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. 

Follow Kandy: 

Instagram: @usokandy

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

The Drag Enthusiast:

Twitter: @DragEnthusiast

Instagram: @dragenthusiast

Tumblr: dragenthusiast.tumblr.com

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

Why We Can't Be Quiet About Valentine Steaphon

The Drag Enthusiast is a movement that is responsible for educating people on the art of drag. But in the last week, a performer by the name of Valentine Steaphon was discriminated against in the restroom of a well known LGBTQ establishment. She was told that she couldn't use the women's restroom because her presence made someone else uncomfortable, and then was kicked out of said establishment simply for trying to use the restroom.

I get Boots and Saddle is a business and they were trying to make everyone heard, but as an LGBTQ friendly place, they need to realize that what they did was oppress someone who already deals with enough oppression on a daily basis. And it was at a place they felt comfortable at. Transgender women and men should be able to use the restroom they feel comfortable using, and it should be left at that. Because in reality, what's between someone's legs is no one else's business, and it has never been an issue, so why is it an issue now? 

Transgender individuals aren't trying to hurt anyone. They aren't trying to hurt you or your children. All they want is basic human rights, the right to use the restroom. Everyone uses the restroom. And what's sad is a lot of the people that I fight with about this are people who identify in the LGBQ rainbow, and we are supposed to be a community that fights together, all of us know what it's like to be oppressed and struggle as individuals, all of us have dealt with discrimination on some level throughout our lives, so why oppress the transgender community and discriminate against them? Things like this happen everyday and nothing is ever done about it. If you stand behind Boots and Saddle for doing this, then you're part of the problem, and I hope you realize you're justifying discrimination. And if you're part of this community, it's even worse, because you of all people know what it's like to be oppressed. 

It's a bathroom. It shouldn't be an issue. If you really think about it, it's pretty disgusting that someone would intrude on someone else's right to use the bathroom. On top of that, the establishment kicks her out like her voice doesn't matter. So many people face things like this everyday. The numbers of transgender individuals being murdered, especially trans women of color, rise everyday. We also have people committing suicide because they suffer so much oppression and decide one day that they can't take it anymore, and before anyone can reach out and help them, they already have their mind made up. This is not okay. It will never be okay. And we need to talk about this, we need to stand up for our community, and stick together. Because we will never see any type of change if we just let this go. 

Whether you like it or not, transgender people have been using the restroom of their gender identity for years. It's never been an issue. And it should never be an issue. Let's realize this and educate everyone. Not everyone is going to want to listen, but we should NEVER be quiet about this. I'm tired of losing so many innocent people because of who they are. I'm not transgender, but I have been made aware of what a transgender person has to go through, and it sickens me. Innocent people are scared to walk down the street because they don't know if it could be their last day alive. Someone could notice and murder them. People in this world are absolutely crazy and disgusting for taking an innocent life. And I know someone is going to comment and say "well this isn't someone getting killed it's someone that was told to use the bathroom of their biological gender", but the thing is it should've never been an issue. Ever. It's basic human rights. When will anyone ever be concerned about the safety of a transgender individual? If a transgender woman walks into the men's restroom, you don't think they could be raped or murdered or shouted at and called names? But we don't care, right? Cause it doesn't affect us. No. It's not okay. And I refuse to sit here and be quiet about this issue. We need to make a change. And it needs to be made now.

To Valentine, I'm sorry the staff at an establishment that is supposed to be open to everyone discriminated against you. And I admire you for not keeping quiet and making everyone aware of the things that happen everyday. I'm sorry you have to deal with such discrimination in our own community, but once again thank you for being a voice for those who feel they don't have one. You have my support as well as the support of a lot of other people. Know that. 

Aja: Diverse Looks and High Energy

A true performer is someone who can captivate the room simply by being present. Aja is a performer who resides in NYC that focuses on doing full looks that could easily stop traffic and she also mixes that with high energy performances that will leave anyone gasping for air. Her looks have many different influences and she has proven time and time again that she can put a variety of looks together, and no one will know what to expect. She recently released a hip hop track and is working on more music in the future. 

1. Who is Aja as a performer?

Aja is a unique polymerization of sci-fi robo-technology, 90's ballroom culture, & kawaii harajuku inspiration. She's spacey, cute, and kinda rachet. I like to say she's kind of like a powerpuff girl stripper. 😅 She's a dancer, a rapper, an actress, a comic, and an idiot.



2. When and why did you begin doing drag?

I started drag when I was 17 which was 5 years ago! I started doing drag as a joke because my cousin told me I could really go somewhere with it. I still can't believe I got here. That's the real gag to me.

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

Well my name Aja is Hindi for "come here" and I heard it in this Bollywood song called "Jimmy Jimmy Aja Aja" (Atleast that's what I think it's called)



4. How has drag changed your life?

Drag has changed my life and affected me in so many ways. From helping at my lowest moments in life to even the little details. Literally from helping me from my panic disorder and PTSD to helping me gain the confidence I needed to thrive.

5. How is New York drag different from drag across the world?

New York drag is so crazy. There are so many types of drag in NYC. I feel like there's so many mini niches of drag here. Yet most queens are fall into their own category. Like myself! I don't think there's really another queen in NYC who's doing what I do.



6. If you had to relocate somewhere else, what would you say that you would bring to the drag community there?

I could bring a sense of high energy performance that not every community has but also, there's a huge lack of people who serve looks and fashion who also do high energy dance performance. That's something I could bring everywhere.

7. If you could travel anywhere to perform, where would you want to go and why?

I just recently performed in Chicago, LA, and Austin and honestly my favorite was Chicago. I want to go back! But somewhere I haven't been yet; probably somewhere more international! Berlin, London, Stockholm all stick out to me!



8. What is your favorite performance you've ever done?

Ah!!! Honestly I have many of my own favorite numbers to do... (Does that make me conceited???) Well my favorites are between my fast paced impeccable lip sync to "Look at Me Now" by Chris Brown, Busta Rhymes, and Lil' Wayne. But for a dance track.... My all time favorite is underground club house track "Utopia" by Bang La Decks ft Dominique Young. The line "Welcome to my fantasy world.." Sets me off!

9. What is the best compliment you've ever received?

That I have touched people and inspired them. I am just a human doing what I love and it's insane to know that I can have an impact on even just one person. It makes me want to devote my life to changing others for the better.



10. What would you say is your biggest accomplishment so far?

My biggest accomplishment is being able to travel, building a social media family and having people just appreciate my drag! Also having several successfully parties and hosting gigs before I had even turned 21!

11. You recently released a song. Do you see yourself releasing more music in the future? What should we expect from you?

Yes! I haven't had one lately to work on it but there are some really cute and cunty tracks in the making. I'm going to be working with an old friend who slays the tracks. Some of you may know her as B. Ames. I'm going for banjee rap meets ballroom femme queen.



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

DEFINITELY- WET & WILD H20 WATERPROOF LINER. This $5 eyeliner is by far my favorite. And the concoction of highlighters I mixed in a tub.

13. Do you have a most embarrassing moment during a performance?

I don't really ever get embarrassed to be honest! I don't take myself too seriously so I'm always having fun on stage. I've fallen before; missed a lyric or 2 but at the end of the day I got tipped and people liked it. (I still don't know why) So I guess it was worth it!



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

A lot of people don't know that I am actually kinda tall. I'm 5'11 without heels. A lot of people kind of assume I'm really short... also a lot of people don't recognize me out of drag.



15. If you could have any super power, what would it be and why?

It would be the power to control time and space! This is me saying that I just really want to be Sailor Pluto though.

Follow Aja:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aja.marievontease
Instagram: @ajathekween
Aja's song: https://m.soundcloud.com/aja-queen-511898012/slaying-w-bang-la-decks/reposts (basic demo from her iPhone) 

Photo Credits:

Santiago Felipe: http://santiagofelipe.com/

Adam Ouahmane: https://www.facebook.com/adamouahmanephotodesign/?fref=ts


The Drag Enthusiast:

Twitter: @DragEnthusiast

Instagram: @dragenthusiast

Tumblr: dragenthusiast.tumblr.com

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

Erika Klash: Drag Taken to the Next Level

Erika Klash is any gamers wet dream. Her aesthetic is based off of one of a kind cosplay looks that pay tribute to many different video game characters mixed with an ode to Japanese fashion and lots of color. She is based mainly on New York but is currently working on taking her drag to other places as well to showcase her talent. 

1. Who is Erika Klash as a performer? 

Erika Klash is the video game, anime, and harajuku drag queen of the world! I do cosplay looks, I do makeup looks, and I do kawaii looks, all while performing the stupidest and campiest drag numbers.

2. When and why did you begin doing drag? 

I saw live drag for the first time in Spring of 2013 (Battle of the Seasons at the Grammercy Theatre in NYC) and both Mimi Imfurst and Alaska blew me away. It was then that I realized that drag had all of the edginess and subversiveness that I felt had been missing from theater, (my other artistic passion). I got in drag for the first time later that year and I just kept going from there!

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

Erika is what my mom would have named me had I been designated female at birth. Klash comes from Mario Clash, which is an obscure Mario game for the Virtual Boy. The ill-fated Virtual Boy was an experiment in 3D technology, and I consider myself to be a 3D video game character.

4. How did you learn to paint your face?

Practice, Miss Fame tutorials on YouTube, and looking at other queens' faces. Once you know the basics of how to feminize the face, the rest is research, trial, and error. Whenever I need advice on what products to use for a fantasy makeup look, I always visit the amazing Abracadabra in NYC (where I also have a lip stain named after me).

5. Out of all the looks you've put together, which one would you say is your absolute favorite?

It's hard to pick one so I'll talk about one of my latest looks: Manga Pop Art! I wanted to imagine what a manga character would look like if their illustrator drew them in Lichtenstein pop art style. I have some more amazing stuff coming up! 

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

Depends on the gig! If I'm doing fantasy makeup for a photoshoot or for hosting party it can take up to 5 hours. If I'm rushing from my day job straight into a show and doing standard drag makeup, I can get into drag in 1 hour and 45 minutes.

7. If you could perform anywhere in the world, where would it be and why? 

JAPAN! I would love to perform in the Harajuku district alongside Ladybeard, or even at the Nintendo headquarters.

8. What is your favorite thing about doing drag?

I've always been a feminine person, so to be able to reclaim my femininity in a powerful way is so awesome. In the world we live in, anything feminine is either attacked or commoditized. So being able to put on a costume, and, in a weird way, still access a very genuine part of myself, is very freeing and exciting. In that way, the experience of doing drag is more complex than people might think.

9. What would you say is your biggest accomplishment so far?

I have a few proud moments, but I'd say the biggest one lately has been winning the title of Miss Nerd NY 2016! I am also very proud of The Austin International Drag Festival. I was an Ambassador of Goodwill for the festival's second installment which happened back in April of this year, and the festival is continuing to grow and make it's mark on the drag world.

10. What is something not many people know about you?

I had a crush on Peter Pan when I was a little kid!

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

The inclination that people have to self-stratify and self-divide. I find that in NYC, because the drag scene is so big, people divide themselves up keep to their own cliques, rarely going outside of their comfort zone. I never really feel like I have any one place where I fully belong because my style is so out of the box, so I just try to work everywhere and get along with everyone. I wish there were less boundaries.

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

Mimi Imfurst, Coco Peru, Varla Jean Merman, Phi Phi O'Hara, Shannel, Charles Busch, Chad Michaels, Hedda Lettuce, just to name a few. These are all queens who I deeply respect for their uniqueness and commitment to their art. Their drag is over the top, character-driven, and fierce!

13. Who would you say is your biggest inspiration and why?

WOMEN, especially the ones in my family! I grew up with a single mom and two sisters, and I saw the challenges they have faced in their lives, some of which were due to their sex/gender. Their sense of kindness, strength, and resilience is what keeps me driven today. Anytime I'm in drag and a woman tells me I am gorgeous, I say "NO! This is FAKE. You are the TRULY gorgeous one."

14. What advice do you have for younger performers that are just beginning drag?

I'd say that every performer should find that one thing that is unique about them and nurture that, while also balancing that with a sense of adaptability. Define your brand but also broaden your skill set so that you have many different ways to apply who you are and what you do. That's the key to being unique and growing as an artist.

15. Where do you wish to take your drag career in the future? 

I would really love to bring more drag into theater. I have always been a fan of Charles Busch, and I want to bring some more of that draggy subversiveness and edginess back into it. Drag Race would be nice too! But more than anything, the opportunity to do more drag! The feeling I get when I put on a good show with good people is so incredibly fulfilling. I want to continue traveling with my work.

Stalk Erika Klash:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erika.klash/

Instagram: @erikaklash

Twitter: @erikaklash

Photo credits:

Jessye Herrel: http://jessyeherrell.com

Mikhaela Locklear:  

http://mikhaela-locklear.squarespace.com

Thomas Trinity: https://www.facebook.com/TheThomasTrinity/

DanielKevin Melton: http://www.danielkevinmelton.com

Fwee Carter: 

http://www.fweecarter.com

Miss Maxine LaQueene: "Just Throw Some Glitter On It!"

With a mix between pretty and alternative, Maxine has really pulled together some incredible looks. Being a self taught makeup artist has helped her be one of a kind and step up her game when it comes to her drag. And like every evolving performer does, she takes any opportunity to grow and better herself as not only a queen, but an entertainer. 

1. How would you describe your drag aesthetic? 

Editorial on a budget. A bitch is broke. Especially being a hairstylist/drag cliché 

2. When and why did you begin doing drag?

I first started playing in makeup years ago. We all would play in our mother's clinique brand eyeshadows. I'd say 16-17 was when I really took the time to study drag and begin my craft. I spent a good year working on my look before starting to perform at 18. Drag is my career. I work as a hairstylist and free lance MUA. It all just goes together. 

3. Where did you learn to do your makeup? 

100% self taught. All the youtube tutorials in the world can't help fully teach you makeup. I would spend entire afternoons studying magazines and models to practice makeup trends on myself. I find teaching yourself to do makeup really is the best way to learn. 

4. Where do you draw inspiration from? 

Good question. Like any other fashion type queen, i study fashion magazines like Vogue, and designers like Givenchy and Marc Jacobs. Most of all I draw inspiration from everyday life! Anyone I meet could inspire me in some way!

5. If you ever applied and made it on Rupaul's Drag Race, who would you be for snatch game?

Omg! There are too many ideas. My top 3 would have to be: Kelly (from that viral YouTube video...OMG shoes. Lets get some shoes), Deandra from Most Popular Girls in School (another YouTube series thats stop-and-go motion with Barbies. Its hilarious), and probably Tina Belcher from Bob's Burgers. If they wanted a real life celebrity, I'd change my persona to either Kristen Wiig or Melissa McCarthy (imagine me in a fat suit!).

6. What is something no one knows about you?

Not that its interesting or anything, but I wasn't actually born in the US. I was born in St. Petersburg, Russia. I was adopted at 2 and moved here to St Louis. 

7. What is the most bizarre thing anyone has ever said to you while you were in full face?

That I look like a lady? Well, more like they want to have my baby. Not even kidding. I was at a show and this lesbian couple came up to me and said they found my beauty astounding, and wanted a baby that looked like me.

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

So many possibilities. If i could change anything it would be the acceptance of alternative forms of drag. St Louis isn't exactly known for being the most open-minded when it comes to "freaky" drag. Freaky being anything that isn't old school pageantry drag.

9. If tomorrow were your very last performance, what number would you perform?

"Death is Just Around The Corner". I went to Battle of The Seasons this summer and heard Jinkx Monsoon sing this song. I immediately wanted to know where to find it! It would be the perfect way to end my life.

10. How has drag changed your life?

Believe it or not, I used to be a dorky introvert who hardly went out. Drag has DEFINITELY given me a more fun-loving personality. Not only that, but I've learned not to take myself so seriously. Drag is art, it was never meant to be so political. I merely want people to enjoy what I do. Oh, and tip me!

11. How do you deal with negativity?

You don't. Just throw some glitter on it! RuPaul herself said "Other people's opinions of me are none of my business." I truly live by that statement. People will love you and/or hate you. Either way, they're thinking about you. If you're living your life and not hurting anyone else, then who gives a fuck?

12. What is your absolute favorite makeup product to use?

Well I'm a brow queen. If I was broke (which I am) and had no other cosmetic product, I would only need the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Duo, to at least have a crisp brow. That and an angled brush. #whoneedsmakeup

13. What would you say is your favorite quality about yourself?

Can i pick just one? Personally I love my eyes. They change between this deep emerald green, a bright sky blue, and a dull grey. Its hard to see unless you're close up, but when I'm working on my eye makeup, I love to see them change! If i could only control when they do change though.... 

14. Marry, Kai Kai, Kill: Jaidynn Diore Fierce, Detox, Willam

Marry Willam- she clearly has the most money and have you seen her shoe collection? I could help "enhance" her mug some too! 

Kai kai Detox- have you seen her porn? If she bottomed for a black man, I'm sure she'll bottom for me! 

Kill Jaidynn- she's too nice! We can't have anymore nice queens! I must destroy kidness!

Follow Maxi! 

Instagram: @theonlymaxi

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maxim.herndon/

Photo credit: 

Kari Pillow: https://m.facebook.com/kpillowphoto/

The Drag Enthusiast:

Twitter: @DragEnthusiast

Instagram: @dragenthusiast

Tumblr: dragenthusiast.tumblr.com

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

Loris Queen: Femme Fatale

Formerly known as "Serket Vane", Loris has been steadily taking over the drag scene. With a painted mug to die for and one of a kind aesthetic, she has charmed the hearts of drag fans and drag performers everywhere. Check out the interview below to get a closer look at her personality and painted mug beat for the gawds! 

1. Who is Loris as a performer?

Loris is a femme fatale… a bad bitch in charge. I like to embody all the things that make women powerful, dangerous, and sexy when I perform. 

2. When and why did you begin doing drag?

I started doing drag in college, when my brother who was part of the local drag show  encouraged me to get on stage for the first time. This was approximately 3 years ago, but I had been dabbling in makeup and crossdressing for for at least 4 years.

3. You are formerly known as "Serket Vane", why did you decide to change your drag name?

Well in short, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. I decided that my birth name is so eccentric and androgynous, that it only made sense to keep it. Besides, some of the most remarkable girls in the business (Willam, Rupaul, Chad Michaels) all use their real names as well, and they have had much success with them.

4. Where did you learn to paint your face?

In the bathroom at my mom’s house! I was never formally trained or educated, and I never had a drag mother to teach me, so I just practiced a lot until I got good enough to go out. 

5. How long does it take you to get ready to go out?

Nowadays it takes me about 2 hours from shaving to being 100% ready.

6. What is your favorite makeup product that you can't live without?

Well right now I am using a product called `Sweat Stop‘ by Nigel’s, and it’s a topical anti perspirant for the face. I love it because for people like me who reaally sweat a lot, it can really keep your face looking crisp and your lines looking sharp.

7. How would you say drag has changed your life? 

Drag empowers me, and helps me to love myself. Not only in drag, either! Being all dressed up like that gives me a chance to take all the things people don’t like about me as a person, all the things people shame me for…and turn them into something worth celebrating.

8. Where do you draw inspiration from?

I love the aesthetic of villains… Disney, Sci Fi, Horror, you name it. I think we can all agree the villains always look the fiercest! But in terms of what I want to communicate with my drag, I definitely draw inspiration from the likes of Divine, who never gave a fuck what anyone thought about her, and built her career off things that normal people might consider insecurities.

9. If you could travel anywhere to perform, where would you go and why?

I would love to travel to my home country of Switzerland and perform there. Swiss society is very old fashioned and I think it would wake a lot of people up, and maybe even inspire them if they saw a successful drag queen who was born in the same town as them. 

10. If you could work with any other drag queen, who would you work with and why?

I have actually contacted Raja several times on multiple social media interfaces, and one time even ambushed her at Mickey’s Bar in Weho to talk about drag with her. Since seeing her on drag race, her confidence and unconventional style of drag has encouraged me to kick down doors, and not give a shit about what people think.  It would mean the world to me to artistically collaborate with her!

11. If tomorrow you had your very last performance, what song would you perform and why? 

Rise like a Phoenix by Conchita Wurst… I would want to sing something that the people who loved me could revisit and get some joy and hope out of watching, rather than feelings of despare, sadness or loss.

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

I was born and raised in Switzerland and didn’t learn English till the 4th grade!

13. What is your favorite thing about doing drag? 

I love that it gives men like myself the opportunity to experience a lot of the hardships that women have to deal with on a daily basis. Because of that, it’s given me a great deal of perspective on the topics of gender equality and feminism. 

14. Do you have a most embarrassing moment while in drag? 

Nope. It’s hard for me to be embarrassed when I feel like the queen of everything. Whenever something happens that would embarrass mea s a boy, I just own it and when you’re operating at that level of confidence, people usually just go along with it. 

15. Marry, Kai Kai, Kill: Raja, Violet Chachki, Katya

Marry Raja, Kai Kai with Katya, kill Violet.

Follow Loris:

Instagram: @lorisqueen

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loris.n.volkle/

The Drag Enthusiast:

Twitter: @DragEnthusiast

Instagram: @dragenthusiast

Tumblr: dragenthusiast.tumblr.com

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

Bentley James: Detroit's Drag Princess

Photo by Tony Lowe

Reigning over the city of Detroit, Michigan, Bentley James takes pride in being the fishy queen. But don't let her beautiful looks fool you. She is determined to separate herself from the cookie cutter mold of beauty and femininity and wants to take her work to a new level and also use her creativity to win hearts everywhere. Her ultimate goal is to distract her audience from their everyday life at home even if it's just for a few minutes and truly entertain them. Bentley is a fierce beauty queen with a heart of gold, silly sense of humor, and outgoing personality that will leave you gagging and demanding more. 

1. Who is Bentley James?

Bentley James is, in a sense, what I like to call the ultimate fantasy. To present myself as Practically perfect in every way, I pay a lot of attention to the small details a lot of people would sometimes ignore. I'm a glamour girl at heart so I love sparkly, sexy costumes, showing a lot of skin...being in my eyes, the epitome of femininity. I'm a walking, talking wet dream. I wouldn't have it any other way. 

2. When and why did you begin doing drag?  

I started doing drag when I was 18 and in my first year of college, my friend took me to a gay bar for his birthday before I even came out of the closet, and I still remember to this day the very first queen I saw and how I felt watching it, drag is such a positive, uplifting, energetic experience. And I feel like you forget all of your problems when your watching those girls strut their stuff, performing for you on stage. And I remember thinking to myself... "If I could make other people feel the way these girls did, I would be more than happy and fulfilled in life" so I did, and I haven't looked back since, and it's been such a fun and amazing ride, meeting all of these other performers and fans from across cities and states, it's very surreal, and I can't wait to see what's next for me!

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

It was actually what my sister wanted her kids name to be, I was going though names , left and right. From stuff like Roxy Hart, to more eccentric names like Vanity Rayne. (Awful I know) and when she told me about the name Bentley James as one of her options, I really liked the way it sounded off the tongue, it's masculine yet feminine. I think it's alluring and sparks curiosity, like a good perfume. So when she decided to go in a different direction, I took the name for myself. And it stands out for sure, I haven't met another Bentley yet!

4. How would you say drag has changed your life? 

It has changed my life so much! It's made me a not only a more confident man in my day to day life, but a stronger one as well, growing up, I was always extremely meek and mild mannered. I was the quiet one in the room who always was drawing or playing my video games, keeping to myself, so I didn't step on anyone's toes. But drag has boosted my confidence and gave me the courage to not only realize what I want in life, but to pursue it and make it happen, and not to be afraid to stand up for myself and say what I need to say when it needs to be said. People aren't lying when they say drag is a very powerful tool if you know how to use it, and it can do so much good for you if you let it. 

5. What is your biggest accomplishment so far?

Oh gosh, that's a tough one! I've been given so many wonderful opportunities doing this art, from performing in Chicago, to doing shows at Cesar's Casino in Windsor, Canada. But I think the biggest accomplishment I have had so far is performing at the Andiamos Celebrity Showroom with the girls from Rupaul's Drag Race, it's a show venue from my city where they bring in a lot of big name entertainment, so it's kind of surreal to sit there and realize that you are getting ready in the same dressing room as people such as Joan Rivers, Margaret Cho, and Kathy Griffen have before, and stepping on the same stage that they have stepped on, performing for over a thousand people, underneath those stage lights, looking out into a crowd cheering at the top of there lungs for you, you really feel like a superstar and on top of the world. That I think, is my biggest accomplishment yet, and I'm hoping I'm afforded luxuries like that in the future. (Thanks Murray and Peter!) 

6. What is something you want to achieve in the future with your drag career?

I want to be able to make a difference, to travel the world and leave a positive impact on people's lives with my art in some way, shape, or form. Ideally that's why I would want to be on Rupaul's Drag Race, because it would give me such a big platform to do what I love and do just that, and meet people of different cultures, ethnicities, lifestyles and backrounds, and do my best to make everyone feel the same way I felt when I watched my first show, to make all of their problems go away, even if it's just for a few minutes. 

Photo by Tony Lowe

7. How has your family reacted to the fact that you do drag? 

They are my biggest supporters! They went to my first show and still go whenever they can, I'm very lucky and blessed to have such a loving caring family, who supports any decision I make and loves me unconditionally, because I know, sadly, a lot of people in the LGBT community don't really have that.... Plus,  I mean, it doesn't hurt to have people who don't mind helping you stone your costumes! 

8. How did you learn to do your makeup?

My drag mother Melony Vonkruz taught me most of everything I know, she's a absolute knockout beauty who's inspired me in more ways than I can tell you, always inspiring me to step out of the box with my illsuion and step my game up, to find new ways to mix beauty with creativity. Taking inspiration from things like legends and fairytales, to video games and books. She used to tell me all the time, that being pretty is fine and dandy, (because we both are, not even gonna sugarcoat it, haha) but to be the pretty and creative queen, that's what's going to get you work, and what's going to keep you going further and further, because you will never be a one trick pony, and you will always have something to keep the crowd wanting more. And let me be the first to tell you... She was right! My mug would be a busted, crusted mess if it wasn't for her. And I'm very thankful for the day she stepped into my life. 

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

I paint rather fast, so that's only like a hour from start to finish, it's the pre show prep that takes all day, like I said, I show a lot of skin, but I'm actually a pretty hairy guy outside of drag, so I shave everything from my face down to my toes, because I don't wear tights either so everything has to be baby smooth , and then I use a self tanner to add a glow to my skin too, it just really adds a nice touch under the spot light, it's important to go through details like that, So a show takes like the second half of my day away. But the end results, as you can see, are so worth it. 

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

I would love to go to Greece! It's my ideal place to visit, I've always been obsessed with Greek culture and myths and legends, even as a kid. Aphrodite, Greek goddess of love and beauty, is one of my favorite characters to perform as, not to mention it's such a beautiful country, and right in the middle of the Mediterranean. It would be a dream come true to visit there.

11. What is the most bizarre thing someone has ever said to you while you were out in drag?

Honestly the most bizarre things come from the chasers on Facebook, who love to try to sleep with the dolls, your jaw would drop if you'd seen half of the perverted and downright weird things people send us, from asking to wear our panties, to spanking them with a belt while their wearing our wigs or something, and then on top of that, These people never have real photos  of themselves, so getting these weird requests from people with pictures of koalas and stuff is just downright strange and cryptic.

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

Marco Marco!!! I love his work and it would be a honor and a dream come true to walk in one of his shows!!

13. If you ever decided to try out for RPDR and you made the cast, who would you pick to do for snatch game?

I would probably do Frankenfurter from The Rocky Horror Picture Show. I do a lot of characters and illusions (Adele, Jessie J, Britney, and the Grinch just to name a few) but i think Frankenfurter has a dark theatrical comedy that nobody's really touched on, and it would be Intresting to see how that would play out. 

14. What's your favorite makeup product? 

Highlighter and illuminator! I use like 4 of them on my face,  (Pearl from Becca is to die for!) I love, love, LOVE the dewy look. I think it's just so fishy and feminine and i can't get enough of it. 

15. What advice do you have for younger queens just starting out?

Never be afraid to pay your dues and put in the work! And don't be against accepting constructive criticism, both are essential in drag, to build yourself into a better and more rounded entertainer, and I think a lot of new girls are forgetting that these days and thinking that they can go and demand a crazy booking fee right out of the gate. We ALL had to pay our dues, and they are no different. And it will only make you better in the long run. OH AND DONT OVER EDIT YOUR PHOTOS, nobody's going to book someone who looks like Beyoncé on Facebook and shows up looking like pepper from American horror story. A filter is fine, but don't go crazy.

Follow Bentley James:

Instagram: @bentley_james

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bentley.james.98/

Photo Credit:

Tony Lowe: https://www.facebook.com/tonylowephoto/

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