By Kevin Ferrisi –
With an obsession for the art of drag and a love for what it represents, Angel Rivers lives for freedom of expression. Absolutely, embracing a punk rock energy in drag is what sets Angel apart and makes her performances so unique and exciting. For her, drag is all about pushing artistic boundaries, breaking rules, and expressing herself authentically, regardless of what others might expect. Taking risks is essential in both drag and fashion for Angel, and her willingness to push the envelope and live on the edge is what makes her such a dynamic performer. Angel embraces her party girl spirit and never stops pushing the limits of what drag can be.
The journey into drag for Angel Rivers was an unexpected dance with self-discovery. Looking back, Angel could recall stepping into the nightlife scene at the age of 18, allured by the charm of a cute boy who sparked her curiosity. It was 2009, a pivotal year as she dipped her toes into the vibrant world of clubs, her first venture being Gotham. Despite lingering fears from her upbringing about being queer, that night marked the dawn of a new chapter. Drag found her gradually, nudged by the encouragement of seasoned queens who saw potential in her. Fast forward to 2014, a moment of reckoning arrived when, amidst financial struggle and uncertainty after losing her job, she embraced drag wholeheartedly. She pulled together her first look with little more than a few dollars in her bank account, determination and a clearance-rack find from Forever 21. Halloween became her inaugural stage, a night where she shed inhibitions and embraced the femininity she once shunned and felt embarrassed about.
Drag became not just a performance, but a profound exploration of identity and artistry. Everything she didn’t like about herself became her strengths in drag. From nervous beginnings to commanding the stage at the former Polo Club, each step was a revelation, each performance a brushstroke on the canvas of her evolving self. In the beginning, she was terrified of being exposed, hiding away her drag so it wouldn’t be found. Today, drag to Angel is more than sequins and lip-syncs: it’s an ever-unfolding journey of self-expression and empowerment, a testament to the boundless possibilities of artistic reinvention and performance art.
Her drag name, Angel Rivers, embodies a tapestry of influences woven from her personal journey and beloved cultural icons. Inspired by Raja from RuPaul’s Drag Race, who found her name through astrology and intuition, Angel found resonance in her middle name, ‘Angel’. It evokes imagery of otherworldly beauty, reminiscent of Renaissance paintings and celestial beings. ‘Rivers’, derived from her government last name Rivera, pays homage to the irreverent humor of Joan Rivers, a comedic icon unafraid to speak her mind. As a Latino with an appetite for cutting wit, ‘Rivers’ embodies her bold and honest approach to life and drag. The name ‘Angel’ also carries nods to Thierry Mugler’s fragrance released in 1991, coinciding with her birth year, and various fictional characters who embody strength and grace from media such as Rent, Lilo and Stitch, or X-Men. It’s a name that feels iconic and gender-neutral, reflecting the multifaceted nature of her identity and artistry.
Her style of drag can be best described as artistic and free-spirited, transcending conventional boundaries to create a unique blend of fashion and expression. She sees herself as an otherworldly supermodel with a punk rock edge, constantly pushing the boundaries of what drag can be. There’s a sense of fluidity and spontaneity to her art, as she follows a natural creative flow rather than adhering to rigid stylistic norms. Whether it’s fashion-forward looks or experimental performances, Angel embraces the versatility of her persona, Angel Rivers, infusing each moment with a touch of artistry and a willingness to explore new horizons.
When Angel is on stage and feels the energy of the crowd pulsating, it’s an exhilarating rush unlike any other. Amidst the chaos of the performance, there’s a moment of clarity where her mind zeroes in on two thoughts: “Don’t fall” and “Wow, this is my life!” The adrenaline courses through her veins as she navigates the stage, teetering on the edge of excitement and nervousness. Strangely, not being able to see clearly without her glasses becomes a blessing, allowing her to focus solely on the performance without distractions. As she loses herself in the music and the movement, Angel realizes the profound impact she has in that moment. It’s not just about entertaining the crowd; it’s about inspiring them to feel something deeper, to transcend their ordinary lives and embrace the extraordinary. Whether it’s through artistry, kindness, or connection, she strives to leave a lasting impression that extends far beyond the stage.
Angel Rivers belongs to the Gem Dynasty, which consists of herself, Robin Fierce, and Harmony Valkyrie. They initially formed their bond through shared passions for the arts and a deep connection with one another. Their sisterhood blossomed organically before they officially established their drag family. While there was a former member, Bella Daleadho, who is no longer active in drag, their core group remains strong. Their family name, Gem Dynasty, is derived from their love for Steven Universe, a show that resonates deeply with them. Each of them has their own house within the dynasty: Fierce, Rivers, and Valkyrie. Their relationships within the Gem Dynasty are built on sisterhood, mutual respect, and honesty, allowing them to grow and thrive together as artists.
As mother of the Haus of Rivers, her drag children, Jade Rivers, to name one, became a part of her drag family through their unwavering support and dedication. They not only support each other in their drag endeavors but also share advice, skills, and resources, creating a vibrant and inclusive community. While her family may not be widely known, they are a tight-knit group with a diverse range of talents, from photography to graphic design to hair styling. Their collective goal is to uplift and celebrate drag in all its forms, making meaningful contributions to the drag community wherever they go.
For someone brand new to the drag scene, or for anyone considering diving into the world of drag, Angel’s top advice would be to prioritize kindness above all else. Treat everyone you encounter with respect and empathy, whether it’s the show runners, bartenders, fellow performers, or audience members. The people surrounding you are the ones who make your time on stage possible, and showing them kindness fosters a supportive and inclusive community. She said, “Everyone you see on the way to the top is everyone you see on the way to the bottom. Remember, the fiercest outfits and flawless performances mean little if you’re not genuine and kind-hearted.” Secondly, embrace the joy of drag and have a good time. When you’re genuinely enjoying yourself, it radiates to the audience, creating a positive and infectious energy that elevates the entire performance. Lastly, don’t get caught up in overthinking every detail. Drag is a dynamic and unpredictable art form, and things may not always go according to plan. Embrace the spontaneity and go with the flow, allowing yourself to fully immerse in the moment without the burden of overthinking. Angel said, “I’m an overthinker, I overthink it and that’s my problem, it’s ruined so many moments for me. And so many opportunities.” She feels by prioritizing kindness, embracing joy, and staying present, you’ll find yourself not only thriving in the drag scene but also making meaningful connections and leaving a lasting impression on those around you.
Drag has taught Angel the invaluable lesson of self-love and acceptance. For the longest time, she struggled with embracing her identity, feeling insecure about her voice, her appearance, and cultural background as a Latino. However, through the art form of drag, she discovered a newfound appreciation for herself. It was a pivotal moment when Angel realized that celebrating her Latino heritage within her performances was not only accepted but celebrated by others. Drag provided her with a platform to express her true self authentically, without fear or inhibition. It taught her to embrace every aspect of who she is, her queerness, her ethnicity, her femininity, and to take pride in it.
Moreover, drag has deepened her understanding of the struggles faced by marginalized communities, particularly Black, Brown, and Latino individuals, who have historically been at the forefront of the fight for rights. Their resilience and bravery inspires her daily, and she is proud to stand in solidarity with them, both on and off the stage. It’s incredibly important for Angel to acknowledge and uplift the contributions of individuals like Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, who she shares a last name with, and who were pivotal figures in the LGBTQ+ rights movement, particularly for transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals. Their courage, activism, and resilience laid the groundwork for the progress we continue to fight for today. Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera played significant roles in the Stonewall uprising of 1969, which sparked the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement.
Looking back on her drag career, there are truly remarkable experiences that have left a significant impact on Angel. One core memory for Angel was when she got the chance to perform with Kesha this past October at Foxwoods Casino in Mashantucket, CT. While on a stop here in state during the singer’s latest tour, Kesha invited a group of local drag queens on stage to perform with her during a number. Kesha closed out the show with her track ‘We R Who We R’ and as the song geared toward its ending, Kesha announced a parade of Connecticut drag queens, which included Angel, who strutted along the casino’s grand stage.
Another major event Angel looks back on with joy is being part of the Human Rights Campaign march during the New York City Pride 2023 event. Last year, Angel, among a small group of local drag queens, were invited to march in the parade alongside HRC. Angel also highlighted another amazing event for her: the time she attended Kaia Gerber’s, Cindy Crawford’s daughter, 18th birthday party at the Paradise Club in New York City. It was a surreal moment for her as she found herself surrounded by celebrities such as Kylie Jenner and RuPaul, truly a time she is incredibly proud of. These experiences not only highlight the power of drag to open doors to incredible opportunities but also underscore the importance of representation and acceptance within mainstream culture.
Looking ahead, you can find Angel behind the mic at shows all throughout the state. You can check her out at her new monthly show at The Spicy Green Bean in Glastonbury. The Spicy Green Bean is a lesbian owned local business whose mission is to create an all inclusive queer safe space. She is also embarking on a partnership with the Health Collective to promote sexual health awareness and provide resources for the LGBTQ+ community as ambassador for the non-profit. She is also committed to creating safe spaces and promoting health and wellness and there is no doubt that her involvement will make a significant impact. Angel also has plans to expand drag story hours and continue advocating for diversity and inclusion. She wants people to know that “drag is okay and drag performers are the best entertainers on Earth.”
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