Update! Hello new followers!

I figured I would write another introductory post since my blog has been getting a lot of attention lately. My name is Natalie, I'm 22, and I absolutely love makeup and the art of drag. I just got into drag about a year ago and ever since then it's like I'm embraced with open arms by so many colorful people. I started this page to showcase queens and makeup artists in their natural light. When I feature an individual, my main focus is to let them be themselves. I write all the interview questions I use specifically for that person. I don't use a template like most sites do. I want my format to be like a conversation about the person's art and not like a regular interview. I also want to hold contests and giveaways once this page has a bigger audience. I want to do so much with this page and I have so many dreams and ideas for it. I want to promote queens who don't have a platform yet. So please subscribe. I'm also on Twitter, Tumblr, Facebook, and DragBook. Just search The Drag Enthusiast. Thank you all so much! There's a lot coming your way so please stay tuned and tell your friends!

Sex, Hate, and Religion: Jayy Von Monroe

(Photo by Wonderland Photography)

Before everyone reads this, I need to say something. I know some people weren't fond of the fact that I chose Jayy to interview. In all honesty, I've met him before, and after this interview it's made me realize he is extremely misunderstood and he is one of the most down to earth people anyone could ever get to know. I asked him to do this because I wanted people to start seeing him differently and when I asked he was more than willing to do this without hesitation. So, before everyone judges this, please take in the whole interview and don't listen to the Internet rumors. This interview in particular is something I'm very proud of and he was nothing but sweet about it. For those of you who don't know this, Jayy is part of a band called Blood On The Dancefloor which has always been part of the Internet rumor mill in the past. A lot of what is said can be pretty bizarre and it's basically like a huge game of telephone on the Internet. A story gets twisted or someone takes something the band members say the wrong way and it turns into a huge war. Regardless of everyone though, this band still keeps going, and right now both of the singers are working on their own solo projects.

1. For people who aren't familiar with who you are, describe yourself.

My name is Jay, I'm 23 years old. Raised in the south, currently living in Cali. And I'm pretty much a freakshow.

(Photo by Wonderland Photography)

2. When and why did you start doing drag?

When I was about 14, I seen a movie called "Party Monster" - as I'm sure everyone is familiar with. growing up in a small town, Before the internet became so accessible, I had never seen anything like what the club kids were. Shortly after moving out of my childhood home when I was 15, living on my own. I started dressing up and wearing makeup. it became a regular thing to go to punk rock shows all decked out in vinyl and dreads. by the time I was 17, I was working at every goth night and fetish event in North Florida as a clubkid/Host/Entertainer. I stopped when I turned 19. I had joined the band I'm in currently, touring and that life pretty much took over. About 6 months ago, I picked up my sewing machine, and painted my mug, and I haven't looked back since.

3. Most people know you from the controversial band Blood On The Dancefloor, what is the most misunderstood thing about you?

The truth is, when I first moved here to San Diego, when I would go out, I wouldn't tell anyone what I did for a living. Because everyone has a perception of me from the image I made for myself in the band. But really what I want is for people who meet me, get to know me, and base their judgments from that. People say hurtful things all the time on the internet, it's never bothered me, but people who read that smut might actually think I'm the biggest douche bag alive...when in reality I'm quite shy, and introverted. I want people to see that side of me, that I am strong willed, well mannered, and I am very accepting of everyone. 

(Photo by Wonderland Photography)

4. What is the one object that you can't live without?

Eyebrows. 

5. What do you plan to do with your drag in the future?

I'm working on a project right now, that involves the future of my drag. 

I'm performing my first time in a few days. at a MAC aids fundraiser show. I'm really stoked!

(Jayy's first performance was on Sunday September 14th, 2014 at Numbers Night Club in San Diego for the MAC Aids Fund.)

6. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

I'll be 33. so probably with a man that's about 60. 

7. I heard rumors of a solo album...is that true?

Yes! I'm building my new empire as we speak. I'm working with Producer James Egbert, And Rusty Wilmot. 

I plan to have a few special features on the album as well. My first single comes out on Halloween. The project is just titled JayyVon, and the album is "10 Commandments Of Sex Hate And Religion". The name itself comes from a modified view of the three topics not to talk about, like Money, Politics, And Religion.  I like to push buttons, really get under a persons skin, and based on how they feel about it, it can relieve, and satisfy them. Or make them really uncomfortable...which are two things I take pride in making people feel.

(Photo by Wonderland Photography)

8. Is your drag personality different from your actual personality?

I think it's possible that I'm a nicer person in drag. I'm not one to read every bitch at the bar. If she looks bad it don't affect me none. I'm more outgoing and talkative in drag. as a boy, like I said - totally introverted. I don't care too much to be around a crowd or anything. 

9. What is your favorite makeup product to use?

I like to seal my highlight with cocaine. 

10. Do you have a drag family?

I do. I have an amazing drag family. 

Bebe Gunn is my Drag Mother. She's introduced me to some of the most amazing queens. Lady O, Saint Peter Dvil, Lucious. Before I met bebe, I actually had never had a friend that did drag. Being in a band puts you in  an environment where being gay isn't the coolest thing ever. at one point I was the only openly gay man on warped tour. I didn't have gay friends, cause I had never been around gay people. Bebe Gunn changed that for me. I think she sets a solid example of what a well rounded queen is. Lady O is the girl that got me to come out finally in drag. and I'm so happy I did. For both of them, I owe them a huge thank you.

11. What have you learned so far that has helped you when it comes to being a drag queen?

Alcohol.

12. What is your advice to someone just starting out with drag?

Well maybe I'm not the best candidate for this question since I'm a new queen. But I will say, it don't matter what the fuck you look like, it's how you feel. Put on an ugly dress and get the fuck out of the house. you'll thank yourself later. 

13. Would you ever consider auditioning for Rupaul's Drag Race and if you made it on the show what would you deliver?

Actually No, I haven't considered. By my own standard, I don't think my drag is polished enough to be on my "A" game in that kind of event. 

14. Who is your biggest inspiration and why?

Jesus. 

15. If you could work with any drag queen, who would it be and why?

Okay so I loooove Alaska. And definitely Willam. But depending on the project would be the decision maker. 

16. Who is the one person that you couldn't live without in your life?

My mother. She's my biggest fan, and most loyal supporter. without her allowing me to do what I did growing up, I would never be where I am today. 

17. If you were stranded on a deserted island and only had one thing with you, what would it be?

A boat. 

(Photo by Wonderland Photography)

Thank you for reading!

Find Jayy here:

Twitter: @JayyVonMonroe

Instagram: @jayyvonhatesit

Youtube: www.youtube.com/jayyvonmonroe

Check out Blood On The Dancefloor!

https://www.facebook.com/bloodonthedancefloor

Find Wonderland Photography here:

Instagram: @emilyinwonderlandd

For Emily:

Thank you so much for letting me use your photos for this interview! :) 

Follow The Drag Enthusiast:

Twitter: @dragenthusiast

Tumblr: dragenthusiast.tumblr.com

Facebook: https://facebook.com/dragenthusiast

PRE-ORDER JAYY'S ALBUM: http://jayyvonhatesit.bigcartel.com

A Taste of Cake Moss

A few months ago, I was on YouTube watching Laganja Estranja performances when I looked in the "Related" section and saw "Cake Moss-Drunk In Love". I watched the performance and I thought it was absolutely phenomenal. Since then I've been in love with any performance of hers that I come across and it's very clear that this queen is more than just an ordinary everyday drag queen who performs in West Hollywood. 

Be a goddess with Venus D'Luna!

Venus D'Luna is a young queen from Sydney, Australia who is very determined and has evolved a lot already. She's humble, beautiful, and seems to be open to criticism. Venus is such a good friend of mine and I met her when I was being completely anonymous on a fan account I run for Laganja Estranja. And we've been talking ever since. I really want to help her succeed which is why I asked her to be part of this page. 

1. How would you describe your drag persona?

Always smiling, fun and under the influence, quite a flirt. Which really is me without the drag, only more exaggerated. I like to try and keep this somewhat tied in with my name though - Venus being the Goddess of Love. If I see someone I like the look of, I'll often go start talking to them and buy them a drink. I'm very generous sometimes haha

2. What does your family think of you doing drag? Are they supportive?

My family loves it! I've been exposed to drag since I was 14, with an old neighbour Wilhemina Scott being a regular performer so my mum didn't see it as much of a shock I don't think. Many of my other family members are connected to my Facebook account and comment or like my photos frequently. Some other family members aren't aware that I even do drag but I'm less connected to those.

3. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

Definitely New York, hands down. If I can live there when I'm older it would be a dream come true! As a musician, I have goals of combining my art as a drag queen and touring with a show and I've felt that New York would be the place to do it! Also, in every movie that features New York, I've always loved the scenes of Central Park. I'd be there every day.

4. When and how did you start doing drag?

I started learning about drag around Easter in 2012. I bought a dress from a shop called House of Priscilla, a wig from ebay, and asked Wilhemina Scott to put makeup on me. Following this, I learned how to do all the makeup myself, bought a wig from Clutching at Curls - a well known wig retailer here in Australia, and a sequin dress, then off I went to see the Born This Way Ball, and this was the first time I consider actually doing 'drag'. The first time felt more like just cross dressing when I reflect on it.

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

A couple of weeks! I don't perform often but when I do, I want it to be a new experience for the audience. I pick songs I can connect to and choose my outfit based on the song. I never like doing the original tracks so I usually edit them a bit by cutting up remixes of the song or performing different versions by other artists. Then once I've picked the song and outfit, I spend a couple of days learning the words then a couple more figuring out the choreography which is probably my weakest area. I've never had any dance training, the only performance experience I've had is with my music. So I learn by watching performances from other queens and applying parts to my own. And after all that, it should be ready to perform!

6. How does Australian drag differ from other parts of the world?

Drag in Australia is incredibly diverse which in itself is actually very rewarding. Particularly in Sydney where I'm from, there are so many different drag styles. The Australian drag scene is also very connected, we're like one massive drag family! It's great! At the same time, it's a hard scene to break. Queens are very, very honest when you're learning and you have to be prepared for that. It's very rarely sugar-coated. If there's something that needs fixing, someone will tell you. I feel like this is something not so common in other parts of the world where a busted queen may be told she looks absolutely stunning. Don't quote me on that.

7. What is your favorite thing about being a drag queen? What is your least favorite thing?

I love the reactions, they are never the same! Sometimes on Oxford Street (the main Gay street in Sydney), you'll get passersby who have never seen a queen, so they stare, others jaw drop, even people who I already know. I also love the appreciation I get from the photos I post on Facebook.

Least favourite thing about drag is the shaving. It's always the same boring experience.

8. Who is your biggest inspiration and why?

I love DJ Kitty Glitter. While I enjoy her sets, this is not why I love her. Her character is reflected purr-fectly in the outfits she wears which are full of sequins and shiny things which I love. I've always enjoyed her performances and have been wanting to perform with her for quite a while now haha dreams may come true one day!

9. What does drag mean to you?

Drag is art, and not everybody is going to like it. Like any art form, the audience will always have mixed opinions about how you present something. For me, it's so much more than the standard 'dressed roughly as girl' (DRAG) approach. There are so many different avenues, many of which I love.

10. Do you have any advice for someone who wants to become a queen in the future?

Be prepared to spend a ton of money! At this stage, I've been doing it a little over 2 years, and I've spent many many thousands of dollars. Also, listen to every piece of advice and accept the opinion. You may not agree with it but just thank them. Most importantly, have fun! It's not a competition!

11. What is your favorite number to perform to?

I've only ever actually performed one song twice. I like to mix it up and present different songs and performances. Most recently I've performed 'Heart Hypnotic' by Delta Goodrem, 'Rise Like a Phoenix' and 'Venus' by Lady Gaga (I was practically begged to do this one!).

12. Do you make your outfits or do you purchase them?

Some I purchase but others I mostly get made. I design a lot of my own outfits and sometimes you can find the resources online, sometimes they need to be made. A couple I've made myself - a bedazzled belt, and a spiky bra. Mostly I get them made by local sewers though.

13. How do you keep yourself emotionally strong?

Honey, on the inside I'm an independent black woman and ain't nothing gonna bring me down! I used to let things get to me but I blocked out the negativity and surround myself with positive people.

14. Who is your favourite famous queen?

Detox - I've met her a few times in her travels down to Sydney and of all the RuPaul queens I'd met before then, she was by far the nicest! Looking forward to seeing her again in October!

15. If you could change anything about yourself what would it be and why?

Nothing. I wouldn't be where I am without being who I am and meeting the people I've met.

Find Venus Here!

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/VenusDQ

Instagram: @venusdluna

Follow me!

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

Tumblr: dragenthusiast.tumblr.com

Twitter: @dragenthusiast

Learn about Cosplay with Themed Injection!

This week is Cosplay week! Today's interview is with a good friend of mine who dreams about being an actor. He's insanely passionate and he wants to move to the US as soon as possible to pursue his dream. His talent is absolutely phenomenal and he goes by the name Themed Injection. He has YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook so I will put all of that information below! If you don't know him, please do your research and follow him on social media! 

Stay humble with Joseph Harwood!

I had the biggest honor of interviewing one of my biggest inspirations, Joseph Harwood. And if you don't know who he is, please educate yourself because he's doing big things and is a brilliant makeup artist who has done makeup for an impressive group of people including Willam Belli, Detox, and Jinkx Monsoon. Not only that, but he has his own YouTube channel where he does makeup tutorials and beauty tips and was also the mastermind behind my favorite LGBTQ collab channel on YouTube named Perfect Androgyny. Joseph is a force that obviously cannot be stopped and I feel so blessed to have had the oppurtunity to interview him and he never fails to amaze me. So without further distraction, please enjoy my interview with the one and only talented Joseph Harwood and I will put his contact information on the bottom. :)

UPDATE!

I've been absent for the time being because I've been working on getting a variety of people to let me interview them and boy, do I have some treats up my sleeve for you guys! These next couple weeks I want to do themes and post 2 interviews per week if possible. So, I hope to post a new interview every Tuesday and Thursday and if any of you have suggestions on who you want to see on this page, please let me know in the comments or via email. :) I'm really excited to start this project. Some of these people that have agreed to do an interview with me are people that I've been watching for a few years and they've done such wonderful work so I'm just really blessed to have this oppurtunity and I hope you enjoy this as much as I do. My second interview will hopefully be this Tuesday and I have another one coming on Thursday so please sit tight and let's get this page going :)