By Kevin Ferrisi –

Vessel first dipped into the world of drag in high school, though it was more of a false start than a launch. Cast as Mrs. Brill in a weekend production of Mary Poppins in 2016, Vessel felt the thrill of transforming for the stage, even though most people around them didn’t recognize it as drag. It was before Vessel came out and transitioned, so while they felt a certain connection to drag, it remained a one-off experience. Fast forward to August of last year, they revived their interest, performing under a different name twice before life pulled them away for medical reasons, coupled with financial struggles that prevented them from reaching their regular bars. Finally, in February 2024, they stepped back into the spotlight, this time as Vessel, debuting on a Wacky Wednesday at Trevi in Fairfield, a real beginning in a journey that had waited years to unfold.

They grew up in the heart of a dance studio, a world created by their grandmother, who lived with them until they were sixteen. From the age of six until they turned eighteen, Vessel danced within those walls, developing a strong foundation in performance. That background grew even richer as Vessel explored music, joining several bands from high school through college. Each stage, whether in dance or music, deepened their love for performing, turning them into the versatile artist they are today.

Vessel’s interest in drag started as a quiet fascination, sparked in high school. That was the first time Vessel encountered drag firsthand, performing as Mrs. Brill in Mary Poppins, but also a moment when RuPaul’s Drag Race was starting to make waves across the United States. Vessel never watched a full episode of the show but saw stunning drag looks flood their social media, fueling their curiosity. Raised in a strict, conservative environment, exploring drag was a “dirty little secret,” one they kept hidden until they came out and began their transition. After a year and a half on testosterone, Vessel felt a deep longing for something missing – a connection to performing femininity that drag could fulfill. This realization finally brought them into the art form they’d been drawn to all along.

As they navigated their transition, Vessel realized they still craved an outlet for expressing the feminine aspects of themselves. Drag became that outlet, bridging their evolving identity with their love for performance. In their unique experience as a trans man, performing femininity felt layered with masculinity – a complex paradox they embraced. To Vessel, femininity in drag wasn’t just a performance; it was a powerful, masculine act in its own way. This perspective led Vessel to discover a deeper sense of self within drag, balancing strength and elegance in a way that felt both authentic and freeing.

Their journey to the name “Vessel” came with a few twists. When Vessel first performed at Wacky Wednesday, they went by “Lilith,” a name they chose for its power and singularity, capturing the strength they felt in expressing femininity as a man. However, their choice didn’t resonate with others; they were immediately “read for filth” with people calling it too basic. After stepping back during a hiatus, Vessel realized that defending their drag’s validity wasn’t worth the energy, leading them to rethink their approach. Inspired by the British rock band Sleep Token, they embraced the name “Vessel” drawn to the band’s lead singer’s concept of being a vessel for the goddess of sleep. The name “Vessel” captured the flexibility they craved – the ability to embody whatever they chose without being confined to a specific type of performance or music. Just like their favorite artists who go by a single name, they felt a first name alone could convey the essence of who they are on stage.

One of the biggest revelations Vessel had through drag is a deeper understanding of their gender identity. Drag has highlighted just how strongly they identify as trans; nothing unsettles them more than being referred to with she/her pronouns. This experience clarified their preference for they/them pronouns on stage. And off stage and out of drag they go by he/they as well, but ultimately, he/they feels most authentic, both in and out of drag. Through each performance, drag has become not just an art form but also a powerful means of self-discovery and affirmation.

Vessel’s drag defies easy labels, though they often refer to themselves as an alternative performer as the reigning Mx. Toxic, despite feeling these terms can box them in. Rooted in high fashion and avant-garde inspirations, Vessel’s style pushes edgy boundaries while embracing their femininity. As a Latino trans man, drag has given Vessel a healthy outlet to explore and reclaim the sexuality that was once imposed on them. In drag, they revel in expressing a bold, unapologetic sensuality, free from the real-life consequences that often accompany vulnerability. Their performances embody a fierce liberation, channeling power and self-acceptance in every look and movement.

Vessel’s recent win of the Mx. Toxic 2024 title at the state’s alternative drag competition has left them still processing the accomplishment. They were honestly not expecting to make it to the top, let alone win, and the victory has been nothing short of mind-boggling. For Vessel, this win signifies that their drag holds value, not only within the alternative scene but beyond it as well. While they performed an alternative number, they’ve never really embraced the more “filthy” side of drag, as they don’t have a strong interest in that aesthetic. Instead, they focus on their own unique expression, and the recognition has made them incredibly proud and grateful that people appreciate their style of drag so deeply.

Last month, Vessel claimed the title with a performance that left an indelible mark on the alternative drag scene. Their runway look, inspired by Death Note, was a haunting exploration of dread and hopelessness, drawing from the apathetic gods of the series. But it was Vessel’s live act that truly showcased the depth of their artistry. Channeling their pagan craft, Vessel’s performance was a powerful blend of magic and music. With a focus on reclaiming witchcraft as a tool for empowerment, they fused the personal and the mystical in a daring display of strength. Despite the challenges and nerves that came with incorporating live magic, Vessel’s performance was a celebration of magic not as something to be feared, but as a potent force for protection and defiance against harm.

Through their journey in drag, Vessel discovered a passion for sewing, a skill they never expected to embrace. While it might seem like something they trained for, Vessel actually picked it up over time, with deep roots in their family. Their mom’s side of the family in Brazil is full of tailors and people working in cosmetics, so it runs in their blood. Though they didn’t have direct exposure to the craft from their Brazilian relatives, their love for fashion history led them to it. Vessel became fascinated with Victorian fashion and history, spending hours researching the period. The industrial revolution, with all its chaos and innovation, became one of their special interests too, teaching them just how much modern fashion and techniques evolved from that era. It was through these histories that Vessel found a new creative outlet in drag.

One of the accomplishments Vessel is most proud of in their drag career is something that’s a bit more personal and less often seen on stage: learning pole dancing. Though they don’t get to show it off often, they’ve been working hard at overcoming a fear of being upside down, something they now do regularly while practicing on the pole. This challenge pushed them to confront their fear head-on, and they’re incredibly proud of their progress. Vessel’s learning process is a mix of online research and inspiration from friends in New York who take pole classes. Watching friends grow and evolve in their practice has been a huge motivator for Vessel to continue honing this skill.

In the future, Vessel promises to bring even more high-caliber looks to the stage, pushing their fashion and performance to new heights. They’re actively honing their sewing and garment construction skills with the goal of delivering more elevated and avant-garde looks, elevating the artistry of their drag. Along with that, they’ve been focusing on perfecting their pole skills, and fans can expect to see them incorporate pole work into their performances soon. With these exciting projects in the works, Vessel is set to continue surprising and captivating their audience with even more creativity and flair.