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