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RuPaul’s Drag Race Werq the World
RuPaul’s Drag Race Werq the World
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Seattle’s Paramount Theatre Sunday 9/23 @ 8:00pm 911 Pine St. Seattle, WA 98101
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RuPaul’s Drag Race Werq the World
Image From http://www.queermusicheritage.us/drag.html
RuPaul’s Drag Race Werq the World
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Drag is Part of History Today history is being made by the 21st Century Drag Performers! They are in your face, larger than life and love the world over! For as long as art history can recall, the human form has been a focus of beauty. This particularly applies to the female form. In pop culture, and even long before that, women have been deemed the more mysterious, beautiful, and softer sex. Yet, this described femininity is not something which is reserved for natural born women alone. Each individual has a side that could be deemed feminine, you hear it in movies, men who are “in touch with their feminine side.” Here at Proud Times, we won’t play into this gender stereotype. We will see Drag Queens for what they are, beautiful individuals expressing themselves in beautiful ways.To take things that are typically reserved for females, and use them as a means of creating a character and exploring a different side of yourself is a brave and bold act. For anyone who may not know, a Drag Queen is defined by Merriam-Webster as “a usually gay man who dresses as a woman and performs as an entertainer especially to caricature stereotypically vampish women.” This is an apt, albeit simple, definition of a very complicated couple of words. Drag has evolved so much in recent years, there are women who do drag, and not as Drag Kings, but as Queens themselves, there is now Drag Bingo, Drag Story Time with children, and Netflix is releasing an animated show starring Drag Queens later this year. In fact if you google your city paired with the words “Drag Queen” or “Drag Show,” you’ll probably come up with a several results for shows happening at your local bar or club. The world of Drag has taken over everything, your local bars, your television series, and even your Netflix account. And what a wonderful world it is. If you’ve never been to a Drag Show I urge you to go NOW. There’s something incredibly magical about seeing someone perform as another name, another sex, another part of themselves, and of you. Drag Queens are your local actors in every way, and a lot of them deserve a frickin Oscar for the performances they give every single weekend. We are happy to bring you some amazing interviews with Drag Queens from RuPaul’s Drag Race Werq The World Tour! Come on over to the Drag side, you won’t regret it.
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For a great look at Drag Queen History visit this Link from Popsugar
https://www.popsugar.com/news/History-Drag-Drag-Queen-Culture-44512387
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RuPaul’s Drag Race Werq the World
Kameron Michaels’ rise to the top three on this past season’s RuPaul’s Drag Race came as a surpris muscle queen herself. While the quiet Nashville queen established herself as a silent but deadly for assassin, so to speak — she admits she was shocked to do so well in the competition. “I, like most people, did not see myself in that position,” she told reporters the day after the finale. “I think (during the season) that people have grown to understand me a little bit better.”
be a vocalist or a star on Broadway, so drag just became this outlet for me to escape my introverted bubble and be on stage. I love the spotlight and I love entertaining people.
That’s not the only thing she accomplished during her time on the show. “I learned something new about myself,” she explains. “I’m not an introvert, I’m an ambivert! It’s an important distinction because a lot of introverts fear failure and I’d never be where I am today if I didn’t have the courage to go for my dreams.”
Did you expect to do as well as you did in the show?
We spoke with Kameron as she was preparing to hit the road on the Werq the World Tour. It arrives to Seattle’s Paramount Theater on Sunday, September 23. What exactly is an ambivert? Ambiverts are introverts that have an internal switch that clicks over to our extroverted side when we need to. A lot of entertainers are ambiverts. Like Janet Jackson. Exactly.
Do you think people underestimated you at the beginning of the competition because of your muscles? I think only a very small percentage of people underestimated me by my boy appearance. My costumes in the first half of the season showed what my drag was all about. Looking back now, what were your biggest strengths and weaknesses?
But not many drag queens are introverts.
My biggest strength is my perseverance. No matter how much my biggest weakness of self doubt tries to get in the way, I always perform when it’s time and do the best that I can. They balance out well.
I’m learning quickly that I am apparently one of the most visibly introverted queens to have been on the show. I’ve had thousands of fans reach out to tell me that they relate to me more than any other queen. As an introvert, I tend to enter a room quietly and go unnoticed for some time. It helps me acclimate to the environment on my own time.
You proved this season that you’re one the hardest working queens in the business.
How did you discover drag?
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We are all working so hard. I am so proud of all of my sisters.
Drag is just who I am. I never felt like I had what it took to
RuPaul’s Drag Race Werq the World
No, not at all. I can’t speak for all introverts, but a lot of us have a tendency to self doubt. I know that I am artistic and have a couple talents, but I just do what I do most days and hope it’s enough. I never see myself as the best of the best. Just trying to do better than I did yesterday. I kept my head down in the competition and just tried to make it day by day. Surprised but very proud of how far I made it.
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se to many, but to none as much as the rce to be reckoned with — a lip sync
Any plans to release a single or album?
will release music when I am ready. I’m not playing y the rules of the timeline. I’m not going to release music until I can give it the time and attention it needs. My schedule is far too busy for me to do that right now.
We’re excited to see you in Seattle!
can’t wait to meet all of the amazing Seattle fans!
Do you add workout time into your artist ider?
No, unfortunately that is not something that I have time or right now. I am so busy touring at this point that I onestly must choose between sleep and things like he gym. A full night of sleep on the road is rare. I have o get as much sleep as I can as I am in a different ity every day. I’ve accepted that drag needs my full ttention right now and hopefully after the first year can rearrange my schedule to allow more time for tness again.
So, no special treats on your rider?
Honestly, I don’t have time for treats when I rrive at a venue. I’m busy getting ready. ut if anyone at Paramount can get me vodka before the show, I’ll be forever rateful.
ollow Kameron Michaels on acebook, Twitter and nstagram @KameronMichaels
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RuPaul’s Drag Race Werq the World
Kim Chi is a 7 Korea, and cu and conceptu interprets our fails to surpri
Kim's drag ca blossomed in Neverland in numerous loc Milwaukee, M
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Who are They do favorite
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7' tall, live-action anime character and high-fashion model. Born in the U.S., raised in South urrently based in Chicago, Kim is a cultural hybrid with a preternatural understanding of style ual fashion. One cannot bind Kim Chi with any stylistic stereotypes. She deftly absorbs and r contemporary cultural milieu with unflinching focus. An ever-evolving chameleon, Kim never ise and delight with her larger than life looks and her high standard of work.
areer started in November 2012. Joined by a team of creative visionaries, she quickly nto a fixture of the Chicago drag scene. Kim started working with party-production company 2012, becoming the Chicago-based party's main host. Kim has been invited to perform in cations across the U.S., including NYC, Boston, Providence, Texas, Iowa, Salt Lake City, Madison, and Hawaii.
encapsulates the transcendental nature of drag, as the seemingly simple act of a man putting transformed into fine art. Follow her career to experience the possibilities of her otherworldly on.
e your favorite costume designs? on’t have to be just drag. Who are your designers?
, Gareth Pugh and Guo Pei currently.
How did you find out about Loona (the South Korean girl group)? What is your favorite song of theirs?
e your sources of inspiration?
All of their songs are good. I found them on twitter when everyone was sharing Kim Lip’s eclipse video, and instantly fell in love.
eau, Lolita culture, manga and anime ly the works of CLAMP .
Which design of yours are you the most proud of and why?
of them divine/extraterrestrial/all definitely not human and did you pact with them for your amazing skills?
nd of kimchi would you say you are? Spicy? Traditional?
ensive kind.
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All of them. What has been your favorite moment of Werq the World tour so far? Touring with everyone. https://www.kimchithedragqueen.com/ https://www.facebook.com/neverlandkimchi https://twitter.com/KimChi_Chic https://www.instagram.com/kimchi_chic/
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RuPaul’s Drag Race Werq the World
Asia O’Hara exudes Eqypt and the Aztec and powerful perfor
We know tha in school and costumes for What is your guard, drag?
I think I just ha medium.
In a recent Ins drag version something pe People want willing to be
YES! That film being on tour
So, in the lip s supposed to breasts and b sort of fell to hidey holes. with the butte of getting int Because it if have been m
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s a sense of power and legacy, drawing inspiration from the glamorous goddess of ancient c cultures. She commands the attention of any environment with her deliverance of bold rmances that transcend the most glamorous periods of human history.
at you did color guard and theatre d now your company even creates r dance teams, color guards, etc. first love? Theatre, dance, color ? Which do you love most?
ad a love for performing in any
stagram post you joked about doing a of Hocus Pocus, but it seems like eople were really excited about! this to happen, would you be part of something like that?
m is a classic, right now I’m focused on tho!
With drag you are always trying to find new and exciting ideas,I realised it wasn’t going to work and of course there was a great deal of disappointment and panic, like ‘Oh my God, this is the most important performance of my career’. So definitely that, but also I just thought I can’t be completely 100% defeated, I have to make it through this moment, and I still have to hold my head high. https://asiaoharaland.com/ https://www.instagram.com/asiaoharaland/ Facebook: @AsiaOharaLand https://twitter.com/asiaoharaland https://www.youtube.com/c/AsiaOHaraLand
synch at the finale, you were have butterflies fly out of your bracelets. And instead, they all just o the ground or stayed in their little I want to know if that was your idea erflies and what was the process to this outfit with butterflies in it? had gone as planned, that would magical.
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RuPaul’s Drag Race Werq the World
Violet Chachki is known for creating sophisticated performances and entrancing visuals th aerial acrobatics, and fetish aesthetics – while also distorting the gender binary. Her charis and talent won her the crown – and the $100,000 cash prize – on Season 7 of mega-hit TV s Race.” Since that victory, they have performed in large venues in over 20 countries on 6 co a number of burlesque festivals and international drag shows, Violet has even gotten to to inspiration Dita Von Teese! She has appeared on countless magazine covers and in a num editorials with the likes of Italian Vogue, Interview, Nylon, and Candy.
Violet credits much of her inspiration to the likes of Bettie Page, legendary model Dovima, renowned DJ Lady Miss Kier. The inspiration behind the name Violet came from collecting vintage Avon bottles, poodle statues and clown paraphernalia. Violet is a unique and eclec people and things that she loves most. When are you going to appear on Antiques Roadshow to get your Chachkis priced? Oh My God I would love that! I have a bunch of vintage perfume bottles. Some vintage barbies, lots of poodle and clown figurines How much do you think they’re worth? Probably not much money, but they are worth a lot to me! Maybe the barbies would go for a few hundred. You recently walked the runway for Moschino, which was written about by Vogue. You’re a part of this world tour. What’s next? Is that not enough haha? Well my campaign with Prada just came out. I’m continuing to tour and hold space in the drag, burlesque, fashion, and art communities. I’ve got a lot of really exciting projects in all of these worlds coming up but I don’t want to jinx any of them! In “A Lot More Me,” which has many amazing looks, you commissioned custom jewelry, wore Prada, Miu Miu, Micheal Schimdt, & your own designs, did you have a favorite look or piece from that?
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I really love the vintage fuchsia 60’s headdress I wear in the bedroom. It Thierry Mugler inspired pink and bla beggining
What was it like filming that scen elevator?
Dita and I are good friends and we’ much more glamorous projects. It w friend and having some fun being g and vintage aesthetics so its always
What has been your favorite mom far?
Getting to wear my most extravaga technically advanced aerial routine performing and this is one of my fav
http://violetchachki.net/ https://www.facebook.com/VioletChachkiO https://twitter.com/violetchachki https://www.instagram.com/violetchachki/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGt7s
www.Proud
hat blend strip tease, sma, uniqueness, nerve series, “RuPaul’s Drag ontinents. Headlining our with long time mber of high profile
, Thierry Mugler and g bric-a-brac such as ctic combination of the
s giant feather showgirl hat/ t’s very Mae West. I also love the ack stripped 3 piece suit in the
ne with Dita Von Teese in the
’ve worked together before on was just like hanging out with a glam. We like to gab over costumes s a good time.
ment of Werq the World tour so
ant costume and do my most all within 6 minutes. I love vorite acts.
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Discovered by big dreams. Sh artists might cr Mattel joint.
“What I hope fa one out there th and their exper through advers
Her hot new sin make themselv
It’s hard enoug like being a tra
As far as hip hop finding producers there, the ones w to be skeptical ab Getting noticed in trans entertainer, like their divas an like their lesbian a in the entertainme before who you a
What’s been yo
Getting booked fo booked for more s off of a tv show th the world. When an audience that because I don’t h definitely feel peo not a drag queen. or mockery of wh because we live i spectacle of yours
Original image by Scott Kirby
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RuPaul’s Drag Race legend Latrice Royale, hip hop trans artist Epiphany Mattel has he aims to create a movement; something similar to Neyo and Kanye West, where other reate similar songs that sound like hers, but fans will always recognize it as an Epiphany
ans take away from my music is that they are not alone,” she says. “That there is somehat goes through the same bullsh*t they do. I hope they hear a voice representing them rience. I also hope that by listening to my music, they learn how to finesse their way sity, and if not, that at least they walk away with some sickening reads and one liners.”
ngle, “#FIXYOFACE,” is out now. In it, Epiphany Mattel takes aim at pretty people who ves ugly by refusing to wear that most important accessory — a smile.
gh being a female emcee. What’s it ans emcee?
is concerned, it’s a hetero ruled genre and s can be hard. Though there are plenty out who produce the sound I want to give tend bout attaching their name to a trans artist. n the LGBT community isn’t any easier. As a the cards are stacked against you. Gay guys nd their sexy male entertainers and lesbians artists. There’s no real interest in trans people ent industry. People tend to see what you are are and your talent.
your biggest struggle to date?
or shows (Laughing). My own manager gets shows than I do. Of course, she’s coming hat is the biggest drag queen competition in Latrice (Royale) releases my music, it’s to wouldn’t even acknowledge me normally have that show attached to my name. I ople are less interested in me because I’m . I’ve never been one to make a character ho I am and that’s not helpful to my career in a time where if you aren’t making a self, no one is going to take notice.
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What is your earliest music memory? As long as I can remember, I’ve had a love affair with music. I remember waking up on weekends and cleaning the house with my mom while she blasted her R&B hits from the 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s. That’s when music was about the message instead of the hook and the beat. The lyrics not only meant something, but mattered. I can say those standards have made me the lyricist I am today. How did you get your start in hip hop? I have always been a student of hip hop. After all, rap music is the voice of my generation. I grew up during a time when the art form was still pure and had substance. Though I actually got my start in the industry when I met Latrice. When and where did you meet Latrice Royale? Latrice and I were brought together by a mutual friend about five or six years ago. She was just coming off of the TV show that made her famous and she wanted to release a single to capitalize on her time in the spotlight. Our friend knew that I wrote music and she made the introduction.
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RuPaul’s Drag Race Werq the World
Original image by Scott Kirby
RuPaul’s Drag Race Werq the World
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www.Proud
How has working with Latrice impacted your career? Latrice opened the door for me actually having a chance of making a career with my music. She saw my talent and my work ethic and decided to invest in me. She’s made it possible for me to do what I love. And, of course, 90% of this business is based on who you know and who sees you, so being attached to Latrice has meant opportunities I wouldn’t otherwise have had. Including this interview. Would you be speaking with me if it weren’t for Latrice? The popularity of #FixYoFace is why I wanted to speak with you. No one would have heard the song without Latrice bringing attention to it. What inspired #FixYoFace? #FixYoFace was inspired by the “resting bitch face” I see every night in the clubs. You know, those people who go out pretending they’re disinterested or the ones who refuse to let go and have fun because they wanna take themselves way too seriously? Girl, this is the only life we have so we all better learn to laugh and have fun. Have you always been so bold? I have always stood in my truth, been unapologetic in my beliefs, principles, standards, and cultural identity. When you know who you are and your worth, you carry yourself in a certain way. To some it comes across as being bold. To me, it’s me being myself. Can you take us back to a time when you weren’t so fabulous? Sorry, I can’t because in my mind, I’ve always been. I somehow managed to thrive in a world of constant adversity and that’s what makes me fabulous. Do you have an essential fashion item?
and you can dress them up or down. You can wear them to the club, gym, grocery store, or even around the house. Plus I love the way they compliment my assets. Is there a beauty item that you cannot live without? MAC golden bronze shimmer powder. I use it to highlight my T-zone and I love the way it compliments my rich brown complexion. What is your most career defining moment so far? Outside of releasing #FIXYOFACE, I think it’s being featured on Latrice’s new #eXcusethebeauty single. We shot a huge video for it and it’s been so humbling to see all the people responding to a song I wrote. Do you have advice for other transgendered artists? You are only as strong as the team behind you, and that includes if you happen to be a team of one. You have to stay focused, set goals. If you have management, make sure you are a priority to them and that you aren’t put on the back burner because in this business, time is of the essence. Surround yourself with people who wholeheartedly support your vision and believe in you. Keep a strong social media presence and most importantly, write, write, write. You can never have too much material. View yourself as a brand and try to get your feet in as many ponds as possible. You need multiple streams of revenue, not only to fund your music but also to preserve your relevance. Epiphany Mattel’s new single, “#FIXYOFACE,” is available on iTunes, Spotify and all digital platforms. Follow: Facebook @ EPIPHANYMATTEL Instagram @ EPIPHANY_MATTEL Twitter: @ TEAM_MATTEL
I know this probably won’t sound so fabulous but leggings. I love leggings! They’re so comfortable
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RuPaul’s Drag Race Werq the World
Aquaria is the high fashion and high energy drag performer whose trend-setting looks an numbers will always leave a memorable impact on her audience. Aquaria mixes pop cultu a unique sense of visual style and glamour to create a completely “Aquarian” take on dra performance. Known for her bold makeup looks, Aquaria has become a fixture of New Yo and can be found perched upon many a club couch or dancing on a bar. Halfway between Madonna, Aquaria seeks her stardom through her desire to transcend the expected boun drag queen can do. Aquaria always manages to put some sort of unique twist on anything it’s doing looks for an editorial or performing a number in a theater. Aquaria is a supersta is ready to hit the red carpet or the stage, it’s always showtime and everyone should be r Like the last three winners you are from New York, is it something in the water? Do you think New York is the best place to be a drag queen? I think nyc is amazing because there are so many different outlets to show off your drag. At twenty-two years old you have the polish of a seasoned performer. We understand that you have won many titles, is being the tenth winner of RuPaul’s Drag race the best to date? Is this like the crowning accomplishment and is there in your mind a more prestigious title? It doesn’t seem like that would be possible to top the win, but if so what is it?
eye look. Now that the show is over and y what’s your relationship with Miz Cracker l
I love all my sisters and we’re in this toget experience has made Cracker and I so mu
Your drag mother is Sharon Needles, anot Superstar winner. How did that relationshi And what was it like, going into season 10 mother being one of the winner’s of the sh
I always admired her, then right when she announced Drag Race I changed all my fa to show my support and ever since then s keep an eye on me and look where it got u
Currently no, this one is pretty amazing. So, one point of contention on the show was that you and Miz Cracker have been repeatedly mistaken for each other in the New York drag scene. Early on in the show, you both had a very similar
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https://ageofaquaria.com/ https://www.facebook.com/AgeOfAquaria/ https://twitter.com/aquariaofficial https://www.instagram.com/ageofaquaria/ https://www.youtube.com/c/AgeofAquaria
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nd show-stopping ure references with ag presentation and ork City nightlife n Lady Gaga and ndaries of what a g she does, whether ar and whether she ready to be amazed.
you’ve won, like?
ther, this uch closer.
ther Drag Race ip come about? 0 with your drag how?
e was acebook media she said she’d us!
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RuPaul’s Drag Race Werq the World
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