Thotyssey

This Queer Arts Fest creator and hot DJ on the rise will be on deck for a Halftime Show tribute this weekend… Carlos Garcia, aka CarlosKilledIt! [Cover photo: Warren Piece]

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Thotyssey: Hello Carlos, thanks for chatting with us today! OMG, it’s already February… how was your January?

CarlosKilledIt: Hey hey, thanks for chatting with me! January flew by, right? It was actually really relaxing and restful. I set some great intentions for the year, so… stay tuned!

That’s wonderful! Did you get your Beyoncé tickets yet?

OMG, working on the Beyoncé tickets. But between the bots and the stans, I don’t know if I stand a chance! It almost seems like it would be easier to see them in another country, right?

Hell yes! Maybe Dubai, lol! Have you been all over Renaissance these last few months?

Oh absolutely, the whole album is a staple in the rotation, and probably will be for a while.

Do you have a favorite remix?

I love the Honey Dijon’s [take on] “Break My Soul,” it hits the spot. I also love the DJ Buddy Bravo “ENERGY” remix, and the “Summer Renaissance” Liam Pfeifer “Endless Summer” remix.

All amazing! So where are you from originally, and was music always a part of your life?

I am a native New Yorker, born and raised in Brooklyn. Music has always been a big deal for me. From the moment I downloaded Kazaa I’ve been making playlists and mixtapes. Did I just age myself, lol? Initially, I was strictly into hip hop and R&B… and then came house music, and then the pop girlies followed. I always had to be on top of the latest music, whether it was combing the blogs for a new remix or going to Canal Street to buy mixtapes. Discovery has always been my favorite part of it.

When and where did you begin as a DJ?

DJing just felt like a natural progression of my interests. I started DJing because I wanted to play music that wasn’t being played when I went out. Initially, I started with a party called “Lit Rally” with my good friend, which was / is an ode to Future Funk and City Pop. I fell in love with the genre on Soundcloud and no one was playing that music… so we said, “why not?” The genre is a branch of Vaporwave but disco-inspired, lol. Let me know when I get too nerdy about it! But, I love it, and it’s great to dance to. I still sprinkle in Future Funk in my sets, but it’s not the focus anymore.

And did the name “CarlosKilledIt” come from any particular moment?

It’s kind of like an affirmation… like, “duh, Carlos, you killed it.” And it’s funny, because at my day job people who don’t know I DJ will say “Carlos killed it…” and I’m like, “of course I did.”

Is balancing a day job and nightlife a huge challenge?

It can be, but I love them both so I make it work. I’m actually working right now. I also make candles, and I started a non-profit organization Queer Art Fest, Inc. about two years ago (#ShamelessPlug). So, I stay busy.

OMG, I have to stop complaining about how I’m too busy now, lol! Tell us about Queer Art Fest.

Queer Art Fest, Inc. is a nonprofit organization with a central mission to create dynamic and accessible programming for queer artists and creators. Spanning a variety of commercial and artistic formats, we develop opportunities and connections that celebrate the richness of our community.

We have two tentpole events we host every year, the Summerfest and Winterfest at 3 Dollar Bill. Its incredible and so much fun. We have usually between 35 to 40 vendors, free gift bags, raffle prizes, shows, and DJs. It’s really a joy to produce with my partners, and we’re actually planning events for all of 2023 this month… so stay tuned.

These days you frequently spin at Hush, which I think is safe to say is the new hotspot in Hell’s Kitchen.

Yeah, Hush is that girl these days. I’m always grateful to spin there, and the team is great! I’m there about one or two times a month, so totally stop by and say Hi!

This Saturday, you’ll be at Brooklyn’s hotspot 3 Dollar Bill for a special party and show, with fellow DJs Luis Fernando and Chopstixx and performing queens Egypt, Magenta and Victoria Holiday! Tell us more!

So I’m really excited about this–it’s a tribute to Jennifer Lopez and Shakira. We’re giving you a full “Half-Time” fantasy. I’ve totally been pulling out my JLo mixes from those mixtape days… so get ready! I’m excited to see the shows and work alongside Chopstixx and Luis (fresh off his Glam win!) It’s happening at 3 Dollar Bill on Saturday, February 4 at 10pm.

You’re also regularly DJing Cholula Lemon’s monthly “Loteria” night at C’mon Everybody!

Loteria with Cholula Lemon is so much fun. She’s an incredible host and her numbers are everything. She loves a reveal! If you’re not familiar, Loteria is essentially a Latinx version of bingo. We spend the night playing games, hitting the Piñata, and gossiping. It’s like hanging out with your favorite Aunts, lol! We host this on the first Tuesday of every month at C’mon. We will be at C’mon Everybody on Tuesday, February 7 at 8 pm!

What else is coming up for you?

As I mentioned earlier, planning 2023 events for Queer Art Fest, Inc. Honestly, stay tuned for those because they will be very special. I’m working on something new with Cholula as well. Booking all the gigs, working on new mixes for my Soundcloud, and sleeping at some point? Lol!

Amazing! Okay, lastly: what’s your best advice for a baby DJ who wants to make it in queer NYC?

OMG, what a loaded question! Sounds cliche, but you’ve got to be yourself. We’re all bringing something different to the table. And if you’re a little shook about even starting, you just have to jump in. There isn’t one way to get started, and you won’t know what you’re made of or even where you want to be if you don’t try.

Thanks, Carlos!

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Check Thotyssey’s calendar for DJ CarlosKiledIt’s upcoming appearances, and follow him on Instagram, Twitter and SoundCloud.

On Point Archives

Becoming a household name after competing in two seasons of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” where she showcased a vibrancy and stellar fashion sense, this beauty is also the first drag performer from that franchise to chart with original music on Billboard. And now that she’s soon to be paying tribute to her musical theater inspirations for a very special NYC show, Blair St. Clair is truly in the air once again! [Cover photo: Willyum Baulkey]

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Thotyssey: Hello Blair, thanks so much for talking to us today! I was wondering where in the world you’re living these days. Are you still in your native Indiana?

Blair St. Clair: I actually split my time between my house in Indianapolis and an apartment in New York City! I coast back and forth based on work. I love NYC, but my family and community are in Indy, and they are a huge part of my life.

How was your New Years Eve, and what are your hopes for 2023?

NYE was great this year! I took time off. I’m usually performing, but I spent the night out with friends ringing in 2023! This year I’m not necessarily making “resolutions” per se, but I’m trying to be more present and more vulnerable. So I’m really putting myself out there. I’m a perfectionist by nature, so I’m trying to get away from “perfect.”

Looking at some of your recent drag pics, you seem more naturally and effortlessly gorgeous than ever before… and you’ve certainly been a beauty queen from day one! Are you conscious of maybe presenting your makeup and overall style differently in recent years, or does evolution happen subtly and randomly?

This is an interesting question, because I have definitely experimented with trying new makeup looks and changing my aesthetic as a visual artist over the years. But I think the evolution has happened over time. I was originally taught how to do drag makeup, and I thought it had to be done one specific way… so it’s taken time for me to develop my own identity and look.

You’ve always drawn from really classic glamor styles in your own drag. Who are some of your style icons?

I have so many favorite style icons from Marilyn Monroe to Ashley Tisdale–and, yes, Miss Tisdale has slayed us with some funky early 2000s looks! I have this embarrassing obsession with the Kardashians; I don’t know if I’m fascinated by them or the idea of them, but holding so much power in female influence is so hot to me.

I feel like the cycle of RuPaul’s Drag Race you were first cast in, Season 10 (2017), was pretty important in the history of that show. It really seemed to connect with a huge audience, and the looks and numbers you were all serving really inspired lots of future contestants. There was that heated discussion between season winner Aquaria and The Vixen about how POC people can be stereotyped on reality TV that was really timely, Eureka’s shocking injury-related departure, Dusty Ray Bottoms‘ discussion of conversion therapy, Miss Vanjie’s iconic sashay, and poor Asia’s butterflies! Do you still remember your time on that first season well, or does it all seem like a distant blur?

It really does seem like a blur, to be honest. All of the girls are friends of mine, so I don’t think I really look at them the same way the public does. There were a lot of heavy topics discussed on that season, but that’s a pretty big thing Drag Race pushes–discussion around trauma. I think a lot of those conversations both on and off camera brought us together. That was the first time I had been in a room with queer people from all over the country with different life experiences. It was incredible. Oh… and I do remember all of the free food. Major perk in my world!

Your return to the franchise for All-Stars 5 (2019… wait, really!?) was also quite epic, and you showed so much growth as a performer since S10. Do you recall re-entering the franchise then with a lot more confidence and self-awareness?

I look back at some of these moments and smile for the person I was at the time, and how proud I am to have pushed myself… and I look at other moments and cringe. I had wanted to prove so badly that I had grown and taken time to work on my craft. I had felt like I didn’t fully advocate for myself and show my talents well enough on my original season, so I went into All Stars to prove a point. I did that, but I wish I had just enjoyed myself. I placed way too much pressure on myself when I came back. I’m not saying that I’d ever do it again, but I’d go in today with the goal of just having fun.

Between those two seasons, you bravely discussed some struggles and traumatic moments in your personal life such as a sexual assault in college, a DUI arrest and your sobriety journey. Does it feel gratifying today that you spoke about those things on TV knowing that those stories have likely helped lots of fans deal with their own hardships, or is it weird to have that intimate info out there?

You know, I never intended to talk about personal trauma of mine publicly. I’m not special for having trauma. We all come from dark moments and experiences. I think talking about mine helped me heal, and I didn’t know that would happen until it happened. I’ll always be grateful for having found my voice through being on a reality TV show. A lot of my drag has changed because of this. I’m healing and growing and developing every day, so my drag changes with me.

Have you watched any of the new fifteenth season on MTV?

I haven’t been caught up. I’m so grateful for the popularity of the show and the opportunities it’s provided me, but I have to separate myself from the show at times. I’ll catch up on this season soon, I’m sure.

This season focuses on young “social media queens” that emerged post-lockdown. What are your general thoughts on that generation of drag? Lots of those performers are camera ready thanks to Insta stories and TikTok and YouTube–and arguably near perfect with looks–but have very little experience with live performance or interacting with fans in person. Are they changing the game of what it means to be a drag performer, for better or for worse?

The world has and is changing, especially since COVID. I think people are understanding that any entertainer or artist has to treat their brand like a business, and social media is literally free advertising for your individual brand. I love seeing this new wave of drag; it’s both inspired me and pushed me to keep elevating. The one thing I will say, though: whether you’ve started drag during the lockdown or years ago, do your research and know that we have the ability to be public online with our art because of so many queer people who have paved the way for us to have this privilege. We deserve to be seen, but this would never have been possible if it weren’t for so many people making this change.

You are one of dragdom’s most successful recording artists, being the first Drag Race alum to top the Billboard charts! Were music and songwriting a part of your life long before drag?

Music has always been part of my life. I think music is what’s helped me find my voice–literally and metaphorically. When I sing, I want to tell a story; I connect to the meaning and to the emotion behind that story. I didn’t start making original music with the intent of breaking records or whatever. All that stuff is very cool and validating, don’t get me wrong. But I wanted to do what people had told me I could never do: sing in a female presenting form.

Generally speaking, is the solo Blair St. Clair live experience more like a music concert or a drag show?

It’s neither–it’s more like a mini-musical. It’s dramatic. It’s beautiful. It’s silly. It’s lovely. It’s my time to live out my life as all of the female musical divas I wanted to be when I was younger.

You’re a big fan of musicals. Do you have a favorite Broadway show of all time, and a favorite showtune?

This is the hardest and most impossible question to ask. I have many favorites: Big Fish, Legally Blonde (wow, shocker!), A Chorus Line, Waitress, Dogfight… to name a few.

What have been your experiences like performing in New York, and do you have any favorite performers here?

I love performing in NYC, but I also love seeing my friends shine. I think my favorite NYC performer is Lagoona Bloo. She has that “It” thing–she’s absolutely captivating, creative, and wildly talented!

You’ll be in town in soon for a special stage experience that will combine all your talents: Legally Blair at Green Room 42, February 2nd (7pm) and 3rd (9:30pm)! It’s going to be a musical theater revue with some amazing showtunes! Ben Rimalower is the director, and Eric Svejcar is the musical director.

Yes! I’m so excited for this show. This is a culmination of all the things that excite me most about musical theatre. It’s a love letter to my favorite leading ladies, and the pieces of them who make me who I am today. The show is about my life and my cry for more gender non-conforming artists to be highlighted on stage in the future. The show is silly and dumb, but also has a deep meaning to my life about dreams.

What else is coming up for you that the children should expect?

After my cabaret show, I’ll be walking in New York Fashion Week. I’m also working on a few other projects that I can talk about in the future – but the main goal is to keep my focus toward working in theatre as a gender non-conforming person.

And finally: what’s your best advice for a drag baby who is figuring out how to break into their local scene and be the best performer they can be?

The best advice I can give is to find the things that make you the most passionate about doing drag. Focus on those details. If you’re not enjoying it, take a break, recharge, and come back when you have that passion again.

Go out to your local clubs and venues and tip your local queens. Watch them. Take notes. Introduce yourself to them. Sign up for open stage shows. Work on building your brand. Keep pushing forward and be kind and doors will open!

Thanks, Blair… have a great show!

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Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Blair St. Clair’s upcoming area appearances, and follow her on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and her website. Also, stream or download her music on all major platforms.

On Point Archives

A veteran nightlife producer and host, the sexy Yamil of House Xtravaganza may be getting some well-deserved GLAM love next week.

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Thotyssey: Hello Yamil, thanks for chatting with us today! How is 2023 treating you so far?

Yamil X: Hey there! 2023 started okay with Mercury Retrograde in Mars, but it seems like it’s gettin’ back to normal. I can’t complain so far.

You have been producing, promoting and hosting nightlife events for awhile now.

Yeah, I’ve been producing gay Latino X events since 1998 in the city.

On a scale of 1 to 10, how “back” is NYC nightlife a year and a half after lockdown?

We’re actually back to normal. We’ve seen many new bars open and running full effect. I’m giving an 8 out of 10.

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So where are you from originally, and were you always a partyboy?

I am originally from Puerto Rico, born and raised. I came to NYC in the early 90’s; I was actually a stripper, and became a promoter after.

Were your stripper days fun, or are you glad to be done with that?

Well, at that time it was amazing. But yeah, I was very glad to be done and moving on with my events. I love producing parties; that was always in my blood.

What and where were some of those first events you were producing in the 90s? And do you have any favorite memories from those early days?

I was actually part of the beginning hosting Cafe Con Leche, Factoría 21 PHAB, and Milk (TPRO) my first event was in 1998–Boyslife at Club Life with Rob Fernandez and Mark Nelson; they gave me my first opportunity. After that, I did Casa Latino at Heaven, and I was the first Latino hay promoter in work at Splash for over 8 years with Ocean. [And then there was] Daflow Mondays at Stonewall in the early 00s, so many great memories. God, so many! I am a living legend in the gay nightlife of NYC.

And you are part of the House of Xtravaganza!

Yes, I became a member of the House of X back in 1994 when Sound Factory was on top of the game. We where the pioneers walking as a Latino house of realness, back in the 90’s and 00’s–always representing my culture.

How much has nightlife changed since you started?

I don’t think nightlife changed; we’re still doing the same dancing and drinking at the clubs and bars. What’s changed is the technology: iPhones and social media kill the vibes. But I can’t complain… we’re still here! People always have the necessity to go out and dance and listen to the DJ.

Yes! By the way, you look so great today… you must hit the gym, like, five days a week at least, right!?

I do the gym, yoga, fasting. I love to look great. You know, after 50 it’s pretty intense… so you just have to keep moving. I feel fantastic.

Well done! There definitely seems to be a big rise in Latin parties, music and representation in the queer scene, especially in Hell’s Kitchen. The producers of these new events owe people like you and the work you’ve been doing for years!

Amen to that! I probably took all the heat years ago, opening the doors for all to be able to have a safe space where we feel comfortable to go drink, dance and have fun.

And you still have tons of gigs all over town!

I work my residence events at the Ritz, Tuesdays for “Papito” and Saturday twice a month for “Chulito.” Then Fridays at the new Thirst, and Wednesday for “Qulo” at The Q. And also, the first Saturday at Club Lambda in Brooklyn.

All sexy fun times! And this year, you are Glam nominated for Best Party Producer… congratulations!

Yes, they nominated me a few times; hopefully I bring it home this year! I have to represent all my gay LatinX in the business for all these years. I fell so blessed just to be alive at this age, and still doin’ what I love.

What are you gonna wear to the show?

See me with something hot and sexy!

Werk! Last question.. how do you like Shakira’s new song?

I love it! I dedicated that song to my 23 year old ex-boyfriend after I spend all my coins puttin’ him in the gym and made him a superstar… then he left me for a young one. It happens! Life is still beautiful. Next!

See you Monday, Yamil!

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Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Yamil X’s upcoming appearances, and follow him on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

On Point Archives

Besides helping to give the latest season of “American Horror Story” its kink-perfect period look, Chris “Cadet” Kelley is doing his Mr. Eagle 2023 sash proud with good causes, sexy events, and a mission to make fetish affordable for all!

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Thotyssey: Hello Chris, thanks for chatting with us! How is 2023 treating you so far?

Cadet Kelley: It’s been lovely so far, thanks. I’ve been traveling, organizing a couple national events, and listening to a lot of the Cocteau Twins. So all in all, no complaints. What about you?

So far so good… excited to see nightlife thriving and trying new things! Belated congrats to you on your current Mr. Eagle sash, by the way! In your young reign, you’ve already been a prolific representative of the Eagle and the leather / kink scene.

That’s very kind of you to say. It’s an honor and a privilege to be able to work with the various queer, fetish, and kink communities represented at the Eagle.

How long have you been a part of that world?

I’d say that I’ve been into leather officially since college, when I bought my first harness… but unofficially, way before that. I’ve certainly been influenced by artifacts in my youth that led me to leather: Hugh Jackman’s leather bodysuit in X-Men (woof), some classic James Bond villains… I’m a pretty firm believer that pop visual culture really shapes your fetishes and kinks down the line. You might not understand it in the moment, but it certainly changes your sexual makeup down the line.

So where are you from originally… and besides leather and kink, what were your creative interests while growing up?

I grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. My dad really introduced me to classic film and music growing up, so he’s a huge influence for me. Now I’m a set decorator for film and television… so since I was young, I’ve lived and breathed film.

Yes, I understand you worked on the recent American Horror Story set! That took place largely in the New York gay clubs and bars of the 1980s.

That’s correct,. I was one of the set decorators. I primarily focused on the queer and fetish-heavy sets, but I also did the primary police station. It was an honor to decorate the Eagle as a Mineshaft-esque cruising bar.

Many cite the cult 1980 film Cruising as also being a big influence on the look and plot of this past AHS season.

I definitely am a fan of Cruising, as well as other 80s queer camp classics like Nightmare on Elm Street 2. That being said, however… objectively, these are films designed for a straight audience where kink and fetish are put on display in a disparaging light, almost like a circus act. They are not done with respect. What I loved most about AHS was that it was done by and for the queer leather community. We rarely are able to author our own stories and own our own histories.

Lots of people don’t get that besides having a shared fetish and aesthetic, the leather community in NYC is a very close-knit and diverse group that often dedicate themselves to queer causes!

I would say “communities” rather than a singular “community” because you can own a harness or gauntlets and enjoy going to the Eagle on a Friday, and not consider yourself a die-hard leather fetishist. It’s not black or white.

I certainly have found a wonderful and open leather family at the Eagle who are profoundly dedicated to service and queer mutual aid. My experience may be similar to some, but I wouldn’t say it’s the same for everyone.

Was Mr. Eagle your first competition?

Yes! It was really lovely, from the crowd to the judges to the other contestants. We’ve worked together on numerous events post-contest to make sure everyone feels included, regardless of whether or not they won. I’ve been picked last in gym class, and I never want anyone to feel like that… especially when you have to be so vulnerable on stage in front of hundreds of people. I try to work with my fellow Mr. Eagle NYC 2023 siblings as much as possible.

One great / fun thing you did: The Eagle recently had a meme moment when a picture of a woman preparing paella in a giant pan on the premises for an Eagle staff holiday party inspired everyone to joke about the idea of eating such a fancy dish in a cruisy venue like the Eagle. It was mostly harmless fun, and you leveled up the good natured-ness of it all by presenting a merch t-shirt with that Paella Lady image and a funny slogan, and had all sales proceeds go to the wonderful charity RAINN! That’s a true and creative Mr. Eagle step-up!

Honestly, the paella is iconic. Legendary. It set off the fire alarm. It’s this four-foot diameter wok in a spot where many people have been rotary-dialed, and there’s just about fifty pounds of seafood cooking. Absolutely wild. I feel like memes are such short-hand in our culture now, so it makes sense to continue adapting our kink and fetish presentation to our ever-changing world. Who wouldn’t want to memorialize shellfish at the Eagle and support justice for sexual abuse survivors? I’m very focused on making the various kink, fetish, and leather communities more accessible to everyone, and this is just one example of expanding our tent to be more inclusive.

Tell us a bit about these “Into?” events that you are spearheading at The Eagle! They seem to exemplify the diversity in the scene that you’re talking about.

So on a simple level, “Into?” focuses on handing accessibility back to the people.
It’s a bi-weekly gear party (every other Thursday) that gives specific space for any and every kink and fetish presentation to thrive in a judgement-free zone. The nice thing about “Into?” is that there’s no dress-code, cover, or singular door person deciding who gets into the party — everyone’s welcome. Before ‘Into?’ there weren’t events designed to be all-inclusive. You would have to spend $3000+ just for a set of dress leathers to walk in the door… and that’s not exactly economical in this day and age.

“Into?” looks at kink, fetish, and leather on socioeconomic and ethnographic levels… meaning that based on unfortunate realities with wage gaps, it’s more likely for a cis white queer man to be able to afford gear over a trans person of color; roughly 30% of transgender Americans make less than $12,000 a year. For many, wearing “full cow” proper leathers are an impossibility (saving $200 a month for a pair of pants versus paying a cellphone bill), and spending thousands of dollars on leathers can be extremely alienating.

This disparity gap also creates echo chambers of wealth and privilege. How can our beautiful patchwork quilt of communities be accurately represented if they can’t afford to get in the door?

The next “Into?” event scheduled is Thursday, January 26th: “Sex Scenes!” What’s this about?

“Sex Scenes” is a partnership with Frock the World, an all-gender and all-body inclusive porn company. We’re focusing on consent. There will be live performances, a killer DJ, and fantastic atmosphere — all while continuing to celebrate diversity at the Eagle.

What else is going on with you?

I’m currently pretty deep in designing and bringing back The Black Party with Saint-At-Large.

Ack! The Black Party is so missed! Do you have any deets on that revival yet!?

I’m drawing inspiration from St. Vincent’s album St. Vincent, Jodorowsky’s Holy Mountain, and other neo-punk staples of pop culture to bring a fully realized future space for [cough] longer than just a weekend circuit party.

In addition to this, Rob Montana (first runner up Mr. Eagle NYC 2023) and I are continuing to spearhead our SoBar initiative, which offers gear takeovers in alcohol-free spaces.

And, of course, I’ll be getting ready for IML and traveling. I’ve begun to meet some of my classmates for the year, and they’ve all been so wonderfully talented and incredibly gracious.

All very exciting! Lastly: what’s the sexiest kink ever?

There’s nothing sexier than consent. Or loving, deep, and trusting communication between partners. Or fisting… please, someone fist me.

Thanks, Chris!

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Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Chris “Cadet” Kelley’s upcoming appearances, and follow him on Facebook and Instagram.

On Point Archives

Coming off strong out of two drag competitions, this drag scientist is infecting us with a fever of fabulousness care of some new weekly and monthly shows… Giardia the Parasite!

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Thotyssey: Hello Giardia, how is 2023 treating you so far?

Giardia the Parasite: So far so good! It started with a much needed three week break from drag and my day job, and I went back to my hometown Lima, Peru. Now I’m back and busy, but feeling very refreshed and excited for what’s to come!

That’s a good segue to get right into the origin story: what was life like for you in Lima, and how long did you live there?

I lived in Lima through my teenage years. Life was very different–it is a predominantly Catholic, conservative society, and my environment growing up was no different. So as you can imagine, it took a while for me to find my place there. The LGBTQIA+ community is definitely growing and more visible now, but sadly we’re still very far away from even legalizing same-sex civil union.

Were you always interested in performing or art?

I always wanted to perform; I remember wanting to explore theater in high school, but was discouraged by my family and friends. Fast forward, I ended up performing my favorite songs behind closed doors in my room for years before I even considered doing drag. But honestly, all those years made my love for performing grow even further!

When and where did you actually start drag, and what brought you to New York?

When I lived in Oregon a couple of years back, but that immediately stopped because of the pandemic. I only started doing it more seriously once I moved to the City, and things started opening back up.

However, side note: this past trip I took to Peru, I was able to perform there for the first time! One of my friends opened up a new space for drag in Lima, and it’s truly helping drag grow locally.

Back to your question: I moved to the city for work. I am a scientist during the day!

Wow! I’m guessing that’s where your drag name comes from.

As a scientist who studies microbes, I was learning about intestinal parasites in one of my classes and came across Giardia Lamblia; it transmits in dogs and cats by eating poop and in humans by eating ass–which is a common practice amongst my target audience. So I was like, work, this is it. Besides, Giardia sounds exotic and feminine… but it’s ultimately quite stupid. Which is very much my brand!

Do you make your own wig glue formula!?

Lol, no… but I make my own poppers! Just kidding.

Missleidy Rodriguez is already the horticulture queen… maybe you can collab!

OMG great idea, I love Missleidy! She’s definitely a queen I look up to and would to collab with. I actually wanna incorporate a bit of science into my drag, and I’m still thinking of cool ways to do that. But that will come in the future, so stay tuned!

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How else might you describe your drag today, as far as numbers and looks go?

Giardia is very versatile, aesthetically speaking–she can give you colors, camp and glamour. But overall, I love a good, delicate, 60’s housewife look. In terms of performance, I mainly do comedy mixes that tell a cohesive story. For example, I have a Siri (Apple) mix that was very successful in the competition scene last year. I love to tell a good story through my mixes, while also adding some of my limited dance moves, kicks, death drops, splits… I do mixes in English and Spanish. One day I can give you Sex And The City, and the next day I can be your angry tía throwing you a chancla across the room. That’s what I love the most about drag!

In addition to several weekly competition shows across the city, you also partook on a recent one-off of the more involved “BitchFest” competiton care of host La Zavaleta and venue C’mon Everybody! How did you like that experience?

Oh, I loved it! Zavaleta is just an exceptional performer. She is using her platform to help newer drag artists like me grow as entertainers and rise in the scene. I was happy to make Top Two that night, and huge congrats to Martyr on winning that night. I’ll definitely be back for the month-long residency, so stay tuned! It’s such a fun show to both watch and be a part of.

You also partook in this past “Mx. Rockbar,” another very content-heavy drag pageant! I understand you have a show as a result of your strong performance there.

Yes, I also have a show at Rockbar with my beautiful sister Taína La Fina called “BBL” which stands for Bonitas Baratas y Locas (“pretty, cheap and crazy” in Spanish). It’s a Latinx night, and we’re gonna do fun themes for every show. The next date is January 30th at 8pm, and we’re doing a homage to Shakira… be sure to check that out!

And these days, you have a big presence at Phoenix Bar in the East Village! For one thing, you’re hosting a weekly RuPaul’s Drag Race viewing party there on Fridays.

I am truly grateful for Phoenix to have given me this opportunity. I’ve always wanted a weekly gig like that where I have the freedom to put on a fun show with my own ideas, and if you add Drag Race on top of that it’s like a dream! The viewing parties are fantastic; it’s been very busy these past couple of weeks, and people end up having a blast watching the episode and the drag show afterwards. Beyond pushing my own creativity to come up with new numbers and surprises each week, I always end up having so much fun with everyone at the bar (staff and customers). I also wanna use this opportunity to book some of the best new talent this city has to offer as my special guests!

Regarding this last episode: the Snatch Game was fun, and offered a healthy spread between really great and really terrible impersonations. And the long-rumored Sugar and Spice lip sync battle finally happened, and it was… weird!

OMG, I think the lip sync was meh and I was expecting it… because they don’t really perform on a regular basis. I thought it was coming later in the season, though. I personally think the winner was right… we love a good Joan Rivers!

Who would you do in a Snatch Game?

I think I would do Siri, lol, because I know her and I’ve done it before. Either her or Sofia Vergara, because she deserves justice!

Remember to come out to Phoenix every single Friday for the viewing parties… we got amazing special guests and surprises.

You also have a monthly event there at Phoenix with another queen in residence, Corma Kelley, called “Drag Me Out!”

Yes! It started because I was actually gonna do pop-up drag numbers one day for DJ Max’s dance party (we love him), and Corma also wanted try this new party idea she and her friend Taylor had of putting volunteers from the audience in full 30 minute drag. I ended up helping her that night, and we got along so well that they decided to include me as a co-host and make it a monthly gig!

It’s always a blast because beyond hosting, performing and partying with Corma who I love, that night is also about having people feel themselves and experience the magic of a drag transformation and performance. We’ve had all kinds of people (including straight males) do it… and you should see their faces! It’s so touching, because you see them having the time of their lives and express themselves through drag.

That is the first Friday of every month, right after my viewing party! You don’t wanna miss it! And stay tuned for more fun shows coming up as me move into the spring, I’m so excited for what’s cooking!

Okay, this is the totally random penultimate question: it was just revealed that George Santos, the gay Republican anti-LGBT Congressman and con artist, was a drag queen in Brazil! How crazy is that!?

I am gooped! My immediate reaction consists of twenty clown emojis, but I don’t know if they’ll make it to the final interview.

Lol! So in closing: what is your current favorite drag cosmetic product that you cannot leave the house without?

Definitely my clown white cream! My favorite part of doing drag makeup is to highlight my eyebrows with white and blend it, it’s so satisfying. Also, I can’t leave the house without setting powder… ’cause her face will melt after the third number!

Thanks, Giardia!

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Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Giardia the Parasite’s upcoming appearances, and follow her on Instagram.

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