Unapologetically Fierce, Drag Queens Leading the Way

Charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent are some of the words used to describe the talented drag queens seen on the hit competition show, RuPaul's Drag Race. Sixteen seasons, multiple franchises throughout the world, and over 100 drag queens introduced to viewers, yet drag is still facing possible bans throughout the country.

Creative Direction by Vanessa Coppes

Interview By Jonathan Calixto

For more information contact Jan Terry - Jan@SpectrumTalentAgency.com

Photogrpahy by Tanner Able

For three queens, Brita Filter (season 12), Thorgy Thor (season 8), and Rosé (season 13), gracing the main stage was only the beginning, and since being on the show they have added new adjectives when you think of drag: representation, inspirational, and empowering.

Sharing how they discovered the art of drag, why being prideful is more important than ever, and even looking back at their journey on Drag Race, get to know our cover stars Brita Filter, Thorgy Thor, and Rosé.

Rosé

Photogrpahy by Tanner Able

When and how did you discover drag?

I discovered drag as a child in the early 90s when I lived in the UK — seeing Dame Edna on TV! I was totally fascinated by her bright purple hair and enormous bejeweled glasses.

With laws trying to ban drag in different states, why is being loud and proud more important than ever?

Drag is being banned because it has become popular and visible enough to disrupt a way of life which excludes queer people. We always have two options. We either hide — and let them win, or we stand tall and firm in the fact that we are here, we’ve always been here, and we always will be here. Pride is the spine of the battle against our erasure.

Any favorite moment or experience you’ve had in your drag career?

The most fulfilling experience of my drag career so far has been being celebrated as a finalist on RuPaul’s Drag Race! It completely changed my life.

What is your biggest inspiration in your drag?

Ferocious women, and really, anyone brave enough to upset what society has deemed acceptable.

What does Pride mean to you?

Pride is self-love. Being proud of who you are is a choice, and a way of life.

Photography by Steven Menendez

Brita Filter

Photography by Steven Menendez

When and how did you discover drag?

By the age of 12, I was obsessed with Broadway and musical theatre. It was my entire personality. I remember hearing about the musical Rent and begging my parents to buy the two-disc sets. The show's character Angel Dumott Schunard is a drag queen. I didn't know what a drag queen was at that time, but I knew I related to the character being a strong individual who wasn't afraid of being themselves and embraced their femininity.

With laws trying to ban drag in different states, why is being loud and proud more important than ever?

t's important to be louder and prouder than ever because there are people who are actively trying to take away our rights as LGBTQ+ individuals. It's important for the world to know that we exist and we aren't going anywhere.

Any favorite moment or experience you’ve had in your drag career?

I would say winning NYC's ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR! It is an award voted on by your peers, it meant the most to be recognized by other people within my community.

What is the biggest lesson you walked away with from your Drag Race experience?

It took me a few years after Drag Race to learn this lesson...Stop searching for validation from other people and look within to find it. I was always so concerned with what other people thought of me, but at the end of the day, it doesn't matter what others think, just what I think. I do drag for me, not for anyone else.

What does Pride mean to you?

Pride is not just a season or a month. It's an everyday thing; I am proud to be who I am every single day of my life and I hope others can see that as well. Life is too short to have regrets.

Thorgy Thor

When and how did you discover drag?

For as long as I can remember, I have enjoyed being a little entertainer...it's in my DNA! There is picture and film evidence of me as a little boy doing choreographed dances for family backyard parties on Long Island wearing shiny costumes. This year marks my 21st year of "doing" drag. As a performer, my first dabble was as Frank-N-Furter in the Rocky Horror Picture Show. I caught the bug for costumes and gender bending, and after that, I was obsessed. After conservatory, I moved into Brooklyn and started working 7 nights a week wherever they would hire me! At that time, you could count on one hand how many drag performers there were in Brooklyn. I was one of the first, and it has exploded since then into a thriving culture! There was no one there to show me "how" to put together a show, so I just made it up and kept going!

With laws trying to ban drag in different states, why is being loud and proud more important than ever?

Listen, I don't think drag is for everyone, and that's ok. I'm not pushing my ideas or lifestyle onto anyone else, nor challenging their beliefs. However, no one should tell me how to express myself on this earth...there is room for everybody to grow. I am an intelligent, rational, artistic ADHD Gemini musician from Long Island. I am also an adult and have friends from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. I can perform an adult comedy show on a Saturday night, play violin at the Lincoln Center, and then read to children at a library in a bright, sparkly costume. To children, I am a superhero cartoon character inspiring self-confidence and adventure! As a performer, it's called range.

Any favorite moment or experience you’ve had in your drag career?

After Drag Race Season 8, I traveled all over the place... I will absolutely never forget performing at Kalamazoo, Michigan's pride festival outdoors. I performed a 13-minute Whitney Houston megamix for 40,000 people screaming their heads off, and I said to myself... this is pretty major. Fast forward a few years, and I performed my first 'Thorgy and the Thorchestra' show with Symphony Nova Scotia.

It was a 4,000-seat sold-out show, and I cried afterward. I have gone on to perform violin with over 30 major symphony orchestras worldwide, and I don't plan to stop anytime soon!

From Drag Race to Dragnificent and performances/shows you’ve been a part of, drag brings happiness and joy to so many people. What has it brought to you?

Back problems. I joke, but yes. I give 100% of myself to the art of drag and always strive to collaborate and challenge myself. As a discipline, it combines so many different mediums of art and entertainment. I love making people laugh and showing off and being the center of attention as a control freak... and I love the free drinks!

What does Pride mean to you?

I am proud of my Norwegian heritage. I am proud of myself for working my butt off to continue to be an amazing musician, and I am proud to be unapologetically and authentically myself.