For years, ‘Drag Race’ was gay people’s best kept secret. When I started doing drag, people didn’t know anything about it. Look at it now: it’s like it’s gone from black and white to IMAX.
I guess I just believe in Trixie Mattel, and I believe in the work. I don’t think I’m better than anybody else, but I really think that I’m hilarious and beautiful.
Whatever is underneath all the drag, it actually doesn’t really matter. It kind of just matters, are you a great entertainer? And are you nice to work with? Are you good at your job?
I didn’t start drag because I thought it would be a ticket to anything. I did it for my own narcissistic fulfillment. When I started selling records, going on tour, doing TV. I never expected any of it.
Drag Race’ doesn’t claim to represent drag as a whole. ‘Drag Race’ is a reality show. If you see real drag shows, we just do drag and respect each other’s art and who your real identity is – name, gender, hair color, anything.
I love that drag is a way for people to vacation in the gay nightlife, but… it’s quite a different experience to perform for a gay audience than a straight audience.
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.
Something ‘Drag Race’ is really good at is portraying us as artists but also human beings. And normal human beings don’t know everything. They don’t have all the answers.
