By Kevin Ferrisi –
In the vibrant world of drag, where creativity and self-expression reign supreme, there exists a figure whose journey epitomizes the transformative power of embracing one’s true identity. Meet Kiki Lucia, a seasoned drag performer whose evolution from backstage support to spotlight sensation serves as a testament to the profound impact of authenticity and passion. With a decade of experience under her sequined belt, Kiki’s story is one of courage, self-discovery, and unwavering dedication to her craft. From her humble beginnings assisting fellow performers to commanding stages across Connecticut, Kiki’s ascent in the drag scene reflects not only personal growth but also the resilience of the LGBTQ+ community.
Kiki Lucia has been doing drag for over a decade now, and it’s funny how it all started. It was the week before her 30th birthday, and she thought, ‘Let’s check this off the bucket list.’ Little did she know it would become a lifelong passion. Kiki has been a part of the Connecticut drag scene since 2004, nearly two decades now. Initially, she wasn’t performing; she was backstage, helping with costumes, doing makeup, you name it. Kiki remembers those days at the former Polo Club in Hartford, where she’d assist the performers, especially her drag sister, Bella Lucia, who she affectionately calls her drag dad. Helping her with makeup sparked something in Kiki, and before she knew it, she was diving into performances, even as a dancer. It’s been a journey filled with glitter, laughter, and unforgettable moments.
Kiki was a familiar face in the drag scene, having spent years backstage. So, when she decided to step into the spotlight, she turned to Robin Banks for guidance. Kiki asked if she could perform in her show as a one-time bucket list item, insisting that payment wasn’t necessary. Her debut performance was at the Robin Banks show at 168 York Street in New Haven, just before her 30th birthday on March 14, 2015. Kiki did four numbers, the standard for Robin’s show. Surprisingly, Robin ended up paying her because the audience was there to see her. That first gig paved the way for more opportunities. Before she knew it, she was hosting her own show within a year.
After dipping her toes into hosting at various venues like Partners Café and taking part in charity events and pride celebrations, her first major endeavor came from Summer Orlando and her production of Hocus Pocus. Playing the original Sarah was a whirlwind experience for Kiki, especially since it all happened within her first six months in drag. Soon after, Lucia Virginity, a friend of Kiki’s, proposed putting together a show at Partners Café called the KLS show, featuring Kiki, Lucia, and Summer. Initially, Lucia hosted, but it wasn’t long before Kiki found herself taking over the hosting duties. When Lucia ascended to the role of Empress of Connecticut, Kiki officially became the host, rebranding the show as ‘Let’s Have A Kiki’ and this became her signature event, running at Partners Café for nine years and expanding to Chez Est in Hartford and Trevi Lounge in Fairfield eight years ago. Over the years, She has also hosted it at various other venues, establishing it as her brand.
For the longest time, Kiki found solace in the drag world without actively participating as a drag entertainer. Throughout her adult life, she battled with masculinity issues and internalized homophobia, a struggle stemming from her upbringing. While her family wasn’t explicitly homophobic, the topic of sexuality remained unspoken. Being unabashedly gay, particularly within Turkish culture, being raised in Turkey, presented its challenges. Interestingly, her demeanor shifted in Turkish settings, adopting a more traditionally masculine facade. However, upon relocating to the US, Kiki grappled with reconciling Turkish masculinity with its American counterpart, navigating the toxic aspects of each. Despite her love for drag and the vibrant community surrounding it, she initially hesitated to fully engage, deeming it too feminine and “too gay.” Today, Kiki proudly participates in pride parades and national protests, embracing her identity wholeheartedly. She found strength and solidarity within the very community she once felt disconnected from. Even embracing the role as mother of the Haus of Kiki, matriarch to her drag daughter Bella Donna, Rory Roux Lay, and Midnight, as well as a list of drag grandchildren.
She adores drag, truly. For Kiki, it’s more than just an art form; it embodies the essence of queer identity. Drawing from her background in art and theater studies, Kiki has come to see drag as a profound expression of culture, one that transcends time. She feels that in the grand tapestry of history, particularly queer culture endures, and at its heart lies drag. It’s a vital thread woven into the fabric of community, possibly the only thing that will outlive individuals’ identities. She explains, “Even if our names fade, the memories of the vibrant drag scenes at places like Partners Café or Chez Est will linger, a testament to the beauty and resilience of our community’s culture.” Drag isn’t just an obsession for Kiki; it’s a love letter to the shared history and enduring spirit of the queer community.
The creation of ‘Kiki Lucia’ was a collaborative journey, deeply rooted in both family and cultural ties. ‘Lucia’ was a nod to Kiki’s drag sister’s chosen last name, reflecting an Italian heritage her drag sister, Bella, wanted to honor. Bella gravitated towards ‘Bella Lucia,’ which translates to ‘Pretty Lucy,’ a name that cleverly played with stereotypes while embracing the beauty of the Italian language. So, for Kiki, she was determined to carry the ‘Lucia’ surname to honor the relationship the two had – somewhere between sisters and a mentor-mentee dynamic. Yet, Kiki also sought to weave in a connection to her biological sister, whose influence on her early drag persona was undeniable. Her sister wasn’t just an inspiration; her style, confidence, and visibility as a bisexual icon on TikTok had left a mark on Kiki. She contemplated a connection but ‘Catherine’, her sister’s name, felt too distant, too removed from the essence she wanted to capture. It was the playful and inherently queer concept of a ‘Kiki,’ that mirrored the energy and support her sister provided, but with a distinctly gay twist, embodying both a personal homage and a broader cultural reference.
Describing her style of drag now, as opposed to five years ago, mirrors the evolution not just of her persona but of drag as an art form itself. Kiki transitioned from viewing herself primarily as an activist queen – someone who leaned heavily into political performances – to now identifying more closely with the mantle of a comedy queen. Yet, to confine her drag to a single category feels reductive. Kiki’s approach is not purely about eliciting laughter or making pointed political statements; it’s a multifaceted experience that defies easy categorization. While comedy is a significant aspect of her performances, suggesting she is simply a comedy queen doesn’t capture the full spectrum of what Kiki brings to the stage. Her performances are layered, incorporating elements of drama, special effects, and always, a thread of humor all of which utilizes her background with over a decade of music theater experience. What sets her apart is not just the versatility of her performances but Kiki’s proficiency with the microphone. Engaging an audience, making them think, laugh, or even squirm, is where she excels.
Drag has been an incredible teacher, offering lessons that extend far beyond the stage and the sparkle. Kiki’s experience highlights how drag has deepened her understanding and commitment to feminism. By stepping into the performative exaggeration of femininity, drag has given Kiki a firsthand look at the shifts in societal treatment based on perceived gender presentation. It’s fascinating for Kiki, and somewhat disheartening, how a change in appearance can alter people’s perceptions and behaviors so drastically, underscoring the arbitrary and constructed nature of gender norms. Moreover, the confidence and self-assurance she has found through ‘Kiki’ are a testament to the empowering nature of drag. It’s not just about the external transformation but the internal one as well. Her journey also speaks to the intersectionality of her creative passions. It’s beautiful how drag has become a conduit for her varied artistic outlets – dance, theater, writing, culinary arts, and more. It’s not just an art form; it’s a synthesis of all forms of creativity.
Reflecting on her journey in the world of drag, Kiki cherishes numerous extraordinary moments that have left an indelible mark on her. One particular memory stands out: the opportunity to perform alongside Kesha at Foxwoods Casino in Mashantucket, CT, this past October. During a stop on Kesha’s latest tour, she graciously invited a select group of local drag queens to join her on stage for a performance. At the closing of her show, Kesha introduced a procession of Connecticut drag queens, among whom was Kiki, confidently strutting across the casino’s grand stage.
Another major milestone was creating and producing a show in June 2021 for the International Festival of Arts and Ideas that not only entertained but educated and celebrated LGBTQ+ history. It’s an inspiring example of how drag can serve as a powerful medium for storytelling, education, and activism. The show was a vibrant tapestry woven with the rich threads of LGBTQ+ history, emphasizing the significant contributions and struggles of Black and Brown communities, and the pivotal role of the trans community. By guiding the audience through pivotal moments like the Compton’s Cafeteria riots, the Stonewall uprising, the AIDS crisis, and the evolution of queer culture, it illuminated parts of history that often remain overshadowed in mainstream narratives.
It’s fascinating how shared experiences, especially creative and challenging ones like performing in “Hocus Pocus” early in Kiki’s drag career, can forge such lasting and deep friendships. She looks back on the experience with pride. Her relationship with local drag icon Mia E. Z’Lay blossomed as a result of working together in the show and highlights a beautiful aspect of the drag community that often goes unseen by those outside of it. The bonds formed backstage, living together, and supporting each other through personal and professional crises, embody the true essence of community and chosen family. Living with Mia and having her as your go-to person in times of crisis illustrates the deep, familial connections that can form within the drag community, transcending the glitz and glamor of performances.
Kiki’s advice reflects a profound understanding of the art form and the process of self-discovery it entails. Her approach of magnifying the aspects of yourself that you love while challenging and transforming those you don’t, creating a foundation for a drag persona that is rooted in genuine self-expression. She says, “The best way, in my humble opinion, to build a good drag character is to take everything that you love about yourself and do it 10 times bigger, and everything you don’t like about yourself, do the opposite because then it’s rooted in yourself.” Emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and reflection, Kiki highlights the significance of understanding one’s own strengths, weaknesses, and desires in shaping a compelling and enduring drag character. She encourages individuals to dive into their own identities and explore the facets of themselves that they want to amplify or reinvent, which will empower them to create a persona that is not only captivating but also deeply personal.
She looks forward to dedicating her time to creating and expanding her wardrobe. By choosing to wear mostly self-made garments, she not only showcases her talent as a designer and seamstress but also infuses her performances with a deeply personal touch. This decision reflects a sense of pride in her work and a desire to fully immerse herself in the creative process, from concept to execution. Moreover, her aspiration to delve into larger-scale productions and stage shows highlights her ambition and vision for the future of her drag career. By aiming to stage quarterly productions with deliberate themes and storytelling elements, Kiki demonstrates a desire to push the boundaries of traditional drag performances and create immersive experiences for her audience. This approach not only allows for greater creative freedom but also opens up new avenues for exploration and collaboration within the drag community.
You can catch Kiki Lucia at her show ‘Let’s Have A Kiki’ happening at venues throughout the state. Building her brand ‘Let’s Have A Kiki’ and establishing a reputation for inclusivity and diversity across her shows. It showcases her commitment to creating spaces that are welcoming and representative of the entire LGBTQ+ community. By consciously booking a diverse array of artists, including members from the BIPOC community, cross-dressing community, transgender individuals, lesbians, queer women, and more, she has crafted events that not only entertain but also foster a sense of belonging and acceptance. Check out her Instagram for show dates and times. You can also see Kiki Lucia at the Chez Legends All Stars weekend competition taking place in Hartford, CT on April 26th at the Infinity Hall Theater and April 27th at the Chez Est. Kiki will be accepting the first-ever William Musanti Humanity Award at the ceremony event at the Chez Est on April 27th. The William Musanti Humanity Award is a brand-new prestigious honor, presented to one deserving individual or organization who has made an impact in the community.
The Chez Est and its Board of Directors were proud to announce Kiki Lucia as the first-ever recipient of the award for her support and advocacy within Connecticut’s local organizations and nonprofits, garnering widespread respect throughout the state. Under the glittering persona of ‘Kiki Lucia’, she has seamlessly merged as a community leader, advocate, and drag entertainer, leaving an indelible mark on the cultural landscape. Through tireless dedication, she has lent her talents to a multitude of endeavors, from hosting dynamic shows to orchestrating events and fostering a vibrant community of performers. Her acclaimed production, ‘Let’s Have A Kiki,’ stands as a testament to her commitment to uplifting emerging talent and amplifying the diverse voices within Connecticut’s drag scene. Beyond entertainment, Kiki Lucia utilizes the stage as a platform to address pressing social issues and commemorate important historical events, inspiring audiences to remain vigilant and engaged.
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