He’s the man behind the music: DJ Edgewood, the mix master making his mark on Connecticut’s drag scene
By Kevin Ferrisi – When people think about Connecticut’s drag scene, the spotlight naturally falls on the performers taking the stage. But behind every great drag show is a community of people who help bring it all together, from hosts and promoters to photographers, bartenders and DJs. Few have become as familiar…
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You can call her Auntie Lu: Get to know the cool aunt making her mark on the Connecticut drag scene
By Kevin Ferrisi – For Auntie Lu, the journey into drag began long before she officially became the character she is today. She first tried drag for Halloween in 2017 after her now-husband introduced her to RuPaul’s Drag Race, putting together a look for a weekend in Vermont that she jokingly admits…
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How Mz. October MayLay turned loss and setbacks into a legacy of strength and success
By Kevin Ferrisi – Her story is one of early setbacks, unexpected support, and a career shaped as much by loss as by triumph. What began with a discouraging first performance in 2017 could have ended there, but encouragement from friends, mentors, and fellow performers helped guide Mz. October MayLay back to…
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Through theater, improv and play, Flaminia is reimagining the art of drag into something all her own
By Kevin Ferrisi – For Flaminia Fagiolina, drag has been nearly a decade in the making, though the roots of her persona stretch back even further. She officially began performing about nine years ago through Sky Casper’s Tuck and Strut event, where, she recalled with humor, she was still figuring it all…
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Pop the cork and pour out the glam: Sauvignon Blanc is here to slay in Connecticut’s drag scene
By Kevin Ferrisi – Equal parts glamorous, mischievous, and full of pop culture energy, Sauvignon Blanc has quickly become a standout in Connecticut’s drag scene. From late-night costume sessions with her chosen family in the Haus of Pro to headlining her own shows, Sauvignon Blanc has turned a playful experiment into a…
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A drag journey three decades in the making: The living legacy of Grace Nations
By Kevin Ferrisi – For more than three decades, Grace Nations has been a steady presence in the drag community, with roots that trace back to the early 1990s. She first found her footing in the club kid and ballroom scenes, where self-expression and nightlife culture shaped her early identity. Over time,…
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Graveyard Brat shows how horror, music, and fearless performance are shaping a rising star in alternative drag
By Kevin Ferrisi – Graveyard Brat is quickly carving a name for herself in the alternative drag scene, despite having only two years of experience. Her performances blend horror, music, and theatricality, creating a presence that captivates audiences from the first moment she steps onstage. What sets her apart is not just…
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From Navy boots to bodysuits: How new designer Christian Micheal became a force in Connecticut’s drag fashion
By Kevin Ferrisi – Christian Micheal’s journey from a hair salon in Pensacola to crafting looks behind Connecticut’s drag stars in the heart of Connecticut’s drag scene reads like a story about chance, courage, and creativity. In 2020, the pandemic shook his world, pushing him to enlist in the Navy and take on…
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From open stage to joining a legendary drag family: The evolution of Amaris The Valkyrie
By Kevin Ferrisi – Amaris The Valkyrie has been performing in drag for just over two years, first stepping onto the stage in May 2023. Her debut took place at Wacky Wednesday, a show hosted by Frankie Cyanide at Trevi Lounge in Fairfield. At the time, she was still underage, which meant her…
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From club kid to Connecticut’s stage: A look inside Klits Jenner’s drag journey
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…
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From bedroom queen to stage star: How Sapphire Bills became a gem in Connecticut’s drag scene
By Kevin Ferrisi – From the privacy of her bedroom to the stages of New York and Puerto Rico, Sapphire Bills has carved a path in drag defined by ambition, artistry, and resilience. What began as a passion for makeup, fashion, and the confident energy of powerful women evolved into a full-fledged…
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Queen Mother: Lady Tatiana’s three decades in the art of drag as trailblazer, mentor, and advocate
By Kevin Ferrisi – Lady Tatiana is not only an icon of the Connecticut drag scene but a legendary figure in drag as a whole. For more than three decades, she has carved a path as a trailblazer, mentor, and advocate, offering unwavering support to the Latin, trans, and queer communities. Her…
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Connecticut drag king Ray DeCorazón: Navigating identity and finding a new rhythm on his own terms
by Kevin Ferrisi – Connecticut drag king Ray DeCorazón caught the community’s attention as the winner of season 3 of Chez Legends, the renowned local drag competition that has showcased the careers of a long list of standout performers. He later earned the title of Mx. Chez Est 2020, further establishing his…
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A daily dose of serotonin: Inside Lexxi Pro’s evolving drag journey and artistic vision
By Kevin Ferrisi – Lexxi Pro began her drag journey in April 2022, marking three years since stepping into the art form that would soon become a central part of her identity. A former theater kid, she originally attended a performing arts school before transitioning into a career in business operations. Despite…
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Shine bright like Sparkle A. Diamond: A drag queen’s journey of resilience, purpose, and expression
By Kevin Ferrisi – Sparkle A. Diamond is a powerhouse of purpose, resilience, and radiant talent whose drag journey spans nearly two decades and multiple cities, each chapter marked by transformation, self-discovery, and unwavering authenticity. Born and raised in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, Sparkle’s creative spark was ignited by powerful films,…
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From the front of the classroom to the center of the stage: The drag journey of Valeryan
By Kevin Ferrisi – Valeryan began her drag journey in March of 2023, just celebrating her second year, but the seeds were planted long before that. It all started when she was working at a school, a place where she had already been teaching at for a while. One day, she was…
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Three decades of true strength, glamour, and resilience: The enduring legacy of BeBe Galini
By Kevin Ferrisi – In 1996, BeBe Galini burst into the vibrant world of drag, breaking free from the suffocating expectations of her Catholic, first-generation immigrant upbringing. As the eldest child, she felt the weight of a path that never truly resonated with her authentic self. It wasn’t until a friend invited…
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Sienna Rose celebrates major milestone with 200th solo drag show at Troupe429
By Kevin Ferrisi – Sienna Rose celebrated her 200th show, aptly named Sienna Says, marking a significant milestone in her journey that began in the spring of 2021, as the world began to emerge from the grip of the COVID-19 pandemic. What started as a weekly RuPaul’s Drag Race watch party at…
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Marita Bonita’s two decades of drag: A journey of performance, advocacy, and artistic evolution
By Kevin Ferrisi – For Marita Bonita, her drag journey began almost by chance, two decades ago, when her teenage self transformed into a girl to sneak into an all-female high school party with her friends. At just 13, she had her first experience with the art of drag and female illusion,…
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Breaking boundaries: Paxx Headroom’s innovative fusion of drag, tech, and performance
By Kevin Ferrisi – Paxx Headroom is a drag king artist whose journey of self-discovery and creative exploration has shattered traditional boundaries. What began as a quiet experiment during the pandemic quickly blossomed into a dynamic fusion of tech-inspired aesthetics and performance art. With a drag persona that blends the digital world,…
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From college campus to cabaret: The rise of Frizzie Borden in Connecticut’s drag scene
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…
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Vessel’s journey: From high school stage to newly crowned, a path to self-discovery, fashion, and bold drag
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…
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Ambrosia Black reflects on her drag journey and winning reader’s choice for ConnecticutDrag.com Person of the Year
By Kevin Ferrisi – Connecticut’s pop-alternative drag entertainer Ambrosia Black shines as a true fashion icon in the local drag scene. Known for her impeccable sense of style, Ambrosia blends confidence with an instinct for high fashion that dazzles her audiences. Her performances showcase not only her talent but her flair for…
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Latin queen and Haus of Night matriarch, Midnight, crowned season champion: The story behind her rise to victory
By Kevin Ferrisi – Mother of the Haus of Night and Connecticut’s self-proclaimed Latin drag witch, Midnight, is always ready to set the stage ablaze with her fiery attitude and high-energy dance moves. Having recently made a name for herself in the local drag scene, she stepped into the spotlight during the…
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Imperial Court’s Jose Honor recipient Morgana de Luxe celebrates decades of drag, legacy, and community
By Kevin Ferrisi – From the Hartford Harlettes to Imperial Legacy, Morgana de Luxe and her colorful career championing drag as a vibrant art form has empowered her to embrace her truest self. Morgana’s contributions to the LGBTQ community were recently recognized this year with the prestigious Jose Honor, a significant award…
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Chai spices up the Connecticut drag scene: Bold, campy, kinky, and pushing boundaries
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…
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Harmony Valkyrie’s transformative journey of self-discovery, trans empowerment and visibility
By Kevin Ferrisi – For Harmony Valkyrie, her journey into the world of drag has been marked by transformative moments and profound self-discovery. From her spontaneous debut where she stumbled into a Wednesday night competition, to her pivotal entry into the world of competitive drag, Harmony’s path has been both unexpected and…
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Enigma Jones: From hidden transformations to stage star; A journey of humor and heart
By Kevin Ferrisi – In the vibrant world of drag, where artistry meets identity in the most unexpected ways, Enigma Jones stands out as a captivating force. Her journey began modestly, fueled by a quiet passion and a desire to express herself beyond the confines of her everyday life. From her early…
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From sketch comedy to CT’s rising drag king star: The story of Dom Parinyon
By Kevin Ferrisi – Meet Dom Parinyon. Dom has been officially doing drag consistently for over a year, having just celebrated his one-year drag anniversary this past April. Although he has been performing since then, his journey dipping his toes into the world of drag began much earlier. About ten years ago, while…
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Making big changes in a small town: Felicity V. Lay’s drag journey and community impact
By Kevin Ferrisi – Meet Felicity V. Lay. Felicity has been doing drag for two and a half years, having started on April 14, 2022. The exact date stood out because it was two days after her birthday. That day, she took to the Open Stage at the Chez Est, a decision…
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Local drag star Summer Orlando carves her own path to success, from college theater to Disney magic
By Kevin Ferrisi – Summer Orlando began her drag journey in 2011, during her college years, and has been doing it for about 13 to 14 years. Her adventure into the world of drag started in the theater, with a production of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, a performance that required cross-dressing.…
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From NYC to CT: The journey of Bubblicious, a local drag icon’s story of community and activism
By Kevin Ferrisi – Bubblicious started doing drag while attending the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. She dressed as a girl; however, she wasn’t performing in shows just yet. It wasn’t until the mid-90s that she began her performances, starting in New York City at Two Potatoes. From there,…
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A journey of perseverance: The inspiring rise of Crystal Starz in the local drag community
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.…
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Transcending boundaries: Tiana Maxim’s journey through drag and self-identity
By Kevin Ferrisi – In a candid interview, Tiana Maxim opens up about her extensive experience in the drag scene, dating back to around 2009. Reflecting on her journey, she discussed the transition from being a drag queen to embracing her identity as a trans woman. She highlighted the challenges and misconceptions…
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From missteps to mastery: Ivanna’s decade-long drag journey to becoming a local staple
By Kevin Ferrisi – In the shimmering world of drag, Ivanna stands as a testament to resilience, growth, and the unyielding pursuit of excellence. Ivanna started doing drag in the summer of 2012, but she really began to immerse herself in it around late 2013 and early 2014. Her first experience in…
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Embracing her love for the art: The rise of Tiki Malone in the local drag scene
By Kevin Ferrisi – For nearly five years, Tiki Malone has graced stages with her presence, embodying a captivating blend of campy charm and old Hollywood glamour. However, her journey into the dazzling realm of drag wasn’t a sudden revelation; it was a path illuminated by destiny and shaped by her profound…
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Kenya Mone Heart opens up about her journey of drag, resilience, and empowerment
By Kevin Ferrisi – For Kenya Mone Heart, her journey into drag has been a transformative odyssey characterized by creativity, resilience, and self-discovery. From her initial experiences as a spectator at drag shows to emerging as a prominent figure in the drag community, Kenya’s path has been marked by both challenges and…
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Ryder Die: Embracing drag culture, defying social norms, and redefining the art form
By Kevin Ferrisi – Ryder Die reflects on his journey toward embracing drag as an integral part of his artistic expression. Initially grappling with insecurity over his unconventional approach to drag, lacking traditional attire like pads or wigs, he questioned his place within the community. However, as Ryder immersed himself further into…
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From backstage to center stage: Kiki Lucia’s evolution from stagehand to the spotlight
By Kevin Ferrisi – In the vibrant world of drag, where creativity and self-expression reign supreme, there exists a figure whose journey epitomizes the transformative power of embracing one’s true identity. Meet Kiki Lucia, a seasoned drag performer whose evolution from backstage support to spotlight sensation serves as a testament to the…
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From alternative drag to pop sensation: Glass Staine’s story of reinvention and artistry
By Kevin Ferrisi – Introducing Glass Staine, the renowned Connecticut alternative drag queen also known as Mx. KYNK 2022, whose captivating performances and undeniable talent have solidified her status as a standout superstar in the state’s drag scene and online competition circuit. From her role as a judge during the Mx. Toxic…
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The spotlight shines bright on Moxie Angel: From dancer to drag star
By Kevin Ferrisi – Meet Moxie Angel, a rising star in the world of drag, whose journey began long before she ever stepped onto a stage, adorned in sequins and glitter. Trained as a dancer from the tender age of five, Moxie’s passion for performance was ingrained in her from an early…
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Embracing self-expression and empowerment: The unapologetic journey of Angel Rivers
By Kevin Ferrisi – With an obsession for the art of drag and a love for what it represents, Angel Rivers lives for freedom of expression. Absolutely, embracing a punk rock energy in drag is what sets Angel apart and makes her performances so unique and exciting. For her, drag is all…
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Unveiling the evolution of Kalysta Kaykes: A journey of self-discovery through drag
By Kevin Ferrisi – Kalysta Kaykes’ journey through the captivating world of drag is not just a tale of entertainment, but a profound narrative of self-discovery and empowerment. Their story began over five years ago, when the allure of drag beckoned them to explore its transformative power. Inspired by local drag artists…
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Dixie Normous: From firefighter to drag performer, a Connecticut scene staple for over two decades
By Kevin Ferrisi – She’s a living legend and sure to keep the good times rolling! Producer, promoter, and performer Dixie Normous has been a staple in the Connecticut drag scene for more than two decades, coming from an era before drag became mainstream. She has a reputation for providing opportunities to…
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A passion for the art of performance; Dro Lopez-Fierce shares an inside perspective of her drag journey
By Kevin Ferrisi – She has a passion for love, a zest for fashion, an excitement for music, and a strong devotion to drag. Her kind heart radiates with her very presence. It’s a pure and genuine energy she brings to the stage. If you haven’t met her yet, Dro Lopez-Fierce has…
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Drag king, Frankie Cyanide, opening doors for all LGBTQ+ performers; celebrates 100th open stage show
by Kevin Ferrisi – Frankie Cyanide is the first drag king in the state of Connecticut to host a regularly occurring show. Historically, drag kings have been female performance artists who wear masculine drag and personify male gender stereotypes, but as understandings of gender have become more fluid in recent years, so…
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New to Connecticut, Judah is snatching titles; capturing the attention of local drag fans
By Kevin Ferrisi – In the blink of an eye, Judah has been snatching titles that she can proudly add to her drag resume. Judah has only been residing in Connecticut for less than a year, but within that time frame, she is quickly creating a legacy for herself, winning season 11…
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Community-driven drag queen, Hella Swagg, shares her story of a decade-long journey
By Kevin Ferrisi – Hella Swagg comes from a time before drag became popular on television. She entered the world of modern pop culture, the era of burning CDs, and a generation of drag that came right before RuPaul’s Drag Race. From accepting the role as Middletown PrideFest 2023 Grand Marshall, to…
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Mother of the Haus of Aura, Rozz Aura, tells her story about a journey of self-discovery
By Kevin Ferrisi – For Rozz Aura, the essence of drag has been in her blood from a young age. She has been doing makeup since around the age of thirteen. Her first time ever trying out drag was in September of 2018 while attending college at Florida Atlantic University in Florida,…
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High energy CT drag Queen, Bleach, quickly makes a name for herself after doing drag for just over a year
By Kevin Ferrisi – “Bleach, please!” If you haven’t seen Bleach perform before, she doesn’t just ask for your attention, she TAKES it! In such a short time, Bleach has made a name for herself here in Connecticut. From being featured in Paper Magazine in March of 2023 to co-hosting Waterbury Pride…
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