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!
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