The Girlfriend Experience: Embracing Authenticity

Get ready to meet the phenomenal talent that is The Girlfriend Experience, a captivating performer and passionate activist from the fourth season of Canada’s Drag Race! The Girlfriend Experience is set to dazzle the audience at the upcoming YOUphoria event in Sarnia. This special event, hosted by Sarnia-Lambton PrideFest, will take place on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at the Imperial City Brewhouse. Featuring an all-trans and non-binary cast, including stars like Kylie Sonique Love, the event promises to be a night of unforgettable performances and powerful messages. Join us as we delve into the world of The Girlfriend Experience and what makes her such an extraordinary force in the drag community.

“I hope through my drag and drag style I show the world that trans women are beautiful, trans women can be desirable.”

— The Girlfriend Experience

DRAG MAG: The Girlfriend Experience, welcome! Can you share what inspired your drag name and how it reflects your persona on and off the stage?

The Girlfriend Experience: My drag name was inspired by the working girl but to be honest, it was first my instagram handle. As I began to travel for out of town gigs, I would get introduced as The Girlfriend Experience. This came around the time I began my transition so I used the name to rebrand and have separation between my drag person and my everyday life. I’ve always been inspired by strippers and showgirls. The Girlfriend Experience is the ultimate fantasy, the woman I always saw in me. She can be anything you want her to be *wink wink*.

DM: You were born in Germany and now live in Vancouver. How have these different cultural backgrounds influenced your drag style?

GFX: I honestly can’t say that either have had much influence on my drag. My drag is more influenced by gender and the celebration of femininity. 

DM: As a trans woman and activist, how do you integrate your advocacy work with your performances? What messages are you hoping to convey to your audiences?

GFX: I hope through my drag and drag style I show the world that trans women are beautiful, trans women can be desirable. I hope through my authenticity people can see women like me aren’t something to be ashamed of or hidden away. I believe in honesty and what is more honest than baring your heart, soul and body for people to see. It removes the walls of secrecy and lets the audience see me, all of me.

DM: You’re set to perform at the YOUphoria event in Sarnia alongside some incredible talent. How does it feel to be part of an all trans and non-binary cast event, and what significance does this hold for you?

GFX: The beauty of drag is it brings people together and in a world with so much division, sharing space with fellow trans folk establishes further community not just for myself but for others trans folk. 

DM: Can you give us a sneak peek into what we can expect from your performance at YOUphoria? Are there any special themes or inspirations you’re drawing from for this event?

GFX: I don’t know if I can do a good job of explaining my performance but like always, I will be giving 100% of my heart and energy. Again, this is such a fabulous event and sharing space and stage with trans folk motivates me to bring my A game and give it all I got!!

DM: YOUphoria is not just a performance event but also supports QT Camp through donations. How important do you think events like these are for the LGBTQ+ community, especially in smaller cities?

GFX: I'm blessed to live in a city with such a tight knit and diverse community. My hope is everyone to feel as connected as I have through the years. Events like this bring people together and that’s the beauty of drag, bring people together.

DM: What do you enjoy most about performing at Pride events, and how do you hope to impact those who attend your shows?

GFX: I loooooove Pride, the energy is always turned way up and celebrating with everyone and hearing the screams fills me with so much energy, it’s the adrenaline rush and the united feeling of happiness and celebration. 

DM: Having been a part of Canada’s Drag Race, how has your experience on the show influenced your career and your activism?

GFX: The show was such a blessing. Although I didn’t place far, it unlocked my cage and let me escape, reminding me how big the world is. Transitioning was such a rollercoaster. The social transition particularly after my affirming surgeries really affected me. I became fearful of the world and ultimately that was my downfall on the show. In a way the show gave me back my freedom. Traveling has brought me back to a place of peace and self reliance that I needed after a high speed few years.

DM: What are some challenges you’ve faced as a trans performer in the drag community, and how have you overcome them?

GFX: I’ve been lucky to be shown so much support by my community in Vancouver. Unfortunately some people have questioned if my drag is considered drag now that I have had surgeries. This was debated more during the run of my season.

DM: Do you have any upcoming projects or initiatives you’re excited about that you can share with our readers?

GFX: I’m currently getting ready for the Pride crawl! Very excited to experience drag on a hyper level now that I’ve been on the show and DragCon is just around the corner. Looking forward to a weekend full of drag and to meet all the fans!

DM: And Lastly, do you have anything that you would like to add?

Pride is 365 days a year. We are so special as a collective to have experienced life behind a queer identity. I think this life offers a unique and special perspective that deserves to be celebrated everyday. Stay grateful for the things you have and always lead with kindness. 

Don’t miss the chance to see The Girlfriend Experience and a stellar lineup of trans and non-binary performers, including Kylie Sonique Love, at YOUphoria on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at Imperial City Brewhouse. Presented by Sarnia-Lambton PrideFest, this event promises an evening of extraordinary talent, community spirit, and unforgettable performances. Admission is free, with donations supporting QT Camp. Come out, show your support, and experience the magic of YOUphoria!

By Kevin Blondin

YOUphoria
Saturday, July 13, 2024
At Imperial City Brewhouse in Sarnia, Ontario

Brenda: Sarnia’s Rising Drag Artist Ready to Shine at Mosaic and YOUphoria

Meet Brenda, an 18-year-old drag queen from Sarnia, Ontario, who’s making waves as an indigenous artist and youth performer. With just over two years in drag, Brenda is set to captivate audiences at both Friday and Saturday night Sarnia Pride events—Mosaic at Refined Fool Brewing Co. and YOUphoria at Imperial City Brewhouse. Sharing the stage with international stars like Salina EsTitties and Kylie Sonique Love, Brenda opens up about her journey, inspirations, and the significance of pride events in her community.

DRAG MAG: How long have you been doing drag? 

Brenda: I have been doing drag for just over two years now, but I started playing around with makeup for just over three years. 

DM: How did you get into drag? 

B: I got into drag by seeing RuPaul's Drag Race on Netflix one day while I was looking for something to watch. I decided to put it on and immediately I was pulled right in. It was season 8 (the only season on Netflix at the time) and when I saw Naomi Smalls walk in I just knew that's how I wanted to be, stunning and fabulous. 

DM: How do you describe your drag aesthetic? 

B: I'd say my drag aesthetic is pretty broad honestly, sometimes I'll be in pastels with a pop vibe and the next I'll be in dark colours with a more alternative vibe. 

DM: What can you tell me about Sarnia’s drag scene?

B: Sarnia's local drag scene is quite a smaller one but we do have some hella cute and fierce queens. 

DM: Who are your biggest drag inspirations?

B: My biggest drag inspirations are Poison (my drag mother of course), Naomi Smalls and Kandy Muse. I also take a lot of inspo from Ariana Grande, Monster High dolls and Bratz dolls.

DM: You’re performing at both Mosaic and YOUphoria alongside other amazing artists like Salina EsTitties, Jada Shada Hudson, Kylie Sonique Love and The Girlfriend Experience. How do you feel about sharing the stage with such impressive international talent?

B: I feel very intimidated to share the stage with them but also very validated at the same time. I have looked up to these queens for a really long time, especially Kylie because she was one of the few trans queens on drag race and she won her All Stars season. It just makes me think and feel like I'm on the right track and keeps me looking forward for what's to come. 

DM: What can you tell us about the importance of events like this in our community?

B: It's so so important to have these pride events because it shows the resilience within the 2SLGBTQIA+ community to keep going, to keep fighting for what's right. It's also entertaining to go out and see a drag show and just to get out at all. These events show that the whole community isn't going anywhere, and you can't just get rid of us. 

DM: This event is part of Sarnia-Lambton PrideFest. What does performing at Pride events mean to you?

B: Performing at pride events means literally the world to me because it's so special to be the representation people are looking for, I am a plus size, trans and indigenous performer. That is three groups alone of people that could possibly see a bit of themselves in me and that truly means a lot. 

DM: How important is it to you to represent your community in these events?

B: It's so beyond important for me to represent all my communities in these events because I know when I was younger I didn't have too many people to look to that were similar to me. I want people to be able to relate and feel seen. 

DM: Do you have any upcoming projects or events that you can share with us besides Sarnia Pride? 

B: I have another pride show July 27th at the Storm Stayed brewery hosted by Brattery Acid and Maple Queef. 

DM: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

B: In 5 years I'd like to see myself as an even more successful drag queen, I would like to go to college for cosmetology and maybe fashion. I'm not too sure within 5 years but hopefully someday I'll be on Drag Race.

DM: Being an 18-year-old performer, what advice would you give to other young, aspiring drag artists who are eager to participate in their local drag scenes?

B: This is going to be a basic answer, but practice is so important. Just practice for a little bit then when you reach a place where you even feel a little bit confident, put yourself out there. Post on Instagram, reach out to local entertainers and Diversity ED is a really good place to go with helping out with new artists.   

DM: Lastly, what message do you hope to convey to your fans and the audience through your performances at Mosaic and beyond?

B: The message I hope to convey is to live your life how you want to and to have fun. I want people who see me perform to feel joy and just to vibe.  

Catch Brenda live at Sarnia Pride events this July! Don’t miss her performances at Mosaic on Friday, July 12, 2024, at Refined Fool Brewing Co., and at YOUphoria on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at Imperial City Brewhouse. Join the celebration, support local talent, and enjoy a night of spectacular drag performances. Admission is free, with donations supporting QT Camp. See you there!

By Kevin Blondin

Mosaic
Friday, July 12, 2024
At Refined Fool Brewing Co. in Sarnia, Ontario

YOUphoria
Saturday, July 13, 2024
At Imperial City Brewhouse in Sarnia, Ontario

EsTitties is Coming to Sarnia’s Mosaic

Get ready to meet the fabulous Salina EsTitties, star of RuPaul's Drag Race Season 15! Hailing from Los Angeles, Salina is not just a drag queen but also a talented musician. She’s known for her energetic performances and captivating presence on stage.

Salina will be gracing Sarnia with her presence at a very special event called Mosaic on Friday, July 12, 2024, at Refined Fool Brewing Company. Presented by Sarnia-Lambton PrideFest, this event promises a night of spectacular entertainment with performances from Jada Shada Hudson of Canada’s Drag Race, London’s songstress Galaxy, Tammy The Brown, The X Wife, Kamilla Flores, Kara Melle, and Sarnia’s own Brenda. Best of all, this event is FREE! Don’t miss out on this incredible celebration of drag and music.

DRAG MAG: Have you ever performed or been in the Sarnia area before? 

Salina EsTitties: No, it'll be my first time. I've been to Calgary a couple times, but never past that. So I'm very excited to see a new side of Canada. 

DM: Is there anything that you're looking forward to doing while you're here? 

SET: Well, I've never been, so I don't know what to expect or anything. So I always just love showing up and seeing what happens. 

DM: What was the most memorable moment for you during your time on the RuPaul’s Drag Race? 

SET: I think just getting to be with RuPaul at any point was like the best thing in the world. It just felt so unreal, you know what I mean? You see them on TV forever, and then here you are talking with them about your drag. So I think that was definitely the best part about it.

DM: As a musician and a drag queen, how do you blend these two passions in your performances? 

SET: I find that drag allows me to create music in the way that I probably wouldn't be able to if I didn't have drag. It gives me like a vehicle to express all my talents and all of who I am, where outside of drag I probably don't feel as confident. I don't feel as seen. I don't feel as respected. Being in drag, it just kind of demands that power and allows for me to create and express myself in a way that people actually pay attention.

DM: What inspires the themes and styles of your shows? 

SET: My shows are very theatrical. I'm a musical theater major at the end of the day, so I feel like that combined with my street smart, street wise persona, it's the blend of musical theater and then like, hoodrat, you know. The two complement each other very well in a way that people have not experienced before. It's not just a hip hop dancing girl. It's also that combined with acting and emotion that allows for an exciting experience. 

DM: Can you share the story behind your drag name? 

SET: So Selena is a play on Selena Quintanilla, which is a Latin music artist who was tragically murdered when she was very young. And she is huge in the Latin community. So I wanted to pay homage to my queen and the Latin queen for a lot of Latinos. So, Selena's my first name. And then I was creating my name. My friend was asking me, what would your drag name be? And I said, I don't know, but if I were a girl, I'd probably have really big titties and, Es Titties. The Es in front of is kind of an homage to my mom with her accent. She used to say stuff like instead of stop sign, she would say es-stop. Instead of a Sprite. She would say es-Sprite. So I just kind of added the Es because it gives how my mom would say it. 

DM: Who are your biggest musical and drag inspirations? 

SET: My biggest drag inspirations has to be Robin Williams and Mrs. Doubtfire, John Leguizamo in To Wong Foo, Eddie Murphy as Rasputia in Norbit. These male actors who just do drag for comedy purposes, these comedians, that's really where my drag stems from. Mary Katherine Gallagher from Superstar. SNL type skit characters and MADtv. That's kind of where my comedy and drag persona comes from, those are very big influences. As far as drag goes I have a very hyper feminine look that is a little clowny but not too clowny. So I like blending the two together. And I think that I don't really have a drag queen that I'm inspired by like that. But I would say that I'm definitely inspired by like pop stars like Beyonce and Jennifer Lopez. And as far as the vibe and esthetic go... the essence of EsTitties combined with the comedic actor vibes, it gives what I was talking about, the combination of pop star and camp. 

DM: What's your favorite song to perform and why? 

SET: My favorite song to perform, I mean, performing Nicki Minaj is always fun. I also love performing Cardi B, also Beyonce Renaissance I think would probably be my favorite right now as we speak in this moment, probably any Renaissance Beyoncé is where I kind of live at the moment. 

DM: How do you feel about sharing the stage with such diverse talent? 

SET: It's so exciting because we get to showcase all aspects of drag. And these things are fantastic. So getting to share a stage with them is an honor, and I'm very excited to do so.

DM: What does performing at Pride Events mean to you personally? 

SET: I remember pride when I was growing up as an 18 year old in West Hollywood. You know, kind of a gay Mecca, pride resembled freedom and community to me when I was coming up. And today pride for me is really about a sense of self pride within oneself and finding one's own sense of confidence with themselves and self-love. And that's kind of what I've been working on recently as a person. And so I think having pride in all aspects of who you are. So for me, that's being proud of how I look, regardless of how fit or unfit I may be, being proud of my race and my nationality, my ethnicity. Being proud of the way that I speak, being proud of the way that I walk, finding pride in all aspects of who I am allows me to exude that and allow other people to see me the way that I saw other people when I was 18 years old, and be an example of what true pride really looks like. Not just being proud of being gay, but being proud of all aspects of who I am. 

DM: What can the audience expect from your performance in Mosaic, and are there any special surprises in store? 

SET: So I do have original music that's out, and right now during pride season, I'm performing it live. So maybe I'll see if I can find some dancers there in Ontario who could hop on stage with me, if that's a thing. But perhaps getting a taste of my music that I have out right now that's gone a little viral on YouTube. 

DM: Do you have any pre-show rituals or routines? 

SET: Ooh, I actually like to be very quiet before the show and just have a moment to myself to breathe and take in the moment and prepare because it takes a lot of energy to do what I do. So to have that moment by myself to just hone in on what's about to happen is really important to me. 

DM: Drag has seen a surge in mainstream popularity. How do you think this visibility has impacted the drag community both positively and negatively? 

SET: Well, positively, it has put us on the forefront of a lot of media and just life in general. So, where before we used to perform in the shadows, and be pushed to the side, now we're being a little more respected and celebrated. On the negative side, as a queen, I feel like it's a little oversaturated right now and there's a lot of queens, so that is a little hard to navigate. But it's better to have that problem than to not have a problem at all. 

DM: What do you think sets the LA drag scene apart from other drag scenes across the country? 

SET: I think what sets the LA drag scene apart is that we live in Los Angeles, which is the entertainment capital of the world. So I think our girls are a lot more accustomed to what it looks like to be on set, what it looks like to show up and be on your mark, deliver your show and be ready to go. I feel like we're very professional in that way and and ready to execute. Because we're showgirls, LA, Hello? 

DM: Do you have any favorite brands or go-to products that you swear by? 

SET: I think setting spray is very important. And I use them very theatrical, almost industrial type of setting spray. It's not no makeup brand. It's an alcoholic base that is great to make sure I don't sweat. And then there's other stuff called Sweat On, or something like that. And it clogs my pores. I don't sweat, which is very important because drag is really hot, so I gotta make sure my makeup is not running. 

DM: What advice would you give to aspiring drag artists who look up to you? 

SET: The more you know who you are as a person, that will reveal who you are as a drag queen and your performance style, what you wear, how you express yourself. So I say start by going inside and learning who you are, and then that will dictate your drag and how you move in the world. 

DM: Do you have any upcoming projects or music releases that you're excited about and can share with us? 

SET: Yeah, my music video, for my song Papi off of my latest EP, Homegirl will be out and that's brand new, so I would love for everyone to check that out. And I also have a show that I'll be doing in July in Provincetown that is called The Papi Experience. It's kind of like my live interactive speed dating show that I hope to take on the road one day. And I'm currently working on a little Christmas project at the moment as well. 

DM: What message do you hope to convey to your fans in the audience through your performances at Mosaic and other performances beyond? 

SET: I hope that I make them want to get up and dance. I want them to feel my energy and let that shock through them and make them feel the same energy in the crowd and then be inspired to share that energy moving forward the next day. 

DM: Lastly, I just want to ask if you have anything at all that you'd like to add to this. 

SET: I'm just very grateful for my fan base and my supporters. I feel like I get to keep on doing what I'm doing because of them and their love and support online, and in real life. So anyone who is a fan of me, or has yet to become a fan of me, or like a soon to be itty bitty titty committee member I'm just very grateful for them, and I wanted them to know how much I appreciate and love them. 

Don’t miss the chance to see Salina EsTitties and a stellar lineup of performers at Mosaic on Friday, July 12, 2024, at Refined Fool Brewing Company. Presented by Sarnia-Lambton PrideFest, this free event promises an unforgettable night of drag, music, and celebration. See you there!

By Kevin Blondin

Mosaic
Friday, July 12, 2024
At Refined Fool Brewing Co. in Sarnia, Ontario

Epoxy & Iddy Prepare 4 Battle

Get ready to sashay into the captivating universe of Windsor's drag scene with Epoxy and Iddy Oats. In this exclusive interview, they reveal the secrets behind Battle of the Babes and their journey as dynamic drag duo.

DRAG MAG: Could you start by telling the readers a bit about yourselves?

Epoxy: We are husbands in real life, but our drag personas are what we refer to as sister-wives. We moved back from Montreal a handful of years ago to start our business Interrobang Vintage.

Iddy: In Montreal we weren’t doing drag yet I guess, but we were dressing in our weirdest looks and hitting the streets. Epoxy was working in vintage and designing graphics for Urban Outfitters, I was working in all sorts of bougie restaurants.

Epoxy: But, we were both originally from Windsor, so moving back here to start the business just made sense. We sold lots of cool people vintage, and we even did costuming for tv shows including Stranger Things season 4. And then over covid Epoxy and Iddy Oats were officially born.

DM: Can you give us a brief overview of Battle of the Babes?

E: Battle of the Babes started as a show that would allow new, novice or under-booked performers a way to showcase their talents. It’s not your typical show, the kings and queens have to collect points throughout the show. We’ve had lipsync battles, talent shows, mini-challenges, and all sorts of gags and goops. Every show is a bit different. But overall we have 5 or 6 performers who battle it out for a cash prize and crown. Iddy, do you want to tell them why we co-host?

I: Because we’re sister-wives! Before doing drag, Epoxy was hosting pop-ups, parties and events for the University of Windsor… and we’ve been there working together on everything this whole time. Epoxy just decided to finally share the damn spotlight!

DM: Could you share some background on the past battles?

E: BOTB, the original show, took place at Villains back in August 2023. It didn’t have a theme, and our very first winner was B.Martini.

I: BOTB2 was in October so obviously it was Halloween theme at Meteor. It was a landslide win for Remedy. It was her first show ever but she slayed the house down boots.

E: BOTB3 was called Love Sick as it was around Valentine’s Day. All the songs were breakup and single girl anthems. It was a packed venue at Walkerville Brewery, with over 130 tickets sold. Our winner was Venom VonSnaps. Battle of the Babes 4 is May 3 at Meteor again, and this one is called Babes in Space.

I: Think 1960s sci-fi b-movie with homemade sets and weird music. It’s going to be a fun one. But most exciting is ALL STARS. We are bringing back the past winners and some fan-favs to have our first ‘battle of the legends’! If we continue with more BOTB shows, we might even do an All Stars 2.

DM: How do you choose the themes for the events?

E: We always brainstorm ideas. Or I will think of an idea and Iddy helps me expand on it, and helps me follow through. We have a whole roster of event titles and ideas just waiting to happen. We don’t want our themes to be tacky or feeling like a high school semi-formal. We’re serving production value on a dime, and people are gobbling it up honey.

DM: What can attendees expect from the upcoming events in the BOTB series?

I: May 3, Meteor Babes in Space. June 8, Walkerville Brewery, All-Stars.

DM: Are there any surprises or special guest appearances planned for these upcoming events?

E: If I told you, it wouldn’t be a surprise now would it sweetie.

DM: How do you determine the winners of the battles?

E: It all depends on their C.U.N.T. of course. We give them points for their charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent, based on their lipsyncs, talent show numbers, etc. And after the top 2 are chosen, the most exciting part… the audience votes by ballot for the winner!

DM: Have you seen any notable trends or evolutions in the performances over the course of the series?

E: Each show has gotten bigger and better. All Stars is going to be amazing. The queens and kings are really coming in blazing and giving it their all. Giving the Babes the opportunity to perform in a quality show in front of a full-house has made it all a lot of fun.

DM: Tell us about the format of the show. How do you structure each event to keep the audience engaged and entertained throughout the night?

I: Epoxy’s hosting is a big part of it. She’s quick as hell and really engages with the audience. We both do weird lipsyncs, and really give ‘em a show they’ll remember. I always try to be over the top and give people something they’re not expecting from a Windsor drag show.

E: We also try to read the room. If people are getting bored for even a minute we change gears and switch up the vibes. Iddy and I have been event organizers and business owners for over a decade, and I guess you could just say we’re naturals.

DM: The all-stars finale sounds like a spectacular culmination of the series. How did you go about selecting the all-stars cast, and what can fans expect from this grand finale?

E: It was hard choosing our cast. We didn’t want to exclude people, but we only had so many spots. We’re bringing back our winners, so B.Martini, Remedy, Venom, and whoever wins Babes in Space. Plus some of our ‘fan-favs’ who did really well in the rankings during their show. We have Mina Gorgina who came in 2nd at Love Sick, Daisy with a Y who dazzled us with her angelic voice in BOTB1, and also our first lipsync assassin Hudson Bae.

DM: Looking ahead, do you have plans for another season of BOTB after the finale in June?

E: I might have run out of Babes, but we’ll see! I’ve always wanted to do a Y2K themed one, or maybe another Halloween one. But I might also move on to new horizons instead.

DM: Are there any other upcoming projects or events that our readers should keep an eye out for from Epoxy and Iddy Oats?

I: May 31 at Craftheads were doing an indie/goth/emo type of night called Dolls and Demons. We’ve got our hottest queens in town and we’re going to be shaking our padded booties all night to some lipsyncs, and live dj’s. We also have Summer of ‘69 at the Walkerville Brewery which will be kind of like an improve dinner theater. Lots of other stuff in the works too.

E: I may or may not be hosting a show at the Capitol Theatre this summer. I can’t say more yet, but there’s more info about that coming soon.

DM: How do you balance your involvement in BOTB with other creative endeavors?

E: Just barely! We both work hard, I am a graphic designer and also sell vintage online and at Sidecar Collective on Ottawa St. Iddy has a dad job and works an office job full time. Unless we get a grant, our shows are fully funded by ticket sales and fully put together by Iddy and myself. Our shows are totally grass-roots and DIY, but we’ve been creatives and entrepreneurs for so long that it all comes naturally. I have my Bachelors of Fine Arts from UWindsor, and school taught me a lot about curation and how to make a lot with only a little.

DM: Finally, is there anything else you'd like to share with our readers about BOTB, your journey as drag artists, or anything else that's on your minds?

E: I would like to say that we are so pleased to be featured in your publication. Keep doing what you do, and keep featuring our local talent! There are so many performers who deserve a spotlight. We can’t wait to see the evolution of this magazine.

DM: Are there any messages or words of encouragement you'd like to give to aspiring drag performers in the community?

E: I just want to take this opportunity to enlighten your readers about some Windsor history. We have had drag performers working here for over 150 years! Walkerville was a haven for vaudeville acts traveling between Montreal, Detroit, Chicago and New York. People often act like Windsor’s drag scene is small or unimportant, but we’re actually part of a rich history of queer and gender-bending performers. Don’t listen to these people who say that we don’t belong. Queer people, non-binary people, trans people and all 2S-LGBTQIA+ people have been here for centuries, and they just can’t handle how amazing we all are. Get out there and keep slaying!

By Kevin Blondin

BOTB - Babes In Space
Friday, May 3, 2024
At Meteor in Windsor, Ontario

BOTB - All Stars
Saturday, June 8, 2024
At Walkerville Brewery in Windsor, Ontario

The Great Galaxy Gala 2.0

Get ready to be dazzled by the latest scoop from Galaxy, the fabulous drag queen from London, Ontario. In this exclusive interview with DRAG MAG, Galaxy spills the tea on the upcoming Galaxy Gala 2.0 event, drag trading cards, and more!

DRAG MAG: Let's talk about your drag persona, Galaxy. When did you first start doing drag, and what motivated you to pursue it?

Galaxy: I started doing drag for my 27th birthday – at that time I was living alone, and I had just moved (back) to London after about eight years of being away from my home city. At the time I was not involved in social media, I didn't even have a presence in the community. Drag was my last-ditch effort to do something with my life. So, for my birthday, without any research or prompt, I created a drag persona and challenged myself to step entirely out of my comfort zone. From that point on, my career in drag began to flourish.

DM: Can you share one of your favorite memories or performances from your drag career so far?

G: I was asked on behalf of RHAC (Regional HIV/AIDS Connection) to prepare a couple performances for IDAHOT, and my performance for Titanium, which I sung live, at The Aeolian Hall earned me a standing ovation. I was floored. I still am, actually.

DM: We're intrigued by your drag trading card series. How did you come up with the idea, and what can fans expect from it?

G: With the rise of young and new performing drag artists, and the changing scene with the introduction of London's newest queer safe space, The Well, I was compelled to create a project which allowed me to provide a platform for all these up-and-coming artists, while simultaneously honouring the legacy performers. The idea was universally well-received.

DM: Can you tell us about the production process for the drag trading cards?

G: My vision initially was to solely feature local entertainers, and I basically just put an all call out for those who wished to be involved. There was no criteria aside from just wanting to be able to be a part of the project and being open to having their image printed and distributed via the cards. Each card takes unique qualities and traits and is tailored to each individual performer, having a (mostly arbitrary) points system as dictated by the featured artist.

DM: When can fans expect the physical drag trading cards to be released, and where will they be available for purchase?

G: Production has been stalled, but I do hope to get this project back up and running. They will be available for distribution at participating locations upon printing.

DM: Are there plans to expand the drag trading card series beyond the London market?

G: Absolutely! With the interest I have received I would love to branch out to Windsor, Hamilton, and surrounding areas. There are already some from St Thomas, and Sarnia. My hope is to expand it as far as it will go. The production process is quite timely as I cater each card myself.

DM: Do you have any future plans to further develop the drag trading card series or explore other creative ventures in the drag community?

G: At this time I would be happy to see them printed, in the meantime I am always coming up with new ideas to engage and empower the local drag scene.

DM: Can you tell us about the Galaxy Gala 2.0 event happening on April 26 at the Rec Room in London?

G: This year, thanks to help from UR Proud, I have secured a sought-after venue for this event. Allowing performers who normally wouldn't have the opportunity to perform on this stage their moment to shine. Additionally, a portion of this even is dedicated to a roast and a portion of ticket proceeds will be donated to Wortley Pride.

DM: How did the partnership with HAUSENVY & UR PROUD come about for this event?

G: HausEnvy is my own independent enterprise – I am partnering with UR Proud because they are providing assistance the technical side of the event such as help with multimedia. They also had the connections I needed to secure the venue at a reasonable out of pocket cost. Tickets are also available through their website.

DM: Why did you choose Wortley Pride as the beneficiary of a portion of the event's proceeds?

G: Wortley Pride is an organization near and dear to my heart, as the co-chair and part of the founding team. Their mission to to provide inclusive, safe programming and events for 2SLGBTQIA+ members of our community with an emphasis on family friendly events. They also have an annual festival in the heart of Wortley Village, in London.

DM: What makes the Rec Room in London a great venue for the Galaxy Gala 2.0? What unique elements does it offer for an event like this?

G: The Rec Room has secured its reputation as a premier location for drag shows. Featuring shows from Lavender Promotions and Phoenix Black Entertainment, it has always delivered a professional standard for shows and entertainment. It offers a convenient location adjacent to Masonville Place, and offers food, drink and, when the show is over, the recreational arcade.

DM: Could you walk us through the lineup of performers for the Galaxy Gala 2.0?

G: For this event, I wanted to feature some of London's finest – from legacy performers to newer performers. (In no particular order)

Lita Von Sleaze – Lita is a household name in this city, having been a part of the drag scene well before even me. She is known for her fundraising efforts, and she brings a kind of energy to her performances which captivate audiences.

Lexi Alexander – Lexi is a performer who is near and dear to my heart. She works often with Wortley Pride, but is rarely booked. I am trying to change this by highlighting her incredible talent for delivering a powerful ballad. Lexi stuns in amazing, eye-catching gowns, and exudes nothing but love when she performs.

Lavender Skyes – I was there at Lavender's conception, and it has been a personal joy watching her evolve and grow her art. She is kind, caring, and can perform the house down. Whether she is doing a cartwheel, or injecting her humour into her performances, she is always a crowd pleaser.

Panico – Panico is a performer that pushes themselves, and the envelope, when it comes to drag. So much raw talent in one performer, and you never really know exactly what you're going to get. They are versatile and creative, and an asset to any line up.

Sheerah Mae Heartt – Sheerah hails from Sarnia, but we have worked with each other many times. She is energetic and can go from performing a ballad, to doing the splits (even if I've asked her not to). Her performances are memorable and it is an honour to have her on my cast.

Oliver Personas – This is a performer that you never quite forget. They have an immense amount of talent, they are constantly pushing the boundaries of drag and performance art in unique and creative ways. As their name suggests, you truly don't know what you're going to get, but it always promises to be captivating.

Eve Hill – Eve is one of our legacy performers, she delivers powerful performances incorporating her signature style with elements of camp. Her performances are always fun, energetic, and out-of-the-box. She devises and executes memorable performances with flare and grace.

POISON – I have been working with POISON since the beginning of my drag career, and seeing what they do, and what they have done, with their drag has been nothing short of inspirational. They bring a punky, edgy aspect to the stage and brings it to life with energetic dance numbers. They are always willing to help backstage, and deliver a solid performance every time.

Veronica Royale – Last, but not least, my partner in this ambitious endeavour. Veronica Royale is a kind, helpful and caring person and performer. She brings high energy mixes, has a quick wit, and takes after her drag mother (Lita) as a consummate professional.

DM: This year's event includes a raffle and a roast. What inspired these additions?

G: A drag show is a drag show is a drag show but London hasn't had a solid roast in a while. And, since I've developed somewhat of a name for myself, I wanted to take this opportunity to open the library and let my friends, family and colleagues have at it. Roasts are a great addition to any event. The raffle is in support of Wortley Pride, offering one more way attendees can support Wortley Pride and all they do.

DM: Are there any other upcoming events or projects in the works for Galaxy that fans should keep an eye out for?

G: I am taking a break to put my focus on this event and will start taking bookings after. In the meantime, you will always be enthralled and enamoured by drag at The Well, or anything Diversity Ed organizes.

DM: Do you have anything else that you would like to add?

G: Tickets are limited and available HERE!

Galaxy Gala
Friday, April 26, 2024
At The Rec Room in London, Ontario

By Kevin Blondin

Ask Jimbo Anything

We asked our subscribers to send us questions for Jimbo, from Canada’s Drag Race season 1, RuPaul’s Drag Race UK vs The World season 1, and the winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars season 8.

DRAG MAG: If the library were open and you had the opportunity to read Plane Jane, what would you say to her?

Jimbo: I would say, get yourself some bigger titties, bitch. 

DM: Who do you still keep in contact with from Canada's Drag Race?

J: I keep in touch with all my girls. I love all of my Canada’s Drag Race girls. It’s definitely easier to see the ones that live out west. So, Ilona comes over to the island and she parties with me, and I always try to connect with Tynomi, Priyanka when she’s ever in town. Basically, we have a group chat online, so we try to stay in touch as much as possible. 

Who are you rooting for on this season of RuPaul's Drag Race Season 16?

I am still kind of just watching and figuring that out. I'm not really sure yet. I've been watching it, and it's a really, really funny, really good season. 

Would you partake in a future winner’s season? 

For sure. I love making TV. I love doing drag. And I love RuPaul.

What's your most memorable performance and why does it stand out to you?

I can't really pick one performance. I've been touring around the world, performing as much as I humanly possibly can. And every single time, every single night, I've tried my best to give my all and to leave people with an amazing show and a great night. So, I guess you have to ask the people that were at the shows because that's part of clowning too, you kind of don't really register, you just kind of let it flow through you, so I have no idea. 

Who are your drag influences or role models and how have they shaped your style?

My drag influences and role models are definitely people like Pamela Anderson, Dolly Parton, obviously, you know, Mama Ru is definitely an influence of mine. Elvira, I love Elvira, and other drag queens from the Drag Race franchise, I definitely have been inspired by queens like Bianca, and Sasha Velour, and Trixie, they’re really inspiring queens. 

Another subscriber asks, is there any specific inspiration behind the bodacious boobage as your staple?

It's just me being a big old sexy clown. I love curves, I love swerves, I love body, I love proportion, and I’m a clown, so bigger bigger, more more, and my mom has big boobs, and it’s just what’s natural. It’s all about putting your inside on the outside. 

Another subscriber asks which one do you like better, your left tit, or your right tit?

I guess maybe it’s not so much the left to right as it is the sizes. I have maybe 20 or more different breast plates, so, you know, I definitely have my favourites of my different breast plates. 

Then the next question is, do you have names for your breast plates?

I do, yea. I try to name them as much as I can. I forget them, then I just rename them. I'm wearing Jessica right now, but it might have been Tiffany, I can’t remember. 

Another subscriber asks, so you must be very busy. What do you do to relax and do you have a hobby outside of drag?

What I do to relax is I usually try to take in wherever I am. Being on the road I get the fortune of seeing so many places, but unfortunately I have to move through them quite quickly, so whenever I have some free time I like to take in wherever I am by going to see some friends, if I have friends in the area, or go relax, it just kind of depends on where I happen to be in the world. 

Is there a story behind the cowboy shirt that you wore on all three of your seasons?

Yeah, I definitely like the cowboy shirt. I found that in New Orleans. I love being down in New Orleans. And I was down there on a trip with my partner at the time, and I was thrift shopping at the French Quarter and I went into this record store, and I got a Bootsie Collins record and a Little Richard record, and some really amazing other records, and I went into the shop and I thought, oh my God, that looks like I made that shirt, like it used to belong to Bootsie Collins. So I just kind of made up that it was this really magical shirt. And then it was way, way up the top, near the ceiling. And I said to the person, I thought it was going to be so expensive. I said, how much is that? And they said, oh, that? Like, I don’t know, like 10 bucks, and I said oh my god, I’ll get that, and so I got that shirt and I wore it as I biked around New Orleans and every single person stopped me and was like, that shirt is amazing, I love that shirt. I need to have that shirt. Where'd you get that shirt? People just loved it. And so ever since, I wore it on special occasions; I wore it on my birthday, I wore it on New Year's, I wore it whenever I needed to feel magical or I needed luck. And so when I went on drag race, they asked me, what do you wanna wear that means something to you? And I said, well, I brought my lucky shirt, my favorite shirt. And then each time I went to compete, I was trying to think of something else to wear and nothing held any real meaning to me enough to show it in that level. So I thought, I'm just gonna wear my lucky shirt. That's the only piece of clothing I have that has meaning to me. So that's what I wore. 

How did eyeballs become one of your motifs? 

I don't know. I think I have a curiosity about biology and about the natural world and there is just something so magical and beautiful about eyes. And I collect eyes, and I collect heads, and I collect old toys, and they say eyes are the gateways to the soul, and there’s something individual and magical about eyes, so I love eyes. 

If you had to choose your proudest moment from your drag race journey, what would it be?

I would say it's probably my crowning, where I was able to show the very, very best of who I am and what I love to do and win a show that means a lot to me. So that was a dream come true. 

What was it like competing against an international lineup of queens on UK versus the world? And how did it feel to represent Canada on a global stage?

It was so much fun. I had been touring a lot over in the UK and so I was already kind of friends with some of the girls and I was just so excited to be competing on an international level. It was also during the pandemic when we filmed that so there was a certain level of disconnection that was happening in the world. And I was able to go and kind of connect with people in another country, in another continent, which most people in the world were not able to do at that time. So it kind of felt really special. It felt really surreal. And I think that isolation added to that sort of on-screen madness that was part of that show.

The Drag Race fandom is known for its creativity. What's the craziest fan interaction you've ever had and how do you feel about the dedicated fan base you've gained?

The craziest fan interaction I ever had was probably in Luxembourg, in Switzerland. This girl in the audience latched onto my breast and just started screaming and pulling and I kind of just went with it and started screaming my head off but for the audience it was quite alarming. It was fun. It was wild. 

All-Stars Season 8 was iconic. Looking back, what was the most challenging part of the competition and how did you overcome it to snatch the crown? 

The most challenging part of the competition was when my good friend, sister and alliance member Heidi decided to leave the competition. She is a great friend and a great competitor and I was really sad to see her go and that really left a hole for all of us. So she had to do what was right for her and in the end, you know, who knows, maybe we'll see her again on another season somewhere. 

If you had to pick one queen from your drag race journey to join you in a dynamic duo performance, who would it be and what song would you slay together? 

I would want to perform with Mama Ru herself and I want to perform Hey Kitty Girl with her. 

You’ve become a fashion icon with your avant-garde looks. How do you stay ahead of the fashion curve and where do you find inspiration for your boundary pushing outfits? 

Well, I just do what feels good for me. I have an interest in fashion and I have an interest in kind of what's happening and what's new around me. I think that there's all kinds of influences and I am a designer and I love sourcing materials and checking things out. So I think those all kind of go together, finding new materials, finding new fashions, finding new fabrics and working them into new cuts and new designs is all a part of being a drag queen and a costume designer. So that's what I love about it. 

The Drag Race experience is undoubtedly transformative. How has being on the show changed you? 

I would say it's kind of like a drag boot camp and you go in kind of feeling like you're the shit and you kind of come out leaving feeling like, oh, okay, you know, I definitely went in a little bit crunchy, a little bit punchy, and I feel a little bit better coming out the other side. So each time, part of drag, and the delusion but you know part also amazing part about Drag is getting better and improving at your art form. So, that’s what I love about going to Drag Race, and each time, I’ve left a better drag queen. 

Competing in three different countries must have been awesome already. And with the drag race franchise continuing to expand globally, if you had the chance to compete in any other international version, which one would you choose and why?

I would go and compete over in France because I love the fashions and I love my sister Nicky Doll so it would be really, really awesome to go over and compete there.

Drag queens are known for their pseudonyms. If you had to choose a completely different drag name for a day, what would it be? And what kind of queen would you be? 

A different drag name... I have no idea. The thing about drag that I love is kind of just naming myself once I'm in a character or once I take on a persona. So I think that I would have to get dressed as that person and look in the mirror and say, okay, this is who I am. 

Drag queens often have a fierce arsenal of one-liners. Can you share your favorite Jimbo quote and when did you first realize the power of a well-timed catchphrase?

I guess Mama Ru has been the queen of the catchphrase. And the thing about a catchphrase is you don't really know when it's happening. You know, you can't really be self-conscious about a catchphrase and be like, this is my catchphrase and it's gonna be catchy. That's kind of the magic of it, you just have to be authentically yourself and then people resonate with something that you say and then that becomes your catchphrase. So, I went into Drag Race just being open and just saying, this is who I am, this is my name, I'm Jimbo, I don't have some weird pun or weird funny name, that's just my name. And yeah, I think it's great to not be so self-conscious about it and be like, this is my one-liner and this is my catchy phrase. It's more of the audience decides those things and you're lucky if that happens.

Can you name a one-liner that the audience has really latched onto?

I would say my one liner from Canada’s Drag Race that people love is “It's my special day” and having me scream that. I do cameo messages and all kinds of people message me saying can you scream “it’s my special day” or “can you tell this person it’s my special day,” and there’s a meme of me screaming that, it always makes me laugh. 

You’ve graced the drag race runway with tons of unforgettable looks. If you had to pick one outfit that represents the essence of Jimbo, which one would it be?

I would say there isn't necessarily any one outfit and I think that that's what set me apart on Drag Race from the other queens. There isn't one single style or genre or one specific look. Every time I come around the corner I try to surprise people, I try to surprise myself and show different facets of drag and what I love about drag. So looks like my dark influencer look from All Stars is really cool, cell phones. I love my look from UK versus world. My winter baby look where I'm sort of that chess queen. I like the look from Canada's Drag Race where I'm like denim diva where I kind of had that weird denim monster with a high pony. So, yeah, it's hard to pick just one. 

Anticipation is building for Jimbo's Drag Circus which hits Royal Oak on February 29th.What inspired the concept behind this tour and what can fans expect from the experience?

Fans can expect to laugh and to see an unconventional drag show. And everything I do is kind of influenced by making people laugh and kind of getting myself off and making myself laugh and showing what I love about drag, which is looks. And laughter. And jokes and fun. So that's what you're in for. And I'm going to dance, and I'll be doing character work, and I'll be playing six different characters. And I wrote new music. And I’m dancing, and it’s awesome. 

Your drag persona is iconic and unique. How does Jimbo transform from the everyday to the extraordinary for this circus themed extravaganza? 

Well, that's the power of drag. I'm going to put on a whole lot of makeup, strap on my tits and get to work. 

Is there anything you could tell us to give us kind of a sneak peek into some of your looks or performances that we'll see?

Yeah, you're gonna see some of my favorite characters like Shirley Temple, Joan Rivers, Casper the Bologna Ghost, Mickey, Eva Dent, and a new character that I've never done before. 

Can you share how the show embraces diversity and inclusivity, creating a space for everyone to revel in the magic of drag?

I think the beauty of drag in itself, drag is all about diversity, it's all about inclusivity, it's all about being open space. So, you know, I welcome every single person to come in and to take a little bit of my show with them and the feeling is going to be about laughter, about celebration, about love, about acceptance, and really about celebrating who we each are as individuals.

And Royal Oak is the lucky city to kick off the tour. Is there any reason why this location was chosen? And are there any special surprises in store for the audience on the premiere night?

Yeah, the special surprise is seeing the show for the first time of anyone in the world. And the reason why we're doing it in Royal Oak is because I've partnered with Murray and Peter Presents and they are a Royal Oak based production company. 

For those attending, what message or feeling do you hope they leave the venue with and how do you envision this tour making a mark in the world of drag entertainment?

I hope people come and get what they love out of drag and get what they love out of me and get a little bit more of a taste of who I am and the characters that they love and I hope that they leave laughing and I hope that they leave feeling like they have permission to be a little bit more weird and a little bit more wild themselves.

And where should fans go to get more information on the tour and tickets? 

Sure, they can head to dragfans.com for tickets and check out my website houseofJimbo.com for more information on what I'm up to and where I am.

Murray & Peter and House of Jimbo Present
Jimbo’s Drag Circus
World Tour 2024

Synthia Kiss’ Windsor Birthday Bash Revealed

Dive into the fabulous world of drag with Synthia Kiss and her podcast - "Semi-Qualified Queens" with Juice Boxx - where they serve sass, humor, and a whole lot of delulu for the salulu. Find out about their Live Tour, hitting cities like Ottawa, Toronto, and Windsor on March 23rd, for Synthia's birthday bash at Windsor Sportsmen's Club.

DRAG MAG: Since Canada's Drag Race what exciting projects or opportunities have you been working on?

Synthia Kiss: For the last two seasons of CDR, I have the pleasure of speaking with the Illuminated queens as part of our podcast coverage on Canada's Drag Race. I would also say creating music with Brat Pack. And more recently, I was on an episode of a television series my brother produced for CBC Gem called Ghosting. I'm on the finale episode of the season, Hunting for Ghosts.

DM: Can you share some insights into the friendships and connections you've maintained with fellow queens from the show?

SK: I think I'm the most close with my Canadian sisters because we all kind of have had the same trajectory afterwards, like career opportunities, how to navigate certain busy times of the year, certain slow times of the year, and the gamut in between. And I feel like I'm on the right track after talking to my fellow colleagues, you know, checking in with someone like how Priyanka runs her day-to-day business, or, Jimbo, seeing how they actually like operate. I think it's important to kind of pick the brains of your colleagues. These are kind of like my work friends, if that makes sense.

Reflecting on your time on CDR, what are some of your fondest memories?

I have two. My Rusical performance because that was super scary and we were singing live and then I also the Snatch Game. And I ended up winning the challenge. So that was a really cool moment. Snatch Game winning is kind of iconic.

In what ways has the exposure from CDR opened doors for you and influenced your drag career?

It's been just so surreal that I travel across the world and people still know my art. When we went to the UK, there's just such a fan base there that it's almost overwhelming at times where the reach of my art, it just goes to so many more people. I don’t take it lightly, the following that I now have online. It's a really cool opportunity to keep sharing my art. So whether it's the podcast or a new creation I've sewn, I let the fans be like my motivation because I think it's a really cool connection.

How did you come up with the name Synthia Kiss and what does it mean to you?

So I was lying in bed one night and I randomly thought how cool it would be to spell the name Cynthia with an S because I really like synthesizer, electro pop music, I especially love dancing to that kind of music. It's like synthetic, synthesizer, like synthetic kiss. So it's almost this robot, Fembot, Barbie doll. Synthia sounds like a traditional CIS woman's name, but the way I spell it, it's kind of adding this twist to it. And so it all kind of just like clipped together. And it's always just like felt correct.

So who or what are some of your major influences when it comes to your drag aesthetic?

I love fashion icons like Sarah Jessica Parker. I like her whimsical approach to fashion, how she'll pair some unexpected pieces together. I always think that's really exciting. I like keeping an eye on fashion weeks around the world to see what's dropping. And then also just other drag queens that I really look up to that have just curated their art in a specific way. I think all those things are part of the mood board and per project to kind of spin the wheel and decide it's like, hey, what's the energy, what's the vibe for this? And then create a look based off of that. I think for me, fashion, it can be, I like when it's a bit referential. I like when it's of a moment, and I like it really sparking joy lately. That's been my new favorite thing. And that often means sparklier. I love adding rhinestones to stuff now. Just make things so sparkly when I can.

Can you share the origin story of the Brat Pack and how this collective came together?

Brat Pack's really cool. It's got quite a long history, history that actually started before my time with the group. Back in the day, Brat Pack was like a collective in Vancouver with a bit of a rotating cast. And one of the final iterations of it was myself, Gia Metric, Kendall Gender and there was also James Mokur and Finks Jem. That's when I was part of the group. We were like very Spice Girls energy at the time. We had a weekly show in Vancouver, group numbers, solos, the whole nine yards. And then at a certain point, I took a little bit of hiatus in the group because I wasn't living off of my drag. I had a full-time job and just needed to focus on that, focus on me for a bit. And then during the pandemic, I lost that job. And then auditioned for Canada's Drag Race because of it being such an interesting time in my life where I was like, hey, this is an opportunity that I could go for, let's go for it. And so all three Brat Pack members happened to be on the one season. And so from there, we reunited the group as a trio. And as you saw, it was a huge part of the show, and then we parlayed that into some tours and some music afterwards because it was fun.

What do you think makes the Brat Pack stand out in the drag scene?

I would say it's great in the sum of its parts. Kendall is such a workhorse. She has such a strong work ethic. I have a really strong technical background as far as like editing video and graphics, and kind of like the branding of a product. So together, we're basically mounting something and sharing it with the world to gobble up. And that's harder than it looks. And actually, especially in this day and age when you're self-producing a lot of stuff, it just means you have to be super organized, really driven, as well as have something to say. So all those things combined, I feel like that’s what makes Brat Pack kind of pop is the real attention to detail and the planning.

How has being part of the Brat Pack influenced your personal growth and drag career?

I think after a certain point it really woke me up to the fact that I do like working on different projects as well. I think group work is always challenging so it's nice when you have multiple things on the go. For me, having my podcast with Juice Boxx, having opportunities like going on another program, Ghosting CBC, as I mentioned, like these things are fun because it's switching things up. It's getting to flex other parts of my skill set. And so Brat Pack almost in a way reminded me of like what's special about Synthia and what I also love to do when I can't because I'm in the group. If that makes sense, you know, it's like I like to switch it up.

What exciting projects or events can fans look forward to from the Brat Pack in the future?

I think for right now, each one of us was kind of craving those solo projects I just mentioned. And so for the time being, I know we're working on those. And I'm sure there's gonna be a point where we reunite and we start to create together again, but I think for the foreseeable future, we haven't really put anything in the calendar. Making songs is very expensive. Making music videos is even more expensive. And so I think at one point it was just like a moment where we're super proud of what we made together. And for the time being, I think we just kind of want to celebrate what we've already created versus drop new material.

Tell us about your podcast with Juice Boxx. What's the concept and when did you decide to start it?

So the concept is all things drag because we're "semi-qualified" to speak on it. I obviously didn't win my season. Juice went home first on hers. So it's kind of hilarious to think, okay, what do these two gay white men have to say about anything? But at the same time, we have that delulu for the salulu. We just have a really fun time cutting it up. We both have the gift of gab.

What's it like working with Juice Boxx?

It's tricky sometimes being on the West Coast and working with someone in Ontario. There is that awkward time difference, but we make it work. I often catch her after her workouts midday, and it's the beginning of my day, and we've just kind of found that rhythm. She's hilarious. I also think she's just so savvy when it comes to her Twitch streaming and her tech setup that she made a really intimidating process such as starting a podcast really simple and streamlined.

Can you tell us a little bit about your sponsor and their role in this initiative?

Freddie has been so important as far as the Semi-Qualified Queen's live tour. We definitely wouldn't be able to check out every single city, the transportation to get two Queens, two bi-coastal Queens around. There's some operating costs to that. So Freddie has been insurmountable when it comes to supporting us, to make sure that we can show up to these venues. And then from there, it's put on these really fun evenings with special guests from each city. We have an interview portion of the night. It's really special. And so it's big brands like Freddie that believe in queer art, that this is possible. It's incredibly important. And we feel so blessed to have their financial backing for this.

What guests and topics have you covered on the podcast and what kind of reception have you received from your fans?

We've got some really fun guests on the podcast. Jimbo and Priyanka have been special guests. We also had Brad and Brooke, judges from CDR on the podcast, which is really cool. I definitely had a high school crush on Brad Goreski growing up. So to have him on my podcast was kind of a pinch me moment. We've had some really great guests from international seasons as well. Kween Kong, Lemon, we just had on recently. Yeah, the list really goes on. And recently, we kind of realized that we're a Canadian podcast, and we just really love when we focus on Canadian seasons. So it's kind of our love letter to the Canadian drag theme. And so we've just recently been trying to do a hyper focus on that.

Where can fans find your podcast? And what future guests or topics can they look forward to?

Wherever you listen to podcasts, if you type in semi qualified queens it should show up. We have fabulous new podcast art, so check it out. It's the same imagery as our tour right now with a sparkly pink background. And we are actually going to be diving into the archives of Canada's Drag Race really, really soon. And we're going to be switching over to video format, which is really exciting. We're gonna be doing a little deep dive into where it all began, if you can believe, almost like four years ago now. It's so crazy. And we're gonna be sitting together doing it because I'm gonna be visiting Toronto soon for the tour and we're gonna create some content together while we're there. So there'll be lots of T, obviously coming from Juice’s season and perhaps some bonus surprise appearances from guests. I don't wanna give away too much, but that's definitely what's in the pipeline.

Semi-qualified Queens live tour has been taking different cities by storm. What cities have you visited so far and can you share some highlights or memorable fan interactions from these events?

We went to Victoria, Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary. It has been so fun to connect with people, the listeners of the podcast in person. The thing about a podcast is the parasocial relationship where I'm in your ears privately as you wash the dishes or walk your dog. And then all of a sudden we get to have this evening where the laughter is in front of us. We have our chemistry. So it's been really fun to get to see that unedited, unfiltered, in person and we're drag queens, right? So it's really fun to see us all up in the high whore drag, the wigs, the makeup, everything. Cause again, the podcast is for your ears. So a lot of times you're missing out on the visual treat when it comes to what Juice Boxx and I bring. So the tour has been so much fun. And as far as fan interaction, it really makes me smile when you see different age groups come to these shows, you've got like young Gen Z fans, and then older tables of gay men on double dates, it's like everything in between. It's just like a really fun crew of people. This show starts at a delightful 8 p.m. It's not one of those late night drag shows where you're staying up till 2 a.m. and you're so tired the next day, so hey, we decided to make it a marketing point. It is a comfortable evening show, you'll be back home before you know it. It's very conversational, feel good, have a drink, have a laugh.

What can fans expect from a Semi-Qualified Queens live show and what cities are you planning to visit next?

At a Semi-Qualified Queen's show, you're gonna get a little bit of dancing, a little bit of singing, some incredible mixes made by Juice Boxx with spoken word. We've got our special guests in each city, so you're gonna have a fan favorite from each city coming out and we're actually gonna conduct an interview with each special guest for the second portion of the night. So the evening starts out, classic drag show, lots of lip syncing, it's fun, it's fabulous. Take a break and then yeah we switch over to the podcast format and you walk away knowing a little something more about the special guest, us, and perhaps the drag scene in each city which is really fun. As far as cities that we're checking out we're gonna be in Ottawa, Toronto, Windsor on the 23rd of March, which fun fact is my birthday, so we’re gonna turn it up. And also London, Hamilton, and Peterborough.

How can fans find out if your live show is coming to their town, and what's the best way for them to stay up to date on it?

@SemiQualifiedQueensPod is our Instagram handle, and that is the perfect place. As well as following both Juice Boxx and myself on Instagram. We are the social media girlies. Climb those link trees, see where we're next, and we do lots of promotion on our stories and stuff as well. So you'll see it if you follow.

Where will the event be?

The Windsor Sportsmen's Club. This is my very first time coming to Windsor, I've been told I need to try some infamous pizza. This has been mentioned many times by Juice Boxx, a particular Windsor style of pizza that I'm really looking forward to post show. Definitely not beforehand. But afterwards I say, let's party.

Who will be joining you at the Sportsmen's Club and what can fans expect from this particular show?

Koko Starr is going to be our special guest for the evening. So we're going to get a really fabulous performance from Koko. We're going to kill it on stage with our numbers that we've prepped for you guys. And then we get to sit down, chat with Koko, and kind of talk about her origin story, where she wants to head to next, kind of pick her brain in that fabulous semi-qualified queen’s format of the show.

Is there Semi-Qualified Queen’s merch and if so, will it be available at the show?

We actually have these really adorable stickers that I made. Like the classic, hello, my name is sticker. It says hello, I'm semi-qualified. And it's very very cute. I highly recommend getting one. They're only five bucks so buy a ton. And we've also got some beautiful prints, some of the assets we shot for the tour promotion, those pink fringe backgrounds we're dropping, and some Polaroids. Some really fun images to collect.

Looking ahead, what are your plans and goals for the future?

Ooh, I'm manifesting some sort of all-stars moment for Synthia Kiss. I feel like since the show, I had one of the biggest learning curves of my life, both spiritually, my sense of fashion, my sense of drag. I felt like I, in a sense, was starting over. I came from this funny hiatus and then jumped into Canada's Drag Race, which was definitely something I wouldn't recommend. I was feeling really out of sorts that entire time. So now I feel like I would actually go in as a bit more of like a bonafide performer and have a stronger sense of self. I would love a chance to go back into the Thunderdome as we like to say on SQQ. I stole that term from Alaska. I really like it.

Do you have any projects or anything that you're working on that you can give us a sneak peek into or kind of share with us?

We have a SQQ season, we're gonna call it season three of our podcast, but we'll be doing the dive into the archives of Canada's Drag Race. That's gonna be coming up. So stay tuned for that. And then before you know it, my goodness, it's gonna be Pride somewhere and I'll be performing lots in the summer. I'll be in Toronto for Comic-Con in March as well. Right before we kick off the tour which is going to be really fun. And then from there I kind of have that like that sweet spot in the calendar where I'm like I don't know what I'm doing but I'll be doing something. It always seems to fill itself up.

Semi Qualified Queens Live
Saturday, March 23, 2024
At The Windsor Sportsmen’s Club

By Kevin Blondin

Juice Boxx Unleashed

BIO - Juice Boxx

Drag Queen and hair-flipping extraordinaire Juice Boxx is small, sparkly, and adorable, but with a seductive twist.

Her smart hosting style perfectly balances her fun and flirty performances, which serve a blend of top 40s pop princess and enticing burlesque vixen. Juice began her career in the fast-paced drag scene of Toronto, where she excelled for years before being cast on the first season of Canada’s Drag Race.

Along with the stage, Juice Boxx spends much of her time streaming on Twitch. She has collaborated with companies like Dead by Daylight, McDonald’s and It Gets Better for a variety of different online events.

Although her status as “Canada’s Porkchop” (or first eliminated) on the show cut her time short, her cute and quirky personality won viewers over as she tripped, snagged, and fell her way to becoming a fan-favourite.

DM: Juice Boxx, spill the tea! What's the juiciest thing that's happened in your life since Canada's Drag Race Season 1?

JB: Honestly Since season 1 it's hard to lock down just one thing that's been the juiciest. I've built my brand up into something I'm very proud of with streaming and podcasting. I've been able to travel all over Canada performing.

Now that you've sashayed away from the Drag Race runway, how has your drag evolved?

I feel like I have found exactly how I want to be portrayed and how I want to perform vs how I felt I needed to perform. In Toronto you were expected to do 4-16 numbers in an evening and everything you did from your hair, costumes and makeup was dependant versatility and being able to work and dance. Now that I've been on drag race and given a bigger platform I'm able to express my art closer to how I want vs how I HAVE to, to be able to work. 

What exciting adventures have unfolded in your drag journey?

I was able to discover a lot about myself, and that's always a wild adventure. I discovered confidence and sobriety within my drag journey and it really helped me grow as a person. 

What is your best memory from being on Drag Race?

My best memory would be meeting the other girls, as we saw the entire filming process was quite stressful for me but being around my sisters was always something that helped calm me down.

We've heard you're a gaming enthusiast! What's your go-to game?

My personal favourite game is kingdom hearts 2, but I’ve definitely been so deep into the Spiderman games lately!

What’s new and exciting in the Game World?

I’m not too sure actually, I mostly just play for myself and my own enjoyment lately… I’ve got enough excitement in the drag fandom, I like to keep the gaming stuff in the no drama zone.

How does gaming influence your drag?

Gaming usually influences my costuming choices… I love to add aspects of cosplay into my drag or just flat-out full-blown cosplaying characters!

Are there any connections between gaming and drag?

Taking on a new persona and a fantasy definitely!!

Windsor roots run deep! How has your hometown shaped the fabulous queen we know and love today?

Trauma… haha. Growing up in Windsor wasn’t the most accepting place of who I was… but trauma makes you funny so at least I can make people laugh.

What is something special about your hometown?

My family, it is always nice to have a safe space to come back to.

Can you share any early drag memories from your hometown?

I didn’t start drag in Windsor, I started in Toronto about 5 years after I had left… but I do remember seeing Miss Conception, Devine Darlin and Sofonda Cox as the first queens I had interacted with at Windsor pride in like 2015.

How has your hometown influenced your drag identity?

I mean this in the nicest way possible... it has not.

How does it feel, and what does it mean to you, to be able to come back around and perform in your hometown?

It means a lot, especially seeing how much more accepting Windsor-Essex has become since I left. It’s really beautiful to see growth in a community after you’ve left.

You have a show coming up in Windsor in the New Year. What can fans expect from this hometown show?

I absolutely LOVE performing back home so one thing you can definitely expect is my parents in the back partying and getting rowdy!

Where and when is the event, and who else will be performing at the event?

It will be February 4th at The Barbershop Bar, with me and Koko Starr!

Speaking of roots, your CrossFit journey is as fierce as your drag! How does sweating it out at the gym inspire your performances?

Fitness was something I discovered with my sobriety journey, I wanted to feel happy and comfortable in my body OUT of drag. I was able to find community and fun within Crossfit and I’ve recently started training to become a coach to help others the way I was helped. Crossfit doesn’t really inspire my performance but it definitely gives me better stamina for longer shows.

Can you share any fitness tips for staying fabulous?

Drink plenty of water and SLEEP! Hydration and recovery are just as important as your workouts.

As we count down to the New Year, what resolutions are you making for yourself?

I honestly never make new years resolutions! I always have goals for myself year-round, so why make a deadline?

How will Juice Boxx conquer 2024 with a bang?

I’ve got a lot of shows I’m producing myself and with friends. I found for a long time I wasn’t getting cast in shows I was passionate about, so I decided why not create those opportunities for myself?

What is one thing that you hope to accomplish in 2024?

Keep being successful and hot.

What is your biggest memory from 2023?

DragCon 2023 I think was a big one for me. It’s always a wild time and this year was one of my favourites.

How do you celebrate on New Years Eve?

I usually go to bed at 9pm…

Can you spill some details about your latest podcasting venture and what listeners can expect?

Me and Synthia Kiss are taking on S4 of Canadas Drag Race and diving into exclusive interviews with the eliminated queens. We also recently announced a live tour so we’ll be going across Canada doing our show live! We may also make a stop in Windsor if you’re lucky!

How can fans tune in?

Listen wherever you listen to podcasts or on the SONAR network.

How else can fans keep up with all of your latest news?

Follow me on Instagram, TikTok or X!

Any new news coming up in the new year that you can share with us now?

Watch my socials for all show announcements but currently watch out for SemiQualifiedQueens LIVE in your city soon!

Lavender Promotions & Koko Starr Events Present:
The Babes Who Brunch
Sunday, February 4, 2024
At The Barbershop Bar

By Kevin Blondin

BOA’s Journey of Resilience & Wellness

BOA's Journey of Resilience and Wellness

Canada's Drag Race and Transformative Opportunities

BOA, the charismatic drag queen hailing from Windsor, Ontario, reflects on her ground-breaking experience on Canada's Drag Race Season 1. The platform, she shares, has been nothing short of transformative. Grateful for being part of the inaugural season, BOA acknowledges the immense impact it has had on her life and career. The exposure provided by the show has expanded her fan base, leading to higher paying bookings and increased engagement with peers at the upper echelons of drag hierarchy.

Navigating Personal Wellness

Known to many as an inspiration, BOA candidly shares her wellness journey, acknowledging her struggles with addiction and the significant role food played as a coping mechanism. Overcoming these challenges, particularly post-surgery, required a shift in self-soothing methods. Embracing therapy, yoga, and meditation, BOA found solace and actively engaged in activities to support her mental and physical well-being.

Words of Wisdom for Wellness Seekers

In a world where self-care can be challenging, BOA imparts valuable advice for those on a wellness journey. Encouraging introspection, she emphasizes the importance of addressing triggers and traumas to avoid falling into unhealthy coping mechanisms. Through her own story, she urges others to explore healthy avenues for self-soothing.

Current and Upcoming Wellness Initiatives

BOA reveals an exciting new project that aligns with her commitment to wellness. "BOGA: Wellness with BOA," a video podcast series set to premiere on December 5th, promises insightful discussions on various aspects of well-being. With guests like Tynomi Banks and Tom Hearn, the series aims to destigmatize topics often untouched in the drag community.

“Look within and do the work to understand your triggers and traumas. We’re all trying to self-soothe, and finding healthy ways is key. If not, it can manifest in different addictions.”

— BOA

Homecoming, Holidays, and the Future

Returning to Roots and Hometown Love

BOA's connection with her hometown of Windsor is profound. Recalling past performances, she highlights Lavender Promotions and Koko Starr's efforts in creating a supportive space for drag. Whether a fledgling artist or an accomplished queen, the warmth and love received during hometown shows are a testament to the growth and journey shared with the community.

Performing in Windsor for the Holidays

Returning home for the holidays holds a special place in BOA's heart. With a sense of pride in her personal and professional growth, she looks forward to connecting with the Windsor audience. The show promises the signature BOA experience—ridiculous, high-energy, and engaging, filled with surprises and themes that captivate the audience.

Engaging with the Local Community

Beyond the stage, BOA ensures meaningful engagement with her local fans. A meet and greet, photos after the show, and attempts to connect with the audience reflect her dedication to the community. Despite the challenges of post-show interactions, BOA cherishes these moments as a chance to reunite with familiar faces.

Upcoming Projects and Future Plans

While focused on her podcast, BOA hints at ongoing performances and encourages fans to stay updated on her social media. As she delves deeper into wellness promotion, her evolving journey unfolds through various platforms. Future endeavors include obtaining her yoga certification and expanding into wellness-based engagements.

Messages for Hometown Fans

In closing, BOA expresses gratitude and warmth to her hometown supporters. The journey back to Windsor is a celebration of shared growth, love, and excitement. As BOA continues to shine on stage and through her wellness initiatives, Windsor remains an integral part of her story—a place where love and acceptance have always thrived.

Lavender Promotions & Koko Starr Events Present:
BOA’s Home for the Holidays wsg/ EVE 6000
Friday, December 15, 2023
At Windsor Sportsmen’s Club
www.lavendertickets.com

By Kevin Blondin