This trans Latina activist and daughter of Inita D is also a New York drag star on the rise… and she’s got the big gigs to prove it. Behold the summer of Sorayah D![Cover photo: @visualzby_gabriel]
Thotyssey: Hello Sorayah, thanks for chatting with us today!
Sorayah D: Hello Thotyssey! Of course, I’ve been looking forward to this since I started drag, so thank you so much for reaching out!
Our pleasure! You were just at Sandy Jack’s in Brooklyn on Thursday for a Pride kickoff kiki. What was that show, and that venue, like?
It was a “doll Pride show.” When I was coordinating with the owner, Michael, I had asked him if we could make it an all trans cast and show, just to celebrate and also pay homage to our Transestors that started the queer liberation movement. I had Nani Tsunami and Daniella Darling as my guests, and we just made the show all about love and celebrating and uplifting trans voices and artistry. I feel now more than ever, it’s so important to showcase and create space for trans artists to be heard and seen–not just for our art, but for who we are as people. I loved the atmosphere that Michael was able to create for us at Sandy Jacks, even with our small but incredibly mighty and amazing audience!
We were graced with some good news today: a judge in Tennessee ruled that state’s attempt at a “drag ban” unconstitutional! Hopefully these other states with their similar idiotic proposals will meet the same fate. Obviously those queerphobic proposals were meant to push trans folks out of the picture as well as drag performers. Do you think we’ll all be back to “normal” soon without having to worry about this crap again?
To be quite honest, I hope not. The “normal” that existed before didn’t leave enough room for us to simply just be trans. Spaces weren’t creating enough of a safe, inclusive and visible space for trans people. Thankfully that judge had common sense, but most people don’t. We as a community need to uplift and support our trans siblings even more with the current climate. I feel that we’re finally starting to create that change, space, visibility and safety!
So where is your own hometown… and were art and performance always parts of your life growing up?
I was born in Bayside, Queens and moved to Orlando, Florida (unfortunately, lol) with my family for high school, and then I went to college in Miami. Performance and art have been a HUGE part of my entire life. I started out in gymnastics and then I quickly transitioned into cheerleading, and absolutely fell in love with it. I also was in musical theatre and chorus like almost ever queer person, lol.
Did you move back to New York for potential showbiz life?
Believe it or not, no. I originally had a plan / dream to become a celebrity makeup artist. I moved back to New York to go to makeup school, and I wound up doing so during the pandemic. Makeup was amazing and so fun, but I’ve always had a love for drag… so naturally, I wanted back in the spotlight.
How did Sorayah make her debut… and is there a story behind her name?
So, okay… oh goodness! Well, this has been at least a year and a half to two years in the making of talking about doing drag. At the beginning of this year, I was laid off from my job. Any other time this has ever happened to me, I’ve literally freaked out and started stressing immediately. This time was different, though. I felt calm, determined– and like, the universe was forging a path for me. About two to three weeks later, I signed up for Yasmeen’s “Get Schooled” competition [at VERS], and made it to the final two lip sync. Unfortunately it wasn’t my night, but I was super proud, and also knew I was meant to be a performer and born to do drag. I went back the next week and won, and my drag career has honestly just taken off ever since. I feel truly blessed and grateful.
NOW… for the even longer story of my name, lol! I wanted my name to start with the letter “S.” I’m a bit of a spiritualist, and I believe the letter “S” represents symmetry and your journey through life of having peaks and valleys… and it’s also half of an infinity sign. I also knew that I wanted to keep Latin roots in my name, because I’m very proud to be a Latina! It was between Sofia and Sorayah, but I always told myself I wanted to name my first daughter Sofia. I then looked up the meaning of the name Sorayah, and it means “queen”–so I thought it was a no brainer. I had to be Sorayah.
What are your performances like now, as far as types of numbers you do and looks you serve?
I center my drag around my transness; I do a lot of very hyper feminine, high energy numbers. I also do quite a few of what we dolls like to call “tranny anthems” as well. I also love to slut it up. I truly don’t know what comes over me when I perform, but I just love throwing my puss everywhere! I use a lot of my cheerleading background in my performances as well, so expect some flips and splits fa’ ya nerves! I don’t really have particular “looks” per se. I know this is gonna sound so simple, but I just love to look and feel pretty and feminine AF!
You’ve been regularly hosting Saturday brunch shows at VERS for these past few months.
Honestly, it’s still so surreal. It’s such a huge full circle moment, because VERS is where I started my drag career on January 18th, and then fast forward two months and I’m hosting my very own brunch. My brunch is also the very first ever of its kind, with an all trans cast of performers each brunch! It’s been such an amazing opportunity, platform and huge blessing. I truly feel an immense amount of gratitude and humility to have the space to be seen, visible, respected and appreciated not just for my artistry, but also who I am as a trans woman.
You’ll be part of another VERS show this week.
I actually have an insane week coming up because it’s my birthday week! I’m finally turning thirty on Tuesday. Tuesday the 6th, my good sister Miss Nani Tsunami is throwing me a birthday show at VERS.
And Thursday, you’re co-producing a queer latin showcase called “Ese Cora” at 3 Dollar Bill in Brooklyn! Tell us more!
Yes! I’m super excited as this is the first event I’m not only performing in, but also producing–and at 3DB at that. Again, I can’t express the amount of gratitude I have for the blessings I continue to receive in drag.
My co-producer for my brunch, Jonny Mol and I were talking about producing something for Pride, but we didn’t know what exactly to do. As I’ve said before, I am immensely proud to be a Latina regardless of the tumultuous relationship they have with our beautiful queer community. After brainstorming for a few, we decided we wanted to do a Latinx Pride celebration and when we connected with 3DB, they were on board. So naturally, I went to work booking the talent, creating the flyers and brainstorming how we’re gonna create this beautiful show full of amazing Latinx performers. This is also the first time I’m producing something that isn’t centered around being a doll, so I’m really excited because this lineup is really gonna give!
Yay, birthday shows!
To close out the week of birthday celebrations, I’m hosting / performing at Playhouse on Saturday, which I’m really excited about because it’ll be my first time performing there.
And then Monday, June 12th, you’ll be at Industry with the Leg Up On Life team for the “Queens Call to Action” benefit for the Tennessee ACLU. Just because that ruling passed doesn’t mean the organization doesn’t need to keep fighting for the queer community there.
You are absolutely right! The fight doesn’t stop until we all have protections, rights and access to lifesaving gender affirming care.
Leg Up on Life showcases are usually dance and choreo-centric; are you gonna turn it out?
I was actually in the first “Queens Call to Action” and I performed a ballad. Being the only trans representation on the cast, I wanted to do something that represented my transness, and also send a message about creating true inclusivity and change! So this time around, I’m really excited to say that you’ll be seeing a completely different side, performance style and aesthetic from Sorayah D than you’ve ever seen before. I may even have some backup dancers, too!
What else is coming up for you?
I have quite a few other things brewing that I’m excited to share when the time is right! You’ll just have to follow along with my stories to see when those things are announced. I’m also still working on firmly planting my feet in the drag scene and creating more shows / parties, and making this work out as my full time career.
Have amazing shows! Lastly, if you’ve been following it…. Drag Race! Were you shocked at who went home, and how it happened?
Unfortunately, I didn’t get a chance to watch the episode yet because I had to head to Fire Island for my Cherry’s on the Bay debut at my drag mother Inita D’s brunch “D Brunch.” But… I heard the tea about what happened a couple weeks ago before this even happened so I knew it was coming. I’m not surprised. They kept playing on Heidi’s face, and she was over it lol. It’s clearly The Kandy and Jimbo Show (not that I’m complaining, ’cause they’re both fab), and production is making it very clear that none of the other girls stand a chance. So I completely understand why Heidi decided to leave. I would’ve done the same thing, had it been me. I’m very sweet and loving, but don’t play with me, lol!
Take note, everyone! And thanks, Sorayah!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Sorayah D’s upcoming appearances, and follow her on Instagram.
New episode of Thotyssey NYC & Red Eye Radio’s exclusive nightlife gossip / news podcast “Thotlight” hosted by Jim Silvestri & Freddie Cosmo out now, available on all major streaming platforms!
Thotyssey’s Jim Silvestri and co-host Freddie Cosmo present a weekly podcast taped live at Red NY discussing NYC queer nightlife news and gossip, featuring a new interview with a dynamic insider each week.
Freddie’s out, so Gaymer Geek God Shane Cherry joins Jim in the Thotlight host chairs this week! They get nerdy about Smash Bros for a minute before Shane announces the deets of huge queer geek nerd event this Pride month.
Then it’s time to chat with a true drag fashionista on the rise: makeup artist, performer, DJ and closet geek BaeJing! She tells us about family life with inspirational drag mom Digna and her Haus of Gorge, balancing the stage with the DJ booth, how Manila Luzon helped launch her drag while Hilary Duff helped pay her rent, Jersey living, the recent history Asian-NYC drag and the queen’s doctorate that Shane edited, her experience with the much-maligned Q venue, who’d she impersonate on Snatch Game, and her all new and upcoming gigs including Warped Whore and Night of 1000 Britneys!
In the news: the Texas drag ban bill passed; Target succumbs to right wing threats and pulls Pride merch from stores; a Brooklynite is on trial for making threats of her own post-Q Club shooting; the sexually liberated cities in the world are listed by LUST Magazine; congrats to new Cherry Grove’s newly crowned Homecoming Queen!
MONSTER: [downstairs] Disco tea dance (4pm); [upstairs] Pianist Dan Daly (5pm); [upstairs] Pianist Kenny Allan Smith (10pm); [downstairs]FiFi DuBois (11pm)
Want to unwind on Sundays after brunch with drinks and music and drag, not pay a fortune and still be home by Grown Folks Time? Cum to PLAYTHINGZ, an new Sunday daytime dance party (3-7pm) at Playhouse Bar in the West Village, with pop up shows from some of New York drag’s hottest new stars, care of Thotyssey NYC & Phil Chanel! Get all the deets here.
GEORGIE’S: “Dark City Disco” feat. DJ Phillip James with Ivanna Peessa, E. Licksher & Desiree Moonshine (10pm)
Want to unwind on Sundays after brunch with drinks and music and drag, not pay a fortune and still be home by Grown Folks Time? Cum to PLAYTHINGZ, an new Sunday daytime dance party (3-7pm) at Playhouse Bar in the West Village, with pop up shows from some of New York drag’s hottest new stars, care of Thotyssey NYC & Phil Chanel! Get all the deets here.
Want to unwind on Sundays after brunch with drinks and music and drag, not pay a fortune and still be home by Grown Folks Time? Cum to PLAYTHINGZ, an new Sunday daytime dance party (3-7pm) at Playhouse Bar in the West Village, with pop up shows from some of New York drag’s hottest new stars, care of Thotyssey NYC & Phil Chanel! Get all the deets here.
HUSH: “Tournament of Champions” drag competition hosted by Janae SaisQuoi with judges Thotyssey & FiFi DuBois (9:30pm); “Commando” feat. DJ Jon Ali (11pm)
Known for his soaring vocals and sexy sci-fi fashions and visuals, Josh Lumsden has just gooped us all with a brand new debut EP.
Thotyssey: Hello Josh! It’s been an exciting weekend for you: your debut EP SCION was just released and everyone’s abuzz! How amazing is it to finally have folks listening to this new music you’ve been tinkering with this whole time?
Josh Lumsden: It’s been pretty major! I’ve been working on these tracks since like forever, and it’s kind of a relief to finally have them out for everyone to experience. People listening and receiving the music has just been the cherry on top!
I would describe this collection as a sort of space age-gothy-pop-house-R&B vibe, if that’s a thing lol! One can tell that you have a lot of unique influences to your sound.
That is kind of the best description of the EP I’ve ever heard! You get it! Yeah, I kind of wanted it to be a collection of all of my favorite genres. Sonically, it’s a hot mess with no consistency… but if you’re in for the ride, then you’ll get what I’m trying to do! I thought it’d be a great introduction to who I am.
It’s perfect; there’s something for every mood! One fun single, “Energy,” features vocals from RuPaul’s Drag Race winner Yvie Oddly.
I still kind of pinch myself about it; I had been a fan of hers for years. I had a demo of “Energy,” and randomly found her email and just sent it over to her. I was grocery shopping with my partner when she responded saying she’d love to do a verse; I kind of dropped everything and showed my partner–and even the cashier, lol! I will say that she was one of the sweetest, most talented, and hardest working queens I’ve met.
You also have some great videos out for some of the singles already, specifically “Right Here” and “Wanna Have Fun.” And there’s a bunch of vibrant videos to watch from some of your previous musical outings as well! Are you very hands on with those visuals?
Not really, I have a team for that. Lol, just kidding! I direct and edit my music videos. “Right Here” and “Wanna Have Fun” were both made with just a two person crew: me directing, and a camera operator. I’ve been that girl before who’s been on set with, like, a million people with previous musical outings, and always thought “what are they doing that I can learn?” It’s very liberating having full creative control over everything, but it’s also pretty manic! I can be a little bit of a control freak. I feel visuals are a very important part of the musical experience.
I understand that you’re from Texas.
Yes, I am! I was born and raised in Austin.
And are were always musical?
I am classically trained in music; I grew up playing piano and drums. I taught myself how to sing from listening to Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande, and Marina!
The masters! Did you always envision that you were gonna be making your own music, or be some form of entertainer?
I mean, kind of. I’m not gonna lie and say something about how this just “fell upon me.” I’ve had such a romantic relationship with music since I can remember, and always wanted to create art that could be appreciated. I’ve also been really intrigued with fame culture, and how musical artists can shift the landscape. It’s fascinating!
What brought you to New York?
I had visited a year before I officially moved; the vibes, the scene, the queerness, there’s everything for everybody. It’s exhilarating. I might say something a little controversial, but transplants make NYC what it is. The people who leave it all behind to move here and hit the ground running are what keeps NYC alive.
You also have these very cutting edge, futuristic sexy and fashionable looks in your videos, photo spreads and live shows. Do you work with specific designers and stylists for that look?
I typically style my own videos and shows, but I always reach out to up-and-coming designers who I’m obsessed with. Right now, I’m loving everything SKNDLSS, a Chicago / NYC designer who specializes in chain fashion, is doing right now. I’ve also recently worked with SSIK Designs, who is so huge in NYC nightlife right now. Every fashion collab has been such an honor!
So, what are the joys and challenges of being an indie music artist?
Challenges I would say is looking at the other artists and comparing “success.” It’s awful–I’m constantly telling myself “you don’t even know these people, how does this even effect you?” Everyone’s on their own journey; more power to you if you’re getting your message out there! Joys are just everything else. Creating art is just so fulfilling and exciting. Making something c*nty and gaggy is why we’re all here, right?
I got to see you perform some time ago for Thotyssey’s “Night of 5000 Thots” anniversary showcase, back when you were part of a musical trio n0t listed alongside Kayvon Zand and Leo Henry… it was a true showstopper! You three put out some great singles and videos in short time. It seems you’re all on very different paths now; could a reunion ever happen?
Those are my sisters, and I will always love them. It’s a tale as old as time; when there’s three divas, there will be three stories. We all are wanting to share our own story. Leo just put out an amazing EP, which I vocal engineered! We drank wine and [worked on] that EP of hers once a week! Kayvon is deep diving into his Iranian culture, and it’s been beautiful! I’m so happy for both of them. I think individual artistic expression is so important – I don’t know if we’ll “reunite”, but we will always love and support each other! This story is kinda boring, how funny would it be if I had a shady story about a nasty falling out!?
I’m holding out for the sequel! You just performed at Katch Astoria about a week ago, how did that go?
Omg, that show was wild. It was a Latin LBGTQIA+ party that hosted me–emphasis on the L! It was amazing, the girlies had their life, as far as I know! I have been ending my shows covered in blood; people loved taking pictures with me and rubbing it on themselves!
We love theater! I see that on June 16, you’ll be part of a great lineup for a Pride showcase at Trans-Pecos in Ridgewood: “Out the Closet.”
I am so exited for this! I have an insane set lined up. Gab Rydelle, who organized the whole thing, is an icon, and I’m honored to be a part of it. My shows feel somewhat of a fusion of live singing and performance art. I also want to shout out KITTYPOOL, an event organized by amazing people that gave me my “live music” debut. That show was amazing, which opened the doors to every show after. I’m kinda in my Lady Gaga IKEA parking lot performance era. IFKYK.
Amazing! What else is in the works?
I’ve been working on the “Waiting” music video (which will be major) as well as my new album! I will always be writing new music, lol. I hope to soon be featured in the next “Night of 1000 Thots!”
I think that can be arranged! Lastly, what are you listening to these days?
I’m listening to a lot of Grimes and Rosalia these days! Jim, how about you?
New episode of Thotyssey NYC & Red Eye Radio’s exclusive nightlife gossip / news podcast “Thotlight” hosted by Jim Silvestri & Freddie Cosmo out now, available on all major streaming platforms!
Thotyssey’s Jim Silvestri and co-host Freddie Cosmo present a weekly podcast taped live at Red NY discussing NYC queer nightlife news and gossip, featuring a new interview with a dynamic insider each week.
Then, al-star DJ & producer Ty Sunderland is in the Thot Seat! Ty dishes on his roots as a Florida Man, his black and white fashionz, partying with Natasha Bedingfield, giving Aquaria DJ tips, dealing with “demon twink” energy, the challenges of post-lockdown nightlife, high seas hyjinx , being the official remixer of a pop icon, “bartending” on Watch What Happens Live with Kylie, upcoming gigs including Pride and two cities in one night, and more!
In the news: another NYC “roofie” victim has come forward; the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence are honored, then dishonored, then re-honored by the L.A. Dodgers; the Grand Marshals of NYC Pride are announced; Google shares the most closeted U.S. state; RIP the legendary Tina Turner and beloved local gogo star and photographer Vinny Vega.
CIRCLE LINE: “Tiki Disco” feat. DJs Eli Escobar, Andy Pry & Lloyd (6pm); Ladyfag’s “Battle Hymn Boat Party” feat. DJs Michael Magnan & William Francis (6pm)
MONSTER: [downstairs] DJ Greg Scarnici & host Robin Byrd (4pm); [upstairs] Pianist Dan Daly (5pm); [upstairs] Pianist Kenny Allan Smith (10pm); [downstairs]FiFi DuBois (11pm)
ICE PALACE: “Sal Piro Day” memorial (noon); “Sal Piro Day – giant ‘Time Warp’ for Sal” (1pm); Brenda Dharling & Ariel Sinclair (2pm); DJ Ana Matronic (4pm); “Sal Piro Day” screening of Rocky Horror Picture Show (9pm)
Want to unwind on Sundays after brunch with drinks and music and drag, not pay a fortune and still be home by Grown Folks Time? Cum to PLAYTHINGZ, an new Sunday daytime dance party (3-7pm) at Playhouse Bar in the West Village, with pop up shows from some of New York drag’s hottest new stars, care of Thotyssey NYC & Phil Chanel! Get all the deets here.
ROSEMONT:Drag Race / Merrie Cherry with Jaymes Mansfield (8pm); “ZOO” / Dua Lipa single release party feat. DJs Luis Fernando & Jon Ali with Jaymes Mansfield (10pm)
Want to unwind on Sundays after brunch with drinks and music and drag, not pay a fortune and still be home by Grown Folks Time? Cum to PLAYTHINGZ, an new Sunday daytime dance party (3-7pm) at Playhouse Bar in the West Village, with pop up shows from some of New York drag’s hottest new stars, care of Thotyssey NYC & Phil Chanel! Get all the deets here.
This sexy Brazilian beatmaker is making it big in NYC and beyond… put your hands up for DJ Mascari!
Thotyssey: Hello DJ Mascari, thanks for chatting today! I see you recently returned from Ft Lauderdale… how did that go?
DJ Mascari: Yes, I returned last Saturday; it was amazing. I had a great time, especially DJing there.
Ft Lauderdale is a nightlife destination, but Florida is going through crazy times! Did you pick up on any of that, or was the vibe all good?
Everything was great. The beach in Fort Lauderdale is beautiful. The weather was great. A little bit hot, but it’s summertime. I went to celebrate my BFF’s birthday and DJing at Eagle.
I learned to play when I was 17 years old, but I started playing as professional when I was around 22 years old… so more then 10 years ago.
Where’s your original hometown, and was music always a big part of your life?
I’m from Brazil. And yes, I grew up with music around. I loved music since I was a kid. I learned to love music because of my parents.
So many great DJs are from Brazil! Where were your first DJ gigs, and what brought you to New York?
I started in a good place–in São Paulo, and I shared [party billing] with big names there. Then I moved to Argentina, and finally USA. New York is considered the capital of the world; I came to NYC looking for new opportunities, and to keep growing with my professional career. I am DJing in great places in NYC.
What’s your favorite kind of music to play in your gigs?
I am glad I’m playing the music that I love: house and tech house music.
Yes. I started to work with Janelle in 2022, and I really love work with her. She’s an amazing person, and incredible professional. And I’m so excited for Friday. It will be wild! Great music and hot people.
And then Saturday you got a gig in Rhode island, right?
Yes. I’m traveling to Rhode Island on Saturday. It’s an open air festival. Super fun! I worked with that team since 2020–they booked me for an EDM Festival in Orlando three weeks ago. It was so much fun.
What else is coming up for you?
Yes. A lot of things happening. I’m getting a lot of opportunities in NYC. I’m happy djing in great places and sharing the both with important names. June is busy. I will celebrate my birthday at Soho Grand Hotel on June 17th. I’m so excited for that. I will play in Fire Island for Pride. And I’m going to Burning Man this year again!
Anything else?
I just want to say thank you to all the people who give me opportunities, and to everyone who supports me in my journey!
Yaz! Okay last question: Kylie’s new song “Padam Padam,” bop or meh?
I love Kylie Minogue. She’s great, I follow her and I love her music. So, bop!
Want to unwind on Sundays after brunch with drinks and music and drag, not pay a fortune and still be home by Grown Folks Time? Cum to PLAYTHINGZ, an new Sunday daytime dance party (3-7pm) at Playhouse Bar in the West Village, with pop up shows from some of New York drag’s hottest new stars, care of Thotyssey NYC & Phil Chanel! Get all the deets here.
Thotyssey 
