Life’s A Drag
Produced by R. Couri Hay
The art of Drag is deeply intertwined with the cultural, social, and political fabric of New York City. From the Vaudeville performances in the beginning of the 20th Century to iconic gay rights activists such as Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera to the drag balls of the 80s, which inspired Madonna’s “Vogue.” Drag queens in NYC have often been at the forefront of LGBTQ+ activism, using their platforms to address issues like HIV/AIDS, discrimination, and equality, while also being integral to the arts scene, influencing fashion, music, and performance art.
The 1990s and 2000s brought drag into the mainstream, with “RuPaul’s Drag Race” expanding the appreciation of drag culture globally. Although New York City remains the center of the drag universe, with figures such as Susanne Bartsch and Amanda Lepore playing a significant role. Bartsch has become famous for her extravagant parties that blend fashion, art, and performance, and is often referred to as the “Queen of the Night.” Lepore is a renowned transgender icon, model, and performance artist known for her exaggerated, glamorous look and vibrant personality. The two continue to promote LGBTQ+ rights, visibility, and culture.
Photos by Curtis Brown Photography Victor Jeffreys II
Pink Pancake
Pronouns she/they/he/et al
What does drag mean to you?
My drag is a love letter to my younger self. Growing up in the uniformity of the Philly suburbs, I naturally felt like an outcast. I loved Polly Pocket and didn’t feel like I had the right to be a “man.” All I wanted to do was paint my nails pink, be Eponine in “Les Mis,” and collect Beanie Babies. I remember telling my mom that since “Tom Boys” were a thing, then I was a “Sally Girl.” What a precious babe. As I grew up, I still had the same confusion about my gender, and found that drag was a beautiful art form to explore it. In drag, I can do all the things I wanted to do as a little kid and teenager–all the things I was bullied for because they were “too girlie,” and celebrate them!
Do you have any favorite charities?
Ali Forney Center and The Drag Defense Fund
Where can we find you?
Tuesdays at The Duplex, Pankakke at Red Eye, as well as my Queer Web Series “Interested In” interestedinseries.com
Instagram @hausofpancake
Look by Trocades / Photographer Allan Patryck
Jazmine
She/Her
What is your main goal with your drag?
My biggest goal is to show that we should all accept and follow what make us different. I was bullied as a kid for being more feminine, but nowadays It’s what makes me celebrated the most.
Where can we see you perform?
The place that I perform the most is 3 Dollar Bill in Brooklyn. You can catch me there almost every week.
Instagram @isthatjazmine
Photographer: Courtney Charles; Costume: Beck Jones Self portrait
Lady Celestina
Pronouns: She/they
What is your main goal with your drag?
I wish to make drag more accessible to audiences of all ages. A small part in the larger agenda of educating the masses, thus creating a more diverse and inclusive places.
Do you have any favorite charities?
Project REAL in Asbury Park, NJ. They are an LGBTQ+ youth and ally drop-in center that focuses on HIV/AIDS education and prevention.
Instagram @ladycelestina
This look is inspired by Cat Peach from Mario Kart! Michael Hull (@michaelhullphoto)
Shot by Anthony Cunanan, garment designed by Beck Jones, and Hair by Me!
Selma Nilla
Pronouns She/Her
What does drag mean to you?
Drag is when I feel most like myself. Beautiful, confident, charismatic. I’ve always loved entertaining, performing, making people laugh, and drag encapsulates it all.
Where can we find you?
I’m at The Spot for “S’Mothered” with Vicky Vee on Thursdays. I host Drag Race viewing parties at Rise on Fridays and Show “B!tches!” with Kiki Ball-Change Sundays at Vers! You can also see me on “Nailed It!” on Netflix and “Drag Me to Dinner” on Hulu, along with my cooking segment “Cluck That!” on Instagram!
Instagram @SelmaNillaNYC
@carnationnyc for all makeup and costume design.
Photo by @maxwellpicswell
Carnation
Pronouns They/them
What is your personal mission in drag?
To bring mine and others’ ideas to fruition through in person interactions and experiences via real life advertisement and social media presence. Think of it as a walking canvas that struts and models handmade outfits with 360 details and relatable concepts that appeal to masses and brings a sense of community while being socially aware in every aspect.
Where can we see you perform?
As a drag artist I design for myself and others rather than perform. But I mostly appear at anything produced by Susanne Bartsch
Instagram @carnationnyc
photo: Tanner Abel (@tannerabelofficial)
makeup: Angel Au (@itsangelau)
costume: Sam Branman (embellishments by Cooper Mittleman & Angel Au) (@tenyardsclothing // @coopermittleman)
wig: Vanity Mirror (@the1stvanitymirror)
nails: CK Designed It (@ckdeisgnedit)
Angel Au
Pronouns she/her
What is the inspiration behind your drag?
My inspiration in drag is to be the Asian representation I didn’t see growing up. I love making people laugh and smile. My Chinese name (區傳樂) means to spread happiness, so I’d say my quintessential drag is campy, funny, and smart, while also serving a look!
Do you have a favorite non-profit?
Ali Forney Center
Where can we find you?
Around Brooklyn (mainly C’mon Everybody and 3 Dollar Bill) and Fresco’s Grand Cantina in Queens every 3rd Wednesday of the Month
Instagram @itsangelau
photos by Angel Berrios @angeloctaves
wings by @redaggio
Lana Ja’Rae
Pronouns she/they
What is your mission?
My mission in drag is to inspire queer youth artists to do what others say is unobtainable, far-fetched, and crazy. I want everyone to chase after those dreams and to live life for them – and most importantly choose happiness.
Do you have a favorite charity?
The Ali Forney Center! They provide shelter and healthcare services for homeless queer youth here in New York City!
Where can we see you in action?
I perform all over New York City, but you can find me weekly at Playhouse for “BBL” each and every single Thursday at 10PM. On Fridays you can catch me for Fantasy Factory at Boxers in Hell’s Kitchen at 9PM! You can also catch me every second and fourth Sunday at the Rosemont in Brooklyn at 11PM!
Instagram @lanajarae
Photographer @DivaSoria
Janelle No.5
Pronouns She/Her (in Drag)
What is your mission in drag?
My mission in drag is to keep it alive, and, as one of its prominent figures, create an environment to usher in the next generation of drag. What inspires me about drag is how life-changing it can be. I’ve done so many major things and met so many amazing people doing drag.
Do you have a favorite organization?
The Ali Forney Center
Where can we see you?
I perform all over the town currently. Every Monday I’m at Pieces for “Queen4Queen.” Also, every Thursday at Boxers in Hell’s Kitchen for “Showgworlz.” I also produce “Zoo,” alongside nightlife titan Luis Fernando, “NSFW” at Hush with Papito Suave. I throw my own Party, “Sexx Dreams” at the legendary Metropolitan and host my weekly competition “Are You the Next Diva?” at 9 Bob Note in Brooklyn.
Instagram @Janelle.no.5
