Q&A
-Q1: Do you or have you ever felt
any struggle as a drag queen? “Struggle as a queen? Well, that answer is kind of complex. I remember when I first started drag alongside with my sister Venus Sexton, and we were young, pretty boys. You know, the kind they call ‘twinks.’ We were listening to young pop divas such as Ciara, Britney Spears, and Christina Aguilera and wanted to portray that. During our beginning drag years, all the queens were wearing sequined gowns and shoulder padded outfits that looked like they had stepped right out of the set of Dallas, or Dynasty; that just wasn’t us. I remember being made fun of and called ‘K-Mart queen’.
G I D NO GU EG RL A S
-Q2: What advice do you give other queens or even ‘new’ queens in the industry? “There are so many ‘new’ queens who think that they can throw on a wig, put on a pretty face, add a breast plate, and call it good. They think everyone should bow down to them because they are ‘pretty.’ That's not how it works! Respect is earned, not given. Many queens think they can get away with their attitudes, but the reality is that they're still just a boy in a dress, no matter what they do. They need to learn to be kind to others. For instance, when taking tips, make sure you aren’t snatching them out of peoples’ hands, take them with dignity and respect and thank the person, whether it be a prop or outfit, saying thank you: it's just respectful. No one should have to tip you their hard-earned money. Other words of advice are, just because you are pretty and have performed once, doesn’t mean you need to demand payment for a show! We've all done our fair share of free shows to make it big. There are those of us who worked to pave the way for the new queens to get into a paid show and that took time. Most importantly, be professional, be humble and be kind. Not every show deserves payment. Take the time to honor your community and help those around you. I’m sure you’ll gain more success by doing a charity show or two faster than you will demanding payment for yourself. Lastly, no one wants to work with a diva, so if you think putting on a wig and being sassy to everyone around you will make you queen bee, think again. Just be you and the right time will come for you.” -Q3: What's your favorite part about doing drag? “I love makeup. So whatever I can to do transform my face with it, I love. Being Ginger, I can create a new look, new façade, or new style/trend for the masses to see. I love being a queen because it’s like acting. I can change my character every night.” -Q4: Who do you idolize or look up to in the celebrity or drag world? “Since drag race, I have idolized 3 queens, Raja, Raven, and Morgan McMichaels. They are so creative with their looks, they are sassy yet humble and are just really good people. I also look up to those involved in our community in fundraising efforts for those who have been less fortunate. Though they may not have always been the prettiest queens, they were the nicest, most caring human beings I have ever known. I really worship Nina Montaldo and Barbie Blake for all of their selfless acts throughout the years. Both shaped me into who I am today and I am forever grateful! I think that is why I started my own fundraising efforts for the Colorado AIDS Project and host the Apocalyptic Ball annually. I want to make sure in my life that I can help those out as much as possible, because one day, I may need the help that is being paid forward now.”