By Kevin Ferrisi –
Ryder Die reflects on his journey toward embracing drag as an integral part of his artistic expression. Initially grappling with insecurity over his unconventional approach to drag, lacking traditional attire like pads or wigs, he questioned his place within the community. However, as Ryder immersed himself further into the drag scene, performing and connecting with fellow drag performers, he began to feel a profound sense of belonging on stage. Drag encompasses a wide spectrum of gender expression and applause is in order for his unique contribution to the art form and the evolving understanding of drag as an inclusive space where authenticity reigns supreme, regardless of conventional norms or attire.
Diving into his journey into drag and performance art, Ryder recalled his official debut at a Wacky Wednesday event at Trevi Lounge in February 2022, marking the beginning of his exploration into the realm of gender-bending performance. Reflecting on his background in music and theater that came first, he revealed that his initial foray into drag stemmed from a desire to amplify his artistic musical expression and embrace his queer identity unabashedly. Ryder explained that while promoting his music EP, “Enjoy the Ride,” he discovered the thrill of drag performance and its potential to enhance his creative vision. He used drag to promote his music, particularly highlighting the innovative production and collaborative spirit showcased in his song “Final Boy.”
Reflecting on the genesis of his music video for “Final Boy,” Ryder shared how it evolved alongside his journey into drag. He explained that while he was newly immersed in the drag scene, the idea for the video emerged as an opportunity to collaborate with newfound friends and showcase the vibrant talent within the Connecticut drag community. Despite the logistical challenges, he fondly recalled the joyous chaos of bringing together multiple performers for the shoot. Looking back, Ryder expressed pride in the collective effort and reminisced about the camaraderie and fun he experienced during filming.
When illustrating his drag style, Ryder eloquently describes it as a blend of campy, silly, sexy, and cunty elements. He expressed a tendency for hypersexuality, dynamic dancing, and acrobatic flips, which have become signatures of his performances. However, Ryder also revealed an inclination towards embracing his goofier side, drawing inspiration from his off-stage persona as a self-proclaimed goofball. This fusion of playful campiness, irreverent humor, and unabashed sexuality encapsulates his unique approach to drag, characterized by a balance of fun, sass, and self-expression.
In discussing his performance style, Ryder acknowledged that he dabbles in elements of boylesque, particularly during shows or events with a more risqué atmosphere. He described incorporating aspects of boylesque, such as artful nudity and flirtatious stage presence, into his performances. Ryder further noted that he draws inspiration from other boylesque performers online and admires their artistry, indicating a connection to and appreciation for the boylesque genre. This acknowledgment suggests that while his drag style may encompass boylesque influences, it remains uniquely his own, shaped by a diverse range of inspirations and performance contexts.
Thinking back on his journey in drag, Ryder shared a profound realization about the transformative power of the art form. He candidly expressed how drag has been instrumental in cultivating his self-worth and confidence, addressing long-standing struggles with self-esteem. Ryder attributes his newfound sense of empowerment to embodying his drag persona, Ryder, who has provided him with the courage to be unapologetically himself, interact confidently in social settings, and embrace his authentic voice without fear of judgment. He recalled moments of receiving uplifting compliments from fellow performers, which have supported his belief in his worthiness. His journey of self-discovery within the drag community has allowed him to shed insecurities and find strength in his identity, ultimately affirming the empowering nature of drag.
Looking back on his career, he reflected on moments of profound significance that he attributed to his journey in drag. Ryder recalled three particular gigs from the past that hold special meaning for him, especially in light of recent personal transformations. The first memorable event was his debut at a brunch alongside Xiomarie LaBeija, where he was struck by the audience’s overwhelming love and enthusiasm for his unique drag style. Ryder vividly recounts a transformative moment during the show when an initially shy audience member surprised everyone by confidently engaging in a dance battle, captivating the crowd with their fearless splits and twerking. Witnessing this individual embrace their confidence and bask in the supportive atmosphere of the room brought tears to his eyes and reinforced the profound impact of drag in fostering self-expression and empowerment.
Continuing his reflection, Ryder recounts another memorable gig at SCSU (Southern Connecticut State University) alongside fellow drag artists. This event held significance as it marked his first time performing for an audience predominantly composed of college students, many of whom were attending their first drag show. The energy in the room was palpable, with students eagerly interacting and taking photos with the performers afterward, reminiscent of encounters with beloved Disney characters. This experience left a lasting impression, especially as Ryder observed young individuals exploring and embracing their gender expression, with some experimenting with femme attire for the first time.
Another significant moment in Ryder’s recent career: performing at Glass Staine’s show, which felt like a culmination of his journey in the drag scene. Glass Staine holds a special place in his heart as one of the first entertainers he encountered when entering the scene. He vividly recalled being mesmerized by Glass’s performance at Trevi Lounge alongside Chai and Angel Rivers in 2021, an experience that opened his eyes to the possibilities of self-expression in drag. This encounter served as a pivotal moment of inspiration, prompting him to explore his creative potential within the drag community. Returning to share the stage with Glass for her album release party felt like a full-circle moment, after having Glass in his “Final Boy” music video at the start of his drag career, symbolizing Ryder’s growth, and evolution as an artist.
Ryder emphasizes a key takeaway from his experiences in the drag community: there are no strict rules or limitations within this art form. He acknowledges that while there may be perceptions or constraints within the Connecticut drag scene, these are often self-imposed and can be transcended by embracing authenticity and passion. He encourages others to break free from these perceived boundaries and express themselves genuinely, as authenticity resonates with audiences and fosters genuine connection. Ultimately, he advocates for a culture of acceptance and openness within the drag community, where individuals are empowered to embrace their true selves and share their unique talents and perspectives without fear of judgment or restriction.
Looking ahead, Ryder Die shares his focus on expanding his creative horizons and pursuing new challenges within the drag scene. While he thoroughly enjoys his role as the “flippy, stunty” performer on stage, he expresses a desire to delve deeper into the behind-the-scenes aspects of drag, particularly honing his makeup skills and exploring new aesthetic possibilities. He sees this as an opportunity for personal growth and self-expression, pushing himself to new heights creatively. Additionally, he aspires to take his performances to larger venues and broader audiences, inspired by the impact he witnessed on young non-binary individuals during a college show. This newfound sense of purpose fuels his ambition to break out of his comfort zone and explore opportunities beyond Connecticut, with dreams of performing in Manhattan and beyond while still cherishing his roots here in the local drag community.
You can catch Ryder at Trevi Lounge in Fairfield, CT for his monthly show “GLOD” (Gorgeous Legends of Drag), a unique drag competition he initiated. Inspired by friendly debates on social media about who the best performers were, he envisioned a show where contestants could truly showcase their talents head-to-head. Drawing inspiration from wrestling matches he watched in his youth; he wanted a competition that emphasized individual performances and culminated in a thrilling lip-sync battle. He pitched the idea to Trevi Lounge, unsure if it would be accepted given his relatively short time in the drag scene but was thrilled when they embraced the concept. The first installment, 18 months ago, featured Rory Roux Lay and Midnight, and the show has since continued to thrive, with the upcoming 18th installment of GLOD happening Friday, May 10th, at 11:30 PM, featuring Mia E. Z’Lay and Harmony Valkyrie, marking another milestone in the show’s success.
You can also see Ryder at his very first show in New York City, a dream come true, at The Stonewall Inn on Christopher Street, Sunday, May 12th at 7:00 PM. You can catch Ryder performing on June 1st at Middletown Pride in Middletown, CT. You can also catch him at Norwalk’s Pride in the Park celebration in Norwalk, CT on June 8th, as well as hosting a drag show for Norwalk’s LGBTQ+ pride marketplace the same day.
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