My look and my character come from my experiences as a child. I wasn’t allowed to have girl toys, and I grew up poor. I also had a rough relationship with my stepdad.
I’ve always said drag queens are like Swiss Army knives. Most come from having to take $50-a-show pay and doing their own costume, wig, music and jokes.
To me, drag is about doing whatever you want, and nobody says anything. And ‘Drag Race’ is about doing what you’re told and having it evaluated. I hate being judged.
I never check my bank account. I know that sounds crazy. But I don’t know how much is in there. I never know how much is in there. I have an idea – I have a bottom line – but I never look because I always make believe there’s never anything in there.
Any time there is an economic downturn or political strife, lipstick sales skyrocket. If you have a hard day, it’s this $14 thing that lifts your day. I think drag has that same lipstick effect.
I’m very proud of my career. A lot of people get their career from the judges of ‘Drag Race’ saying they’re great. I had to go and build that reputation from the ground up.
I remember being obsessed with Christina Aguilera’s ‘Stripped.’ That was her peak, and she is such an amazing singer. Plus, I was a little gay boy, and the music video for ‘Beautiful’ existed, so obviously I was affected.
