. She's originally a southern belle from Texas and she eventually made her way to Indiana where she wants to please audiences and feel their applause. Read more about this gorgeous, down to earth, and beautiful queen below.

1. Who is Kandy as a performer?

I'm a very lovely, cutesy, sexy queen who usually performs top 40 bubblegum pop hits.

2. When and why did you begin doing drag?

I officially started drag about 4 years ago when I moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana. But when I lived in Texas I would dress up as Lady Gaga. Back when "Lovegame" came out, I remade one of the outfits and nobody knew who I was. So then the next year, I made the pearl outfit and I covered a bra in circular packing peanuts that looked like pearls. So I went out to a Halloween Costume contest, and I didn't win because some guy with 8 pack abs in a speedo won because that's how the gay people are. And I went to a hair store with my sister and this queen had told me about a show where I could perform every Thursday for free for tips. So I did that every Thursday until people just started booking me.

3. Where did you get your name from?

When Lady Gaga first started she had these YouTube video clips and they were based on Andy Warhol and in the beginning of the videos she would say "and my name is Kandy Warhol" and when I heard that I was like "if I start doing drag, that's gonna be my drag name" and I couldn't think of a better name for myself.

4. Biggest accomplishment so far?

I would have to say winning my first title which was Fort Wayne Gay Pride. I still don't think I'm a "pageant queen" but when I came here I wanted to win all the title. In total I've done 4 pageants, and I won that title the second time I did it. And also I get to host at my home bar and I think it's awesome I'm a somewhat newer queen and I'm a main host. I jut think that means that I'm growing.

5. Favorite and least favorite thing about drag?

My favorite thing is getting ready and getting into an illusion and meeting people and going out and having fun. My least favorite would probably be all the rumors and bullshit that goes along with being somewhat known. People are going to say what they want. Not everyone is gonna like you. Also, taking the tape off my boobs at the end of the night because it hurts.

6. How did you learn to do your makeup?

My sister did my makeup for me when I first started because I had never done it before that, ever, in my entire life. I learned how to contour and highlight, so she would do my eyes all the time and I would do everything else. And then one night she had to work really late and she said she couldn't help me and I just did my face myself and I've been doing it alone ever since.

7. Makeup product you can't live without?

A really good lipstick (MAC, Limecrime, NYX), and also a really good setting spray

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

Amanda Lepore. Before I started doing drag, I saw her in person at Oil Can Harry's, and when I did a meet and greet with her she asked me if I was a drag queen and I said "no" and she said "you would be really pretty as a girl" and she just really inspires me I love her.

9. Biggest drag inspiration?

I love Amanda Lepore, Manila Luzon, Kim Chi, my drag family...I just love all kinds of drag but it would be weird if I were to paint like Kim Chi because I already have my own aesthetic and what I'm comfortable with. I love all these people but I don't base my look on anyone but myself.

10. Favorite performance you've ever done?

I would have to say "Circus" by Britney Spears for my Pride performance and I had backup dancers, a bearded lady, a ringmaster, I had a costume change...I was just really proud of it. There's also another performance I did "What's Up" by the 4 Non Blondes and everyone knew that song and sang along and it was just amazing. Another one is "Applause" by Lady Gaga for about 9,000 people in the audience. It was amazing. The fact that I could stand onstage and clap my hands like twice and everyone joins you, it's the most amazing feeling in the world.

11. If you could travel anywhere, where would you go and why?

If I could pick anywhere it would probably be Paris...but I don't know any of the clubs in Paris. But I've always wanted to go there.

12. If you were to move somewhere new (see question above), what would you bring to the drag scene there?

I just think I have my own unique stage presence and I absolutely love interacting with the audience. The fact that someone comes up to you and says "omg I love you so much" and the fact you can look at them and it makes them smile, it makes me feel good.

13. If you could change anything about the drag community, what would you change and why?

When the whole Orlando deal happened, I love how we all came together as a community, but it needs to happen all the time. All the derogatory names I've ever been called has never been from a straight person, it's always from another gay person. Half the people who talk shit about you don't even know who the hell you are. We need to come together all the time, not just during tragedy.