Kylie Sonique Love: Embracing YOUphoria

Get ready for a night of dazzling performances and celebration of diversity as Kylie Sonique Love, the trailblazing winner of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars season 6, graces Sarnia with her presence! As the first person to come out as transgender on any reality TV show, Kylie has paved the way for countless others in the LGBTQ+ community. She will be performing at the highly anticipated event YOUphoria on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at Imperial City Brew House, presented by Sarnia-Lambton PrideFest. Joining her will be The Girlfriend Experience from Canada's Drag Race season 4, with the event hosted by Farra N Hyte and featuring incredible talents like Heaven Lee Hytes, Tommi Boy, Maple Queef, Poison, and Sarnia's own Brenda. This all trans and non-binary cast event is 19+ and free to attend, with donations supporting QT Camp, and will be followed by a dance. Don't miss this unforgettable evening of unity and celebration!

DRAG MAG: YOUphoria is an all trans and non-binary cast event. How important do you think it is to have events that specifically highlight trans and non-binary performers?

KSL: Oh, goodness. I think it's extremely important to include all kinds of performers, especially trans and non-binary performers. We've always been in these shows, and I think because it's taken a while for mainstream to realize that, that it kind of put a halt on how people viewed us in these shows. But I feel like trans and non-binary people have always been part of the drag world. And so it's nice to be recognized again.

DM: You made history as the first person to come out as transgender on a reality TV show. How do you reflect on that moment now, and what impact do you think it has had on the drag and LGBTQ+ communities?

KSL: At the time, when I came out as trans on Drag Race, I had no idea what I was doing and what I was saying was going to be a snowball effect. I feel like I was part of a snowball effect for the trans community, as far as mainstream for drag and mainstream exposure. Before then, we had Candis Cayne and Laverne Cox, but I'm really grateful that I could be that person. I know when I was a kid, I didn't have somebody like that to see, so I'm glad that I could be that for people coming up.

DM: Winning Drag Race All Stars season 6 was a monumental achievement. How has your life and career changed since taking home the crown?

KSL: Well, it's nice to be recognized for my talent, and that was nice to be able to come back to Drag Race and have people see me and see my talent. I feel like, as far as changed me, I don't feel like it's changed me at all. What I've realized is it's changed the people around me, and it's changed the way that people see me. But I feel like me, as a person, I haven't really changed. I just feel more seen, and I have noticed the change of the people around me, if that makes any sense. 

DM: What can the audience at YOUphoria expect from your performance in Sarnia?

KSL: I feel like people have an idea of what they think they're going to see when they see me, but I think ultimately, I just feel like it's going to be more than what they were expecting. It's going to be different and more than what they were expecting out of me, and I like that. People think they're going to get one thing, and I give them something else that they're going to like, too.

DM: How do you prepare for an event like this? Any pre-show rituals or routines?

KSL: I like to meditate. I really like to envision myself, before I go on stage, doing a good job, and positivity, and being able to not only do something that I can be proud of, but that other people can remember and be inspired by. And that I don't hurt myself when I'm on stage. Other things I like to do, I don't drink or anything like that. I'm not trying to get messed up before I go on stage. But I think for me, it's always been meditating. I always say a little prayer before I go on stage, and that really grounds me and allows me to feel safe and put on a good show.

DM: You’re joining a great lineup of performers for this event. What are you looking forward to most about sharing the stage with so much diverse talent?

KSL: I always have a good time when I'm working with people that I've never met before or new entertainers. I find that we're able to learn from each other, and it's just such a good feeling. A lot of good energy. Everyone being so excited, and I'm just so happy that I get to be a part of all that.

DM: This event supports QT Camp through donations. Why do you think it's important for the drag community to engage in and support charitable initiatives?

KSL: I think what's most important is community, and in order to have a strong community, we have to take care of that community, so being able to have charities that help fund the community is super important, because without each other, we have no community.

DM: You’ve had a remarkable journey from Drag Race season 2 to All Stars 6. How do you think the drag scene has evolved over the years, particularly regarding the inclusion and visibility of trans performers?

KSL: Where I'm from, we've always had trans people in the shows. If anything, we've had more trans people in the shows, but for a while, it seemed like it wasn't a place that we should be at because of the tone. I do feel like not having trans people on a show like RuPaul's Drag Race that's so mainstream and that it's a lot of people's first introduction to drag, it does a disservice to the community. So I think it's really incredible that we are back in the conversation, we are there, and it's a safe place for trans people to work. It's an environment where we can be celebrated for who we are.

DM: What advice would you give to young trans and non-binary individuals who are looking to get into drag and performance art?

KSL: I think the advice I would give anyone who is wanting to get into drag is just to have fun with it. Try to be unique and show off your talent. It's a good way to shine a spotlight on your talent. And just to take that what makes you special and embellish it and show it to the world. 

DM: Who are some of your biggest inspirations within the drag and LGBTQ+ communities?

KSL: One of my biggest inspirations in the drag and LGBT community would be RuPaul. RuPaul is a huge inspiration to me. Candis Cayne, Lady Bunny. Mr. Charlie Brown from Atlanta, she just passed away recently. They are like pillars in the community and they were on the front line so to speak. They were the voices and the faces of our community when it was not accepted, when you could be thrown in jail, easily hurt without any repercussions to the people who are hurting you. So I am inspired by the people who came before me.

“I just want to inspire people to go and live their dreams. Not just chase them but live them out.”

— Kylie Sonique Love

DM: What has been your favourite moment or performance in your drag career so far?

KSL: One of my favorite performances that I did was performing with Miley Cyrus. Being with her has really been a big highlight of my career. Doing the VMAs, which is something I was so inspired by as a kid and even as a young performer. I was always inspired by the VMAs. Then getting to do a Pride special with Miley in Tennessee, which is a very conservative state, and performing on the stage. It's the Ryman Theater, but it was originally the Grand Ole Opry where great people like Dolly Parton and Loretta Lynn performed. Those are women that I looked up to. To be able to perform on that stage with Miley and get to be myself and have a show of queer love and talent was great. Me and Miley did a show in Vegas on July 4th of 2021, and we were the first live show after the pandemic. That was really awesome to be able to share the stage, just me and her. The synergy that we had was so incredible, and I'll never forget that.

DM: Aside from performing, do you have any other projects or passions that you're currently working on or looking forward to in the near future?

KSL: There's a lot that I'm working on. I've been working on music. Right before I got back on All Stars I really focused a lot on writing and producing music. Also, I'm in the works of creating my own podcast. I just want to be able to share my voice and to have conversations with all different walks of life of people. I think it's really important. I'm really looking forward to the future and to my podcast and to produce some more music.

DM: What message do you hope to convey to your fans and the audience through your performances and presence in events like YOUphoria?

KSL: The message that I'd like to convey to the audience is to just show up and spread love. That's genuinely how I feel. I know it sounds pretty simple. I can show you better than I can tell you. Showing up and being myself and having confidence in front of a room full of people as a trans person, as a queer person, and as a person in general is inspiring. I just want to inspire people to go and live their dreams. Not just chase them, but live them out. That's what I'm doing when I'm on stage. I am living my dreams out loud. 

DM: What are you most excited about for the future of drag and the broader LGBTQ+ community?

KSL: I'm excited to see where else queer people can be celebrated other than just queer spaces. I think drag is the key that has opened the door for queer people to be celebrated. Not just because they do good hair or can rearrange a house and furniture. I think there's just so many stereotypes of what queer people only had a use for. I think we're able to do anything that anyone else is doing. I really feel like drag is definitely helping the world see queer people be stars and be successful at more than just queer entertainment. I can't wait to see what all else we can be. I can't wait until it's not just an LGBT community. I can't wait until we can just drop all of that and everyone just be one together. No matter how you identify or how you pray or how you love, I would ultimately like to see us break these acronyms and just be people again.

DM: And lastly, is there anything that you would like to add?

KSL: I would like to say I love Canada and anytime that I'm able to get to come to your beautiful country, I feel extremely blessed. Canada holds a dear place in my heart. They've always made me feel like a star and I hope to get to see more of Canada more often. Also, I would love for people to stream my music under Kylie Sonique Love and just follow up with me on my podcast. It's a passion project. I want people to know that I'm making music and I'm more than just a drag performer on stage. I can do other things to entertain.

Join Kylie Sonique Love and a stellar lineup of trans and non-binary performers at YOUphoria on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at Imperial City Brew House. 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. Don't miss out on this spectacular celebration of diversity and inclusion!

By Kevin Blondin

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

This article has been brought to you by Diversity Ed. in Sarnia, ON.

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