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