By Kevin Ferrisi –
Chai is a bold and dynamic drag performer known for her camp, sensuality, and spookiness, who recently won the title of Mx. KYNK and continues to push boundaries in the Connecticut drag world. Chai began her drag journey in March of 2018, marking over six years since her first performance. Her love for drag began as a teenager when she stumbled upon RuPaul’s Drag Race season 4, and her fascination with the art form quickly grew. Her family would joke that if she had been born a man, she surely would have become a drag queen, as her obsession with the show was undeniable.
Like many at the time, she wasn’t aware that cisgender women could do drag. It wasn’t until she moved to Arizona at 19 and met a local drag artist that she learned cis women could be drag queens too. Excited by this revelation, she dove into research and soon found herself immersed in the online drag scene. She started by posting on Instagram, and through mutual connections, discovered Instagram drag competitions. Although Chai was just a beginner, she eagerly joined these competitions, steadily working her way up from small contests to larger ones. These online competitions became a cornerstone of her drag experience, helping her hone her craft and elevate her artistry.
When she first started doing drag, she was working at Starbucks, where her love for chai lattes inspired her drag name. Growing up, her dad always ordered chai lattes, so when she was old enough to explore Starbucks on her own, it became her go-to drink. Over time, she realized “Chai” would make a cute and fitting drag name. Not only did it sound adorable, but it also embodied a mix of sweetness and spice, much like her drag persona. While brainstorming names, she briefly considered other options, like “Barbara Easta,” a playful nod to her barista job, and “Skinny Queen,” meant as a humorous jab at the preference for slender, dancing queens. However, neither name resonated with her as much as “Chai.” Initially, she went by “Chai Xtrahot” and then was briefly part of a drag family with their last name. After parting ways, she decided to drop the last name entirely, embracing the simplicity of “Chai” as a reflection of her independence. She was determined to stand on her own, vowing never to adopt a last name again.
Chai ‘s drag style has become a bold mix that she refuses to pigeonhole into just one category. When describing it to someone unfamiliar with her performances, she says it always falls under one of three themes: spooky, campy, or slutty. These elements define her brand, and if at least one isn’t present, she jokes that it’s probably not her on stage. This combination perfectly captures her persona, allowing her to create performances that are unapologetically her – whether she’s channeling eerie vibes, embracing over-the-top humor, or flaunting sultry energy.
Her underlying message is that drag has fundamentally taught her to be her authentic self, not just on stage, but in all aspects of her life. Through drag, Chai has learned the power of truthfulness and self-expression, and it encouraged her to shed any facades she once wore in her personal relationships. The more she embraced her authenticity, the more she realized how vital it was to live genuinely, both in and out of drag. For her, being authentic isn’t just a performance; it’s a core value, shaping how she engages with the world and the people around her. Drag became the key to unlocking a deeper level of honesty and self-acceptance.
She recently claimed the title of Mx. KYNK, a victory she had long desired since the competition’s inception. For years, obstacles ranging from surgeries to competing against her partner prevented her from entering. But this year, everything aligned perfectly. She finally had the time, ability, and focus to bring her vision to life. Her winning performance was something she had envisioned for ages, waiting for the right moment to execute it. The number she crafted for Mx. KYNK was layered, blending campy humor with a provocative undertone that perfectly embodied two pillars of her drag style: campy and slutty. A puppet-themed act was bold, playful, and unapologetically sexual, all while maintaining a quirky, fun energy that helped her stand out. She believed her authenticity shone through because it was something she genuinely wanted to do, and the audience could feel that.
When her name was announced as the winner, the initial shock quickly gave way to a profound sense of validation. All the hard work, anxiety, and countless hours spent preparing for that moment seemed to culminate perfectly, making the victory feel well-deserved. The feeling was indescribable – she felt incredibly special, especially as the crowd cheered for her. In that moment, as the sash was draped over her and the night officially became hers, she felt truly untouchable. It was an experience like no other, where everything fell into place, and she was able to fully bask in the triumph she had worked so hard to achieve. Winning the competition was especially meaningful because her partner, Glass Staine, had won the very first Mx. KYNK in 2022.
Chai had been doing drag for a little over a year before she met her partner and local drag icon Glass Staine. Their first encounter was through a competition Glass used to host called Queen’s Purgatory, where they initially connected as friends. She competed in season four of the show as a mid-season alum, still relatively new to drag, but returned for the All Stars edition a few months later and won. It was around this time that she and Glass met in person and their friendship blossomed into something more. The two met face-to-face at RuPaul’s DragCon LA in 2019, both fresh from breakups that had disrupted their housing plans for the event. Coincidentally, Chai had an opening in her Airbnb after breaking up with her ex, and Glass, having had a recent break up as well, needed a place to stay. She invited Glass to fill the spot, and that’s when their romantic connection truly began.
Her relationship with Glass Staine has deeply influenced her as a drag artist. After being together for five years, they have naturally become more like each other, especially in their creative processes. They motivate one another constantly – whether it’s pushing each other to elevate their outfits or reminding each other of their unique talents. Glass has always encouraged her to go beyond her comfort zone, inspiring her to take risks and improve as an artist. Chai credits Glass with influencing her to embrace a more alternative style, something that has become an integral part of her drag identity. In turn, she believes her influence on Glass has brought a touch of her own style into Glass’s drag, creating a beautiful blend of glamorous and alternative energy between the two. Their relationship is a powerful source of inspiration and growth, driving them both to constantly evolve as artists.
One of the accomplishments Chai is most proud of, thanks to her time in the drag scene, is mastering the art of angle grinding. She pushed herself to learn the skill specifically for the local drag competition Chez Legends for the season 9 finale, and it has since become a defining part of her brand as an entertainer. Angle grinding, with its sparks and energy, not only sets her apart from others in the drag scene, but it also makes her feel like the coolest person in the universe every time she performs it. This skill has become a personal signature, something she never imagined herself doing had it not been for competing in Chez Legends. Now, it’s something she proudly incorporates into her performances.
As a final thought, Chai wants to send a special message to her fans, especially those who may feel like underdogs. She finds something extra special in knowing that people who resonate with her drag often identify as outsiders themselves. After performances, when fans come up to her saying they loved her number or believed she should have won, she feels a deep connection to those rooting for the underdog. Her advice to anyone listening is to embrace that uniqueness and remain true to themselves, no matter what’s popular or expected. “People always cheer for the underdog,” she says, “and there’s something powerful in staying authentic.” She’s committed to always being herself and hopes her fans will do the same.
Looking ahead, Chai has some exciting plans on the horizon. She’ll be competing in the Mx. Toxic competition at Chez Est this October, and she’s been hard at work preparing her performance package. Additionally, she hopes to use her Mx. KYNK title to host a special event of her own, teasing a potential kink-themed show that promises to stand out from the regular Chez Est events. Without giving away too many details, she’s also excited to tease a massive video project featuring her unique talents, set for release this fall. It’s clear that her ambition and creativity are pushing her to new heights, and fans can expect bold, exciting things from her in the near future.
Leave a Reply