By Kevin Ferrisi –
Introducing Glass Staine, the renowned Connecticut alternative drag queen also known as Mx. KYNK 2022, whose captivating performances and undeniable talent have solidified her status as a standout superstar in the state’s drag scene and online competition circuit. From her role as a judge during the Mx. Toxic competition to her mesmerizing displays across the state, Glass Staine proudly embraces her identity amidst the chaos, marking nearly a decade since her transformative journey in drag. With her latest album release, ‘Supernova,’ Glass Staine unveils a fresh and innovative sound, inviting listeners on a transformative odyssey that mirrors the cosmic spectacle of a dying star, symbolizing endings, beginnings, and the eternal cycle of reinvention.
Glass reflected on her journey in drag, noting that it will mark approximately nine years since she started in July. After confirming that her first post in drag was made on July 31st, 2015, she confirmed July as the accurate month for her drag journey to reach the nine-year mark. Glass has been doing drag makeup since 2015 and started performing in 2017. The decision to start doing drag emerged from a blend of curiosity, inspiration, and a quest for personal expression. Watching RuPaul’s Drag Race, particularly season 7, served as a catalyst for her journey, igniting a passion to explore the art form herself. This pursuit wasn’t just about emulating what was seen on TV; it was a deeper search for an avenue where she could truly shine. Despite feeling like she hadn’t found her niche or excelled in traditional arts or skills growing up as a kid, drag offered a unique space where creativity, performance, and self-expression could converge.
With drag, Glass discovered an art form that resonated with her love for makeup, entertainment, and conceptual creativity, enabling her to embody the allure and empowerment she admired. It was more than putting on a show; it was about finally finding a space where she felt competent and fulfilled. Drag became a platform where Glass could harness her talents, captivate audiences, and express her multifaceted identity, all the while exploring the endless possibilities of transformation and performance art. This realization not only marked the beginning of her drag career but also signified finding her calling – a discovery that she was, indeed, “good at drag,” unveiling a path where her passions and skills aligned perfectly.
Glass Staine chose her drag name as a nod to her beloved singer, Alice Glass, while ‘Staine’ sprang from a clever wordplay involving “glass stain” and “stained glass.” She believes ‘Staine’ perfectly encapsulates her essence – somewhat gritty and unpolished, much like her drag aesthetic. The evolution of a drag persona is often a journey of self-discovery, creativity, and sometimes, necessity. Her narrative begins with the initial choice of ‘Comet’ as her drag name, symbolizing a bright debut on July 31st, 2015, with aspirations as high as the stars. Yet, the discovery of another drag artist with the same name, who was significantly more advanced in their craft, prompted a name change to avoid confusion and establish a unique identity. This led to the adoption of ‘Hysteria’, a name that, while distinct, didn’t fully resonate or last.
The journey continued with the playful and inventive ‘Pixxy Glass’, a clever nod to both the delicate nature of pixies and the material durability of plexiglass. This name reflected not only a whimsical character but also a homage to the influence of Trixie Mattel, especially during her rise in season 7 of RuPaul’s Drag Race. However, the evolution didn’t stop there. ‘Pixxy’ was eventually dropped, simplifying the name to ‘Glass’ and later transforming into ‘Glass Staine’ in 2018 after seeking to reinvent herself with a new brand, signifying a journey from an initial, shining debut to a refined, clear-cut identity that mirrors both vulnerability and strength.
Describing her style of drag as a dynamic and multifaceted expression, Glass captures the essence of her artistry through contrasts and versatility. At the core of her identity is the presence of a beard, a trait that distinguishes Glass yet feels so innate that it blends seamlessly into her persona. This characteristic sets her apart, not just visually, but in the way it challenges traditional expectations of drag, blurring the lines between conventional beauty standards and her unique expression of drag. Her approach to drag is likened to shapeshifting, effortlessly transitioning between aesthetics that range from glamorous and divine feminine beauty to monstrous and eerie creations, and even venturing into chipper and upbeat personas. This versatility showcases a refusal to be held into a single category, embodying a spectrum that is at once glamorous, eerie, trashy, and shockingly glamorous in unexpected ways.
For Glass, her drag is inherently alternative due to its deviation from the mainstream, characterized by a unique blend of glamour that doesn’t rely on traditional gowns or updos. Glass embraces a “trashy glamour,” reminiscent of early 2000s aesthetics, where the allure lies in the edgy, somewhat unconventional appeal. Glass thrives on unpredictability and the element of surprise, aiming to keep the audience guessing and intrigued by what she will present next. Her ultimate goal is to subvert expectations, ensuring that her performances remain fresh, unexpected, and deeply personal. Through this narrative, she articulates a profound understanding of her art form, one that defies easy categorization and speaks to the heart of what makes drag so compelling – the freedom to explore, express, and challenge.
For newcomers or those aspiring to enter the world of drag, Glass offers invaluable advice drawn from her own experiences and insights. First and foremost, Glass emphasizes the importance of acquiring a wig – a fundamental element that can instantly elevate one’s drag persona. Reflecting on her early days without a wig, she underscores the transformative power of this essential accessory, urging newcomers to prioritize obtaining a wig and lashes as the minimum requirement to kick-start their journey into drag. Building upon this foundation, Glass encourages aspiring drag artists to seek inspiration beyond the realm of drag itself. Rather than emulating existing drag queens or artists, she advocates finding sources of inspiration that are unique and personal, fostering the development of a distinct and authentic drag identity. Furthermore, Glass stresses the importance of being social and actively engaging with the drag community. Attending events, networking, and making connections with fellow artists can significantly enhance visibility and opportunities within the drag scene. Despite potential challenges such as shyness or anxiety, Glass urges newcomers to push past these barriers and actively participate in the community, recognizing the immense value of showing up and being present in drag spaces.
Through the prism of drag, Glass reflects on a profound transformation that has unfolded within her, fundamentally reshaping her life and worldview. At its core, drag has served as a catalyst for profound personal growth, leading Glass from a place of isolation and social anxiety to a vibrant community of friends and creative fulfillment. This journey of self-discovery and connection has not only provided her with a supportive circle but has also unearthed a newfound sense of purpose and joy. As Glass continues on her journey, she carries with her the profound lessons and experiences that drag has bestowed upon her, forever grateful for the opportunity to embrace her true selves and find belonging in a world of drag.
For Glass, drag represents more than just a form of artistic expression; it is a lifeline – a source of happiness and fulfillment that she had previously struggled to find. By tapping into her innate creativity and passion, drag has become a vehicle for channeling her ideas and emotions, offering a much-needed outlet for self-expression. In the process, Glass has forged deep bonds with fellow artists like Kalysta Kaykes, finding companionship with Chai and receiving tremendous support in a community that celebrates individuality and diversity. In moments of doubt or hardship, she draws strength from the knowledge that drag is not just a hobby but a lifeline. Ultimately, drag has taught Glass the transformative power of self-discovery and community. It has shown her that even in the darkest moments, there is light to be found – a beacon of hope and possibility that shines brightly through the art of drag.
Glass reflected on her remarkable achievements in the drag world, particularly her crowning moment as Mx. KYNK in 2022 – an accomplishment that stands as a testament to her hard work, creativity, and dedication. She recounts the meticulous preparation and passion poured into crafting a performance that surpassed expectations, from designing custom outfits to choreographing a memorable routine. Winning Mx. KYNK wasn’t just a triumph; it was the realization of a dream, a validation of her talent and vision. As a drag queen in a traditionally male-dominated space, her victory broke barriers and fostered inclusivity, paving the way for greater diversity and representation in the KYNK community for a drag queen during an event you would never find the likes of. Glass takes pride in the role she played in bridging divides and expanding the boundaries of drag, fostering a more inclusive and vibrant community for all. Her win provided her with a platform to advocate for greater visibility and recognition for all drag artists, regardless of gender or identity.
Another notable milestone is Glass’s success in making the top three in Drag Showdown: All Stars (referred to as DSDivas), an online competition that presented her with an opportunity to showcase her talent and resilience. Despite not clinching the ultimate win, reaching the top three was a monumental accomplishment, especially considering her previous experiences in Drag Showdown. Recalling her earlier time, during season 1, she got eliminated in the 3rd episode and then came back as a returning queen for season 2 and went home during the 4th episode. Her journey to the top three in All Stars was marked by determination and a fierce desire to prove herself. Glass faced doubts and skepticism from others within the community, who questioned her presence as a returning contestant. However, fueled by a determination to silence her critics and showcase her growth as an artist, she approached All Stars with unwavering confidence and determination. Glass’s performance in All Stars surpassed all expectations, demonstrating a remarkable evolution in her drag artistry and runway presentations. Even her weakest moments in All Stars eclipsed her previous best efforts, a testament to her dedication and growth as a performer.
Looking into the future, Glass shares a profound realization about her drag career, expressing a desire to chart a path that transcends the traditional confines of performing in bars and clubs. While she cherishes the thrill of performing and recognizes its importance in establishing her name as a drag artist, Glass envisions a future that extends far beyond the stage lights and bar scenes. Deep down, she feels called to something greater – a pursuit of artistic expression and creative fulfillment that encompasses music, fashion, modeling, and even celebrity status. Glass aspires to become more than just a drag performer; she envisions herself as a multifaceted artist, a trendsetter, and a cultural icon whose influence extends far beyond the drag community. Her dreams are filled with visions of walking runways, touring with her music, and captivating audiences with her larger-than-life persona and innovative looks. Glass seeks to carve out a niche for herself in the world of entertainment, pushing boundaries and redefining what it means to be a drag artist.
Today, Connecticut drag artist Glass Staine released a new album, marking her second album launch since her debut album, Raw, in 2018. With a transformative new sound she characterizes as “fresh and sickening,” her latest project, ‘Supernova’, narrates the tale of an aspiring pop star who achieves peak fame, only to discover that the very fame she sought brings about her downfall and ultimately, her demise. Glass Staine, who took the helm in writing and producing the album, aimed to ensure that the album reflected her authentic self. ‘Supernova’ resonates deeply as the title of her album, bearing a profound dual significance that encapsulates the essence of her artistic vision. On one level, it symbolizes the cosmic phenomenon of a dying star, known scientifically as a supernova – a breathtaking explosion that captivates the imagination and signals the end of one phase while heralding the birth of something new. This thematic thread runs through the album, guiding listeners on a transformative journey akin to the life cycle of a star, where endings give rise to beginnings, and darkness yields to light. Check out the Local Music page for all the ways to listen to ‘Supernova’ by Glass Staine.
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