By Kevin Ferrisi –
Crystal Starz had always been intrigued by makeup, a fascination that began when she watched her mom getting ready for dinner parties, work, and similar events. She remembered sitting there, mesmerized by all the products and tools, not understanding their purposes but captivated by the transformation they achieved. Despite the social norms that discouraged her and her brother from experimenting with makeup, she remained entranced by the process. While her brother showed no interest, she eagerly watched, absorbing every detail. This was the origin of her passion for makeup.
During a challenging period of homelessness alongside her family, her introduction to drag occurred. Amidst housing instability triggered by her parents’ separation, she found solace in RuPaul’s Drag Race. Living in a hotel temporarily, she struggled to find comfort in communication or entertainment like TV, feeling disheartened and uninspired. Previously, she had been artistically inclined, and active in local theater since childhood, but her high school years were overshadowed by anxiety over her family’s situation. One evening at the motel, flipping through TV channels, she stumbled upon RuPaul’s Drag Race, initially mistaking it for car drag racing – a nostalgic memory from her childhood when her dad used to take her to those events. Intrigued by the show, she delved into learning about drag during her high school years, sparked by this unexpected discovery.
She always remembered that pivotal moment when she watched the show in its entirety. Having found it online, she would spend hours on her old tablet, deeply engrossed. As she watched toward the finale, she was fascinated by the signature drag runway, where contestants showcased something that embodied who they were in drag and as individuals. She began imagining what she would do if she participated in such a runway. This led to the development of her drag name. She wanted something creative. She pondered over what physical representation she could attach to her name. The idea of ‘Stars’ came to her first, initially with an ‘s’ at the end. Then she thought of ‘Crystal’ and decided on Crystal Starz. She envisioned a look drenched in crystals and stars, which perfectly captured the essence she wanted to convey.
Fortunately, with their community’s support, her family overcame their housing instability and moved forward from those less-than-ideal circumstances. She wouldn’t have become a better version of herself without the challenges she faced. Despite the difficult circumstances, she was grateful for the network of support that helped her and her family through those tough times. With the backing of their community and friends, her mom managed to find an apartment, providing them with the stability they desperately needed. In this more comfortable space, she could focus on developing her drag persona.
As she delved deeper into the world of drag, she watched RuPaul’s Drag Race religiously, researched online, and connected with local drag artists. Encouraged by friends, she finally decided to try drag herself. She remembered the first time she was put in drag by friends; it was a transformative experience. She jokingly thought, “Y’all have officially created a monster.” Her first solo attempt at drag was in 2014, in her cousin’s bathroom. While hanging out at her cousin’s place, she found an old prom dress and makeup on the nightstand. Everyone else was busy, so she snuck into the bathroom with the dress and makeup. With only lipstick and blush, she created her first drag look. It was a far cry from professional, but she cherished the photo she took because it symbolized something special born out of turbulent times.
Gathering her courage, she eventually told her mom about her interest in drag. By then, she had already come out to her mom, who had been patiently waiting for her to do so. Her mom’s reaction was encouraging and supportive. This acceptance was another layer of support that helped her become who she is today. As she immersed herself in the world of drag, she found it amazing. She started learning more, watching YouTube videos, and connecting with more drag performers. Her journey began there, evolving from a fascination to a passion. Initially, she was a “house queen,” a term for those who experiment with makeup and outfits, taking photographs in their bathrooms or bedrooms without venturing out. She enjoyed her time as a house queen, perfecting her craft in private.
In 2019, she took a significant step forward and began performing officially as Crystal Starz. A lot of time passed between her initial dabbling in makeup and her decision to take drag seriously. The transition was intimidating; she met many established performers who were already amazing in their craft. Despite her nerves, she committed to her passion, stepping into the spotlight, and fully embracing her identity as Crystal Starz. Her optimism grew with every step she took in her drag career. She believed that the more she grew as a performer, the more it would remind her of how far she had come personally and professionally. The name Crystal Starz was a reminder of the struggles she overcame.
During the first two years of her drag career, she immersed herself in the world of open stages and shows. She attended numerous performances, not just as a spectator but as a participant in backstage work. Helping as a stage assistant, she learned the intricacies of drag firsthand. She believed the best way to learn was to be right there with the girls who were already excelling in their craft. By assisting them, she observed every detail of their preparation, from makeup and hair to their performances. She helped with collecting tips and saw what went on behind the scenes, gaining invaluable insight into the effort and artistry that went into each show. This experience was crucial in shaping her own drag persona and performance skills, setting a solid foundation for her future in drag.
Her mom has always been incredibly supportive throughout her journey, and an important detail about how she became Crystal Starz was that her drag persona was modeled after her mom. Beyond the sentimental value of the name, the beauty and strength she embodied in her performances were inspired by her mom’s resilience and grace throughout their shared journey. People often remarked that she looked like her mom when she was in drag, which she took as the highest compliment. This resemblance was special, and her mom knew that Crystal Starz was a tribute to her. As she approached her fifth year performing as Crystal Starz, each performance felt even more meaningful, a testament to the strength and beauty her mom represented and the unwavering support she had received.
When asked to describe her style of drag, she always says it’s unapologetically Latin and full of energy. Visually, it features lots of stones, shine, fringe, and straight hair, embodying a vibrant, unapologetic aesthetic. However, her drag is also unapologetic, morally. She channels her personal experiences and journey into her performances, giving them an authentic and powerful energy. Each number she performs holds significant value, often reflecting her Latin roots, empowerment, and overcoming fears. This emotional attachment makes her performances feel genuine, and she’s proud that it translates to her audience. She takes her drag career seriously and feels excited about the future, knowing that her journey is far from over.
In reflecting on her drag journey, she acknowledges that one of the most profound lessons she’s learned about herself is accountability. She recognizes the tendency to view life through a narrow lens shaped by circumstances, upbringing, and culture. Initially, she struggled with unrealistic expectations and a desire for perfection, both in her drag persona and in life. However, she realized the importance of embracing imperfection and staying accountable for her growth. This shift in perspective was crucial, especially considering her aspirations within the drag community, where success often seemed unattainable given her urban background. She had to constantly remind herself that her journey was unique and worth pursuing, even when faced with skepticism from her surroundings. Ultimately, she learned the value of accountability and discipline, understanding the need to continually check herself and remain true to her aspirations.
There are moments she’s incredibly proud of in her drag career, but one that stands out is her performance at the Apollo Theater on October 8, 2023. It was a monumental experience for her, performing as Crystal Starz alongside other local queens in a short production. When the creative director invited them to perform, she was stunned and thrilled by the opportunity. They worked tirelessly to perfect their act, and when they finally took the stage at the Apollo, it was a surreal moment. Being in such a legendary venue, where creativity is encouraged and differences celebrated, was mind-blowing. Moreover, the support from her fellow performers and the audience was incredibly humbling. It reminded her that hard work and dedication can lead to endless possibilities.
Along her journey, she found her current drag family, a significant step she publicly announced recently. She met her best friend, Sparkle, through mutual friends, and over the past three years, they’ve become inseparable. Their bond was so strong that they were practically the same person, understanding each other without the need for explanation. While people often assumed Sparkle was her drag mom, their relationship was purely that of best friends who supported each other unconditionally. They had a candid conversation about the possibility of officially becoming a drag family. They agreed that it would be a natural progression, given the familial dynamic they already shared. With excitement, they decided to formalize their relationship and announced it with a photoshoot shared on social media. Klits Jenner and Kenya Mone Heart, now her drag sisters, stand as pillars of support and guidance within their Haus, with Sparkle holding the esteemed title of mother of the Haus. They have honed themselves as the CT Diamond Dynasty, a testament to their dedication and brilliance within the drag community.
Looking ahead, Crystal Starz is focused on continuing her upward trajectory in her drag career. Over the nearly five years of performing, she has met influential people and experienced significant moments, and she aims to stay on that path. She wants to keep inspiring others and exploring new avenues, such as stand-up comedy in drag. Embracing social media as a vital tool for her career, she plans to create engaging content that resonates with her audience. Maintaining discipline and remaining open-minded are key priorities for her as she navigates her journey. She is fully committed to growth and success as Crystal Starz, striving to be the best version of herself in every performance. With dedication and determination, she is ready to seize every opportunity and make her mark in the drag world.
Crystal hopes that as people read her story, they are inspired to embrace their most authentic selves, a daunting task in a superficial society, especially for people of color who often feel the odds are stacked against them. In such circumstances, authenticity can take a back seat. Her wish is for readers to be emboldened to challenge themselves, break free from societal norms, and embrace change, recognizing that resistance to it can be more limiting than liberating. Let this serve as a catalyst for taking risks and pursuing authenticity, understanding that closed doors or rejections are merely stepping stones to the next opportunity.
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