By Kevin Ferrisi –

For Frizzie Borden, her drag journey ignited one serendipitous morning in 2017. A senior at Central Connecticut State University, she had long admired RuPaul, but it wasn’t until college that her fascination with drag truly blossomed. One day, a canceled morning class turned into fate’s nudge. Frizzie and her roommate, wide awake and restless, flipped through TV channels until they stumbled upon an episode of RuPaul’s Drag Race. Captivated, she didn’t just watch; she fell into a world of wigs, heels, and unapologetic self-expression. That moment turned curiosity into passion, paving the way for her first performance and a lifetime of artistry.

Frizzie’s journey into drag began at her university’s Drag Ball, where she connected with local entertainers Summer Orlando, Mia E. Z’Lay, Kiki Lucia, and Giganta Smalls. Their encouragement gave her the push she needed to debut at an upcoming Pride Ball. While she had always been drawn to the stage and the artistry of drag, she wasn’t sure if it was a path she could take as a cisgender woman uninterested in male-presenting drag. However, her passion for performance and creativity overcame her doubts. The Pride Ball’s welcoming and inclusive environment allowed Frizzie to embrace her identity and discover a new love for drag, launching her remarkable journey into this vibrant world.

Her drag name has its roots in both her personal interests and the guidance of her drag mother, Giganta Smalls. When Frizzie first performed at her university’s Drag Ball, she used her real name, Claire, as she hadn’t yet chosen a drag persona. Her first attempt at a drag name came courtesy of Mia E. Z’Lay, who suggested “Clairoine Addiction.” While amusing, it didn’t quite feel like the right fit. Frizzie, a lifelong fan of true crime and ghost stories, particularly the infamous Lizzie Borden, found inspiration with Giganta’s help. After a playful exchange about her hair and her obsession with Lizzie, the name “Frizzie Borden” was born. It perfectly captured her spooky flair and has been her identity ever since.

Frizzie Borden found her drag family through deep connections and shared artistry. Officially a member of the Haus of Smalls since 2019, her relationship with Giganta Smalls, her drag mother, began earlier during her first-ever drag performance in 2017. Giganta helped Frizzie prepare in her dorm room, generously sharing makeup supplies – including green face paint for a performance of No Good Deed from Wicked. This bond grew into a familial connection that has defined Frizzie’s drag journey. While she proudly represents the Haus of Smalls, Frizzie is also closely tied to the House of Lay, thanks to a longstanding friendship with Mia E. Z’Lay and her best friend, Rory Roux Lay. These relationships have shaped Frizzie’s drag identity, blending her love for performance with the unwavering support of her chosen family.

Her drag style is a dynamic blend of humor, camp, and a touch of horror, embodying her unique perspective and creativity. As a proud member of the Haus of Smalls, she leans into the family’s signature focus on spoken word and monologue-style lip-sync performances. While dancing may not be her forte, Frizzie captivates audiences with her comedic timing and clever storytelling. Her numbers often combine absurdity with dark humor, such as her Princess Diana mix that juxtaposes royal poise with a car crash punchline. Inspired by campy horror films, she skillfully balances laughs with chills, creating performances that are as entertaining as they are unforgettable.

Frizzie finds her drag style deeply influenced by two iconic figures: Fran Drescher and Noel Fielding. Fran’s vibrant fashion, distinctive charm, and larger-than-life personality have shaped Frizzie’s approach to performance and self-expression. Her admiration for Fran’s ability to be bold and unapologetic has helped Frizzie cultivate her own confidence, a quality she brings to every stage. This connection is so significant that she even has a portrait of Fran tattooed on her thigh, symbolizing her lasting inspiration. Noel Fielding, with his surreal humor and fearless defiance of gender norms, has been another pivotal influence. Known for blending eccentricity with authenticity, Noel’s daring style and self-assurance align closely with the values Frizzie seeks to embody in her drag. Together, these two figures represent the fusion of creativity, individuality, and courage that defines Frizzie’s performances and fuels her evolution as an artist.

Drag has profoundly shaped Frizzie, helping her discover a newfound confidence and openness in all areas of life. Growing up, she was loud and opinionated but often kept to herself, hesitant to stand out in school and even college. However, performing in drag brought a transformative shift. Through Frizzie, she found a way to express herself without reservation, realizing that the bold, confident persona she showcased on stage could be a reflection of who she was offstage as well. Drag has taught her to embrace her full self, blending her onstage and offstage personas until they became almost interchangeable. This sense of empowerment has spilled over into her work and personal life, erasing feelings of isolation and helping her feel more connected and confident. The shift from her first semester of college to her second, when she started watching RuPaul’s Drag Race, was dramatic – drag unlocked a version of herself she had never fully embraced before.

One of Frizzie’s proudest moments in her drag career came early on, in 2020, when she was invited to perform at the Yale Cabaret. At that point in her career, she was still finding her footing, and the invitation felt like a major milestone. Kiki Lucia, who was hosting the event that year, had extended the opportunity, and Frizzie was thrilled to be part of such a prestigious event. The unique part of the Yale Cabaret was that the students designed the stage and set each year, making every performance a one-of-a-kind experience. Frizzie’s performance took place on a set featuring fascinating cages that could be used creatively, adding an exciting element to her act. Performing at Yale, a place she never imagined she would be invited to, was an incredible honor, and the experience remains a standout in her journey.

Another one of the most unforgettable experiences in Frizzie’s career was attending the season 15 finale of RuPaul’s Drag Race to support Connecticut’s own Loosey LaDuca, Robin Fierce, and Amethyst, the first contestants from the state to make it onto the show. It was a surreal moment, especially because she was in drag herself and had the chance to be part of the live audience. Through a connection with a friend, Jenny, who had ties to the producers, Frizzie managed to secure a spot closer to the front, where she knew she had a chance to be seen by the cameras. Determined to make the most of it, she played up every reaction, hoping for even a brief moment on screen. Her efforts paid off when she made a quick appearance on TV, making the entire experience feel even more special. Being part of the live taping, witnessing the production firsthand, and sharing that moment with her fellow Connecticut queens made it one of the coolest experiences of her life.

This past November, Frizzie Borden competed with unmatched enthusiasm in the Chez Legends season 14 finale at the Chez Est in Hartford. Having participated in Chez Legends, previously Chez Queen, since its first season, she embraced the growing pressure and production value of the competition with creativity and determination. For the finale, her most ambitious yet, Frizzie showcased her talent for crafting, creating elaborate backdrops and props that brought her unique vision to life. In past competitions, she had wowed audiences with outfits like a yarn ensemble and a cardboard costume with removable pieces. This time, she went even further, constructing an immersive set that turned her finale performance into a surreal experience. Her act, a bizarrely brilliant homage to Noel Fielding’s The Mighty Boosh, featured a seaweed monster love-bombing her, leaving the crowd in awe.

Moving forward, fans can expect Frizzie to lean into her love for crafting, likely bringing more imaginative, handmade elements to her performances and solidifying her place as a standout in the Connecticut drag scene.