It is loud and clear that Syrenn Nara may be a new queen on the scene, but she is here to stay (and slay)!
Thotyssey: Hello Syrenn, thanks for chatting with us today! I was thumbing through your Insta and found gorgeous shots of you kiki-Ing at The Q’s recent opening weekend kick-off. How fun was that!?
Syrenn Nara: It was amazing actually. I worked for [Q manager] Frankie Sharp in the past, so I knew it was literally the place to be… and I wasn’t wrong,
Symone and Gigi Goode were on your wavelength!
I saw them towards the end of the night. It was the perfect way to start Pride Weekend.
Absolutely! And how great is it to see New York nightlife roaring back, after that miserable 2020?
Honestly, I thought I’d be ready, but I’m not. It went from one day inside to the next day, chaos… but we love a moment! It’s taking me some time, but I love being able to see friends and girlsss that I haven’t seen in what seems like a millennium. So to answer the question: I love it, lol!
So where are you from originally, and what were you into while growing up that may have ultimately led to drag?
It’s really funny, because I was so anti-anything gay (closeted internal trauma). I’m originally from Jamaica, so growing up was a little hard being gay. I was, and still to this day am, very into art painting, drawing–honestly anything that expresses beauty with visual expression. And after moving to New York, I found myself and found a new love in expressing myself… which is drag.
What was your drag debut like?
You want the planned one, or the very random first experience?
Oooh, both!
Lol… of course! The first time was at the Rosemont; after I had finished hosting at Dreamland, Magenta asked if I wanted to do a number for Miley Night. I was terrified–I had nothing planned, and just did it. It was okay, let’s just say that.
But for the [official] debut, it was at Headroom for Anida Tension’s “Up + Coming” competition. I had a year to prep my drag, and basically mold myself into the queen I wanted to be (body, hair, makeup… you know, the works). I did a mix of “Whip It” by Nicki Minaj, and the crowd loved it. I also won, which surprised me because it was my first time actually really performing.
You’re still a young queen, but how might you describe your drag today as far as the types of looks you serve and numbers you do?
I love that, though– still being a young queen, I have so much more to learn and so much I wanna do. I’ll describe my drag as “siren / vixen / sex positive 90’s model.” I’m tall as hell, with amazing legs–I try to show those as much as possible. I’m very sultry and seductive with my numbers. I take a lot of references from the It Girls, but with my own twist on it for fashion. I also just consider myself a doll that I can play dress-up with. But mostly, I just consider myself a chameleon with clothing. I’ve literally taught myself how to make everything look amazing on me.
You and the lovely Eva Laurent have now headlined a few shows at a restaurant in Brooklyn called Crystal Lake.
Yes, the good sis! We have worked together a lot, and we’re good friends. We kinda established the show during Covid as a weekly live show, and we just kept it going… just with a different name. But hunny, it is hard doing your own show. Don’t get me wrong, I love the entire experience… but it’s very stressful. What I really learned the most from it is practice, practice, practice, and always extra prepping. Also, Crystal Lake is an amazing venue that is always looking for new talent as well.
This Sunday, you’ll be at John Doe on Sunday for drag brunch (noon-3pm) with host AriaJae and fellow guest Prima Love!
Yes… we’d love to have you! And yesss, it’s about to be crazy, twerkin’, pussy popping, and a whole lotta ass, lol! I love a good litty brunch! I haven’t worked with Prima before, but excited for that. And I love working with Aria–she’s so sweet and caring, with so much energy; I’m literally so proud of her.
And down the road (July 29th), you’ll be with Inita D for bingo at Fresco’s Cantina! She’s another great queen!
Inita is literally a powerhouse–she’s amazing! I really don’t think she can’t do anything. She gives you a performance, mama, every time! Also excited to play bingo, which honestly… I don’t think I’ve ever played it before!
Anything else coming up for you?
Yes, I have another show coming up as well with Morocco Kennedy soon. And I’m always working on something… so let’s just say, keep your eyes open.
Oh, we will! So lastly: Drag Race All Stars 6! Jan finally got a win, Trinity is slaying, Yara surprisingly sashayed away earlier (and ruder!) than expected… whose team are you on for the Whole Win?
Oh, we going to the real questions now… okay! Between Trinity, Rajah, Kylie or Jan… but honestly, the entire cast this season is amazing.
Agreed! Thanks, Syrenn!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Syrenn Nara’s upcoming appearances, and follow her on Instagram.
Thotyssey 