Trinity The Tuck’s Return
Trinity The Tuck’s Return
Get ready, Windsor! WePrideFest is bringing an unforgettable night of glamour and talent to Lanspeary Park. On Saturday, August 10, 2024, Queens of Pride will feature an electrifying lineup of drag performances headlined by none other than Trinity the Tuck, also known as Trinity Taylor. Trinity rose to fame on the ninth season of RuPaul's Drag Race and claimed the crown on the fourth season of All Stars, sharing the title with Monet X Change. She also dazzled audiences on the all-winners seventh season of All Stars. Joining Trinity will be Aimee Yonce Shennel from Canada's Drag Race season 4. Hosted by AM800's Dan MacDonald, the event will also spotlight local talents Vanity Affair, Lena Di, Star, Benz Menova, Epoxy, and Venom Vonsnaps.
Before she takes the stage, we had the chance to sit down with Trinity the Tuck for an exclusive interview.
DRAG MAG: Welcome back to Windsor, Trinity! How are you feeling about performing at Queens of Pride?
Trinity the Tuck: Thank you for the welcome! I always love coming to Windsor. I have family right outside of Detroit so this just feels like an extension of family! I’m super excited to celebrate Pride with you all.
DM: You've performed at numerous pride events over the years. What does performing at pride events mean to you personally?
TtT: I think performing at pride, not only is way for me to connect to my fans and to celebrate love, also it’s a continuation of making sure we are seen and heard because even still our rights as human beings are being taken away.
DM: In what ways do you think pride events have evolved over the years, and what role do you think drag plays in these celebrations?
TtT: Pride has evolved from kind of a disorderly protest in the early stages when we were fighting for our rights! It has evolved to be more of a celebration, even though it is still a protest Drag artist are the voices of the queer community. Anytime there is a benefit show to be put on or someone speaking on behalf of our community it is usually a drag artist!
DM: This isn't your first time in Windsor. How does it feel to return, and do you have any special memories or experiences from your previous visits?
TtT: I love the city. Everyone is so kind and welcoming here! I love that everyone is so excited about drag here!
DM: You've had an incredible journey on RuPaul's Drag Race, from season nine to winning All Stars season four and competing in the all-winners season. How has your experience on the show shaped you as a performer and a person?
TtT: I think that being on Drag Race has opened my eyes to all sorts of drag. Coming from a small town where Drag was very much in a box to travel in the world and seeing all kinds of creative artists, I view drag differently. It definitely has pushed my drag to be better because there are so many amazing artists out there!
DM: What was it like sharing the All Stars 4 crown with Monet X Change? How did that moment impact your career?
TtT: There is not a single entertainer out there that I would rather share this title with! Getting to know Monet over the last several years has been my pleasure and she is not only an incredible artist but such a kind person! I think our win is so unique to the franchise. There’s not any other double crown winners, and that is special to me.
DM: Can you tell us a bit about the evolution of your drag persona, from Trinity Taylor to Trinity the Tuck?
TtT: When I first started Drag, I really wanted my Drag to go in a very Goth style. I really tailored my Drag after Trinity from the matrix. I only wore jet black hair and vinyl. Over the years I tried different styles until I finally leaned into the drag I have today. I’m still Trinity Taylor. Trinity the Tuck is just a nickname, an extension of Trinity Taylor.
DM: You've been known for your incredible looks and impeccable fashion. Where do you draw your inspiration from, and how do you keep your style fresh and innovative?
TtT: Drag is all about being inspired by your surroundings, fashion, and other artists. It’s about bringing your creativity to life. I think also collaborating with other artist such as amazing designers that we have in our community really helps elevate each artist and keep them unique and fresh.
DM: How do you prepare for your performances, and what can the audience in Windsor expect from your show?
TtT: I have been doing this so long. I don’t really have a ritual to prepare for anymore. I am in my groove of what I do as an artist. I think you all can expect what I do best which is great costumes, interactive performances, banter with the audience and high-performance.
DM: You've been a vocal advocate for various causes within the LGBTQ+ community. Can you share some of the issues that are particularly close to your heart?
TtT: Yes, absolutely! I definitely think when you have a platform you should use that to some capacity for the betterment of mankind. I have advocated for many causes over the years, but my number one is always local artist! I was a local artist far longer than I have been on TV and I know the struggle. Artists that haven’t been on TV. Do not get adequate pay to what they deliver on stage and what is required of them. I try to uplift artists to be seen. Encourage audiences to support those in their community.
DM: What advice would you give to upcoming drag performers who aspire to reach the levels of success you've achieved?
TtT: Anyone who is successful has been faced with many challenges along the way. Many doors closed, but they never gave up! My advice would just be to keep pushing forward and when a door closes just open a window! Also invest in your Drag and get several costumes so that way you have enough for a show!
DM: With so many drag shows and tours, how do you maintain a balance between your professional and personal life?
TtT: I think that’s always a struggle for anyone who is constantly on the road. I try to maintain the closer relationships that I have and I’m very fortunate that the people in my inner circle are very understanding of how this business works.
DM: How do you see the future of drag evolving, and what role do you hope to play in that future?
TtT: The future of Drag is endless! This is an art form and really you can do anything with it. I hope that it continues to evolve to be even more inclusive, and like I said, previously, I try to uplift all types of artists so that I may play a part in giving a platform to those who do not have as large of one.
“Performing at pride is a continuation of making sure we are seen and heard because even still our rights as human beings are being taken away.”
DM: What message would you like to share with your fans in Windsor and the readers of THISisDRAG.com and DRAG MAG?
TtT: Just remember what pride is for and that we have to continue to be proud of who we are and who we love and representation is everything! Make your voice be heard and stand up for what you believe in. Also, no matter where you are, register to vote because your voice is your number one tool!
DM: Do you have any upcoming projects that you’re excited about and can share with us?
TtT: I just released a full album called Sinematic. It is out now and you can watch two of the music videos on my YouTube right now and listen to the album wherever you find your music! Also, if you have access to the streaming service Tubi, you can check out a movie I’m in with Heidi N Closet, Crystal Methyd and Cara Melle! It’s called Slay!
DM: Is there anything else you’d like to add or share with us today?
TtT: Wishing you a happy pride and stay safe! Super excited to see you all!
Don't miss this spectacular event! Join us at Lanspeary Park on Saturday, August 10, 2024, for Queens of Pride, featuring the fabulous Trinity the Tuck and a stellar lineup of performers. Presented by WePrideFest and hosted by AM800's Dan MacDonald, it's a night you won't want to miss. Get your tickets now and prepare for an evening of unforgettable entertainment!
Queens of Pride
Saturday, August 10, 2024
At Lanspeary Park, in Windsor, Ontario
This article has been brought to you by WEPrideFest in Windsor, ON.
Epoxy & Iddy Prepare 4 Battle
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!
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