Zoe: Miss Kitty 2024
We are thrilled to introduce Zoe, the newly crowned Miss Kitty 2024! Zoe, known for her captivating performances and vibrant energy, recently won the coveted title at the Catfight for the Crown event. Competing alongside her Haus of Morefill partner, Bermuda Banks, Zoe showcased her exceptional talent and charisma, securing her place in the drag spotlight. Join us as we delve into her journey, experiences, and what this title means for her future in drag.
DRAG MAG: Zoe, congratulations on being crowned Miss Kitty 2024! How does it feel to have won the title?
Zoe: Thank you! It feels really amazing! This past month has been really surreal.
DM: What were your initial thoughts and emotions when you were announced as the winner?
Z: Well…I thought Bella (Belladonna Marz) was going to win, so when they announced her as runner up I was gagged! When they announced me though, I felt crazy! So much relief & so much pride. I really wanted to win!
You competed in Catfight for the Crown with your Haus of Morefill partner, Bermuda Banks. How did you support each other during the competition?
You see, my friendship with Bermuda is really one of my most special friendships but I hadn’t seen her in a while before the pageant so I think just her presence and being able to bounce back & forth energies was very fulfilling. Specifically pertaining to the pageant though, Bermuda was like the vocal director for our talent presentation, and I took on a lot of styling elements for the night.
Can you share a memorable moment you both had during the event, audition or rehearsals?
Haha, well the first thing that comes to mind is Bermuda looking at me before we went on for the end, and she said “What are you gonna do when you’re Miss Kitty?”. And I was like, “I don’t think I’m gonna win.”
Can you tell us more about the Haus of Morefill?
Absolutely. The name kinda stemmed from where I work, The Fillmore. I want to be like a famous singer, so my friends and I joke that I’m going to go on a Morefill tour of the nation’s Fillmore venues. It just kinda made sense to adapt the name for this.
What does being a part of this Haus mean to you, and how does it influence your drag?
Bermuda and I’s entrance into this world of fabulousness stemmed from us in college just doing what felt right. So I think that’s a very important aspect of our Haus. Bravery and acceptance. Being in this Haus means that you’re gonna have people there who are honest, and accepting, and continue to inspire with their creativity, and be there to just love on you sometimes. Everyone needs that.
The competition had various categories, including face, swimsuit, Haus talent, evening wear, and interview. Which category was your favorite to compete in, and why?
My favorite for sure was the swimsuit category. I knew it was going to be a moment, and I thought I was going to look so pretty.
Were there any particular challenges you faced in any of the categories?
Well, my top actually broke for swimsuit minutes before I had to go on. Bermuda and I were messing around with it in the back, but I just ultimately had to make the call...the call being to be even more naked on stage.
You also work at the Fillmore, the venue that hosts Catfight for the Crown. How was your experience different this year as a competitor compared to attending as staff in the past?
Oh my god! I had so much FOMO watching last year’s show. I wanted to be up there so bad, so this year definitely felt correct. I was also just so proud to be representing and performing for all my work friends.
Did your familiarity with the venue give you any unique advantages?
Not at all! I don’t think there is a single place I stepped the night of the pageant that I had previously been in at work. My job is sooo not backstage.
The event is a fundraiser in support of the Ruth Ellis Center. How important is it for you to be involved in events that support the LGBTQ+ community?
Well I love the Ruth Ellis Center. They were really special to me when I first moved to the city. Community is how we’re going to keep us alive, and keep our history alive. We need each other.
What message would you like to share about the importance of such initiatives?
Pride is 24/7…not just June, that’s pride month. Search for things that give you joy all year round. Like I said, it’s so important to connect and feel seen by others, and there’s a lot of people who don’t want to see us happy or together so we have to support the community to make way for the community in the future.
How would you describe your relationship with your Haus sister Bermuda Banks?
It’s so interesting. I influenced Bermuda in her trans journey as I had like come out as nonbinary and whatnot. But then the picture kinda spun when she was talking to me about hormones and influenced my journey starting HRT. She also put me into drag for the first time so it’s kinda complex, but it has bonded us together forever.
What are some of the ways you inspire and uplift each other in your drag journeys?
We love each other so much and are so accepting of each other. We are not there to yuck yums. So much of art is about being brave, and taking risks, and cultivating a vision. It’s important to have a community that can swipe up and show their support.
What does winning the title of Miss Kitty 2024 mean for your future in drag?
Ahhh! Great question! I had actually planned on quitting drag for a year until the next pageant. I hadn’t really done drag in over a year before the pageant but now there’s so many opportunities so much passion in the air, so I really don’t know what to do.
Are there any specific goals or projects you’re excited to pursue as Miss Kitty?
I’ve thought a lot about my music career outside of drag, but as for Miss Kitty… I just want to do a couple gigs, low stakes, and see how I’m feeling after summer.
Can you share a bit about your drag persona and what inspires your performances?
My drag comes out of a love for the women I grew up with in person and on the tv. Latinx women. Black women. Strong women. Sexy women. I wanted to be like them. Beyoncé. Shakira. Ciara. Nowadays I’m inspired by like Hunter Schafer, and Sasha Colby, and Gigi & Symone. They’re awesome.
What do you hope audiences take away from your shows?
Hmm…entertainment…and comedy - oop, I mean confidence! I don’t think I’m that funny. (laughs)
And finally, do you have anything that you would like to add?
Thank you so much to everyone who’s supported me through the pageant! To everyone who will read this, to you…it’s been so magical to feel all this love, and that’s all I want to share - love! Thank you so much! I love you!
Stay fabulous and keep supporting our incredible drag artists!