From club kid to Connecticut’s stage: A look inside Klits Jenner’s drag journey

Klits Jenner, June 2024. Photo provided by Klits Jenner.

By Kevin Ferrisi –

When Klits Jenner steps onto a stage, she brings more than just a costume or a routine, she brings her heart, her humor, and a story years in the making. From her early nights as a club kid experimenting with outrageous outfits to becoming a standout performer in Connecticut’s drag scene, Klits has transformed her passion into a career that resonates with audiences near and far. Her performances combine bold style, sharp comedy, and infectious energy, offering a window into a performer who is unapologetically herself.

Klits Jenner, July 2024. Photo provided by Klits Jenner.

Klits Jenner began exploring drag in late 2017 and gradually moved into performing more regularly by 2018. Her first experience came through her partner then, who was already a performer and encouraged her to step into the art form. At the time, she had never imagined herself as a drag queen, having mostly been part of the club scene as a club kid. Those early nights in the clubs exposed her to drag culture and sparked her interest in performance, makeup, and stage presence. Over time, she cultivated her own style and confidence, laying the foundation for what would become a dynamic and growing career in drag.

Klits Jenner, November 2017. Photo provided by Klits Jenner.

She was drawn to drag as a way to express talents that had no outlet in her everyday life. She always loved to dance, be outgoing, and make people smile, but had never found a space to share those gifts publicly. Drag offered Klits the opportunity to channel that energy while also providing a kind of armor, giving her confidence she did not always have in her personal life. On stage, she was able to fully translate her personality, combining humor, charisma, and presence in a way that felt natural and effortless. Audiences can quickly notice her confidence and comedic timing, and her performances carry the polish and command of someone who has been performing for far longer than she has.

Klits Jenner, October 2018. Photo provided by Klits Jenner.

Klits Jenner’s drag name evolved from playful experimentation during her early nights as a club kid. She often dressed in outrageous outfits, from frogs to monkeys to clowns, and needed a memorable name to go along with her persona since she could not use her real name while performing in the clubs. One night, inspired by Caitlyn Jenner and her fascination with the Kardashians, she landed on the name Clits Jenner, spelling it with a C. She joked that she was the Kardashian who did not quite make it and had to find her own way. Later, she experimented with the name Miz Diabetes, drawing inspiration from Princess Diana, but she soon realized it was impractical. Ultimately, she returned to her original name and updated the spelling to Klits with a K on her partner’s advice, creating a name that was both memorable and uniquely hers.

Klits Jenner, February 2022. Photo provided by Klits Jenner.

Before Klits Jenner officially began performing in drag, she was deeply influenced by the 90s club kid scene in New York. Fresh out of high school and still navigating her own identity, she found a way to express herself by dressing in extravagant and playful outfits at clubs, inspired by figures like Michael Alig, Amanda Lepore, and Susan Bartsch. Her early club experiences allowed her to experiment freely with costumes and personas while maintaining anonymity. At that time, Klits did not know anyone in Connecticut’s drag community and believed drag only existed on television through RuPaul’s Drag Race. It was through her partner that she was introduced to the local drag scene in Connecticut, opening a door that would transform her casual experimentation into a full-fledged career in drag.  

Klits Jenner, May 2019. Photo provided by Klits Jenner.

She describes her current drag style as playful and bold, embracing what she calls her “cheap slut phase.” She favors mini dresses and looks that show off her body, emphasizing fun and confidence over perfection. Her approach to drag is lighthearted, focused on entertaining and making people smile rather than competing to be the prettiest or the most polished. She aims to keep her performances relatable and energetic, letting her personality shine while reminding audiences not to take life too seriously.

Klits Jenner, March 2022. Photo provided by Klits Jenner.

Klits Jenner’s tribute to Lady Bunny, often called the “Skinny Bunny” routine, grew out of her early work as an Amy Winehouse impersonator. For three years, she performed as Winehouse in almost every show, fully committing to the character with vodka, cigarettes, and stage props, though she realized she was not truly connected to that persona. Her inspiration shifted when she discovered Lady Bunny, whose comedy, stage presence, and personal story resonated deeply with her. She noticed that Lady Bunny was not always fully recognized in the broader drag community, which motivated Klits to honor her legacy on stage. Over time, she developed a performance that both showcased Lady Bunny’s humor and celebrated her influence, embracing the character with dedication and admiration.

Klits Jenner, April 2022. Photo provided by Klits Jenner.

Klits is a proud member of the Diamond Dynasty, with Sparkle A. Diamond as her drag mother and Crystal Starz and Kenya Mone Heart as her drag sisters. She also acknowledges having multiple drag mothers and mentors throughout her journey, recognizing the guidance and support she has received from many in the community. She credits Dixie Normous for giving her first opportunity to perform. Klits also highlights the influence of Xiomarie LaBeija, whose artistry and mentorship left a lasting impact on her approach to drag. Through these connections, she emphasizes the importance of chosen family and mentorship in shaping her career and performances.

Sparkle A. Diamond and Klits Jenner, November 2022. Photo provided by Klits Jenner.

Looking back on her drag career, Klits Jenner reflects on the lessons the art form has taught her about life and herself. Drag has shown her that life is too short to dwell on negativity, a realization made sharper by the passing of influential members of the Connecticut drag community. She has learned to value the people around her, even when relationships are complicated, and to embrace each moment fully. The experience has also taught her not to take herself too seriously, especially in competitive settings, emphasizing that enjoyment and connection with the audience matter more than winning or perfection. Through drag, she has discovered the importance of balance, fun, and authenticity in both her performances and her personal life.  

Klits Jenner, February 2022. Photo provided by Klits Jenner.

She takes pride in the opportunities her drag career has given her to share her heart and connect with audiences beyond Connecticut. She has performed in neighboring states like New Hampshire and Massachusetts, reaching new stages and expanding her presence in the drag community. Participating in Pride events has been especially meaningful, allowing her to support and inspire people in the audience, sometimes in ways she may never fully know. While she may not have major awards or accolades, she considers being an active and visible part of the drag scene, touching lives through her performances, to be one of her greatest accomplishments.

Klits Jenner, June 2024. Photo provided by Klits Jenner.

Looking ahead, Klits Jenner is focused on expanding her presence in the drag scene and taking on more performances. She is preparing new elements for her acts and refining her stage persona to bring fresh energy to her shows. She recognizes the importance of putting herself out there more consistently and supporting the community while balancing her career and personal commitments. With renewed focus and dedication, audiences can expect to see her performing more often, showcasing her creativity, and continuing to grow as both a performer and a presence in the drag world.  

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