This Brooklyn Brunch Babe is Something to behold: Nxthing! [Cover photo: Eric Magnussen]
Thotyssey: Hey Nxthing, thanks for chatting today! So the spooky peason is upon us at last… are you for, or against?
Nxthing: I am 100% here for spooky season; it’s my favorite time of the year to shed the glamour and glitz and go all out with the spook! I originated as a glamour ghoul, so I love seeing the horror come out of the divas.
Do you prefer total gross-out horror monster murder Halloween, or spoopy campy Sanderson Sisters Halloween?
I prefer a little of both! I enjoy the campy horror movies more. But when it comes to the looks, I love being all out gross horror. I like to describe my drag as Miss Piggy meets Elvira, so I guess I’m way more camp than I’m leading on!
Where are you from, and what were your early creative interests that may have ultimately put you on the drag path?
I’m originally from a very small town in Ohio, relatively close to Akron. I grew up with a very artistic mother, who was also a photographer. At a young age, she would often have me dress up, paint my face and pose for the camera. That, and my mom went all out for Halloween–she would make elaborate costumes, and paint us to look movie-ready but on a small budget. She really gave me a lot of lessons that translated to drag. I eventually found myself in the hair and makeup world, but something was missing for me. That’s when I realized I needed to go back to being the muse of my creative vision.
I was also a scene kid in middle school, so I’d say I’ve been doing drag since childhood.
So how did you become Nxthing, and a New Yorker?
I actually moved to NYC a year ago with my partner, Spencer Wainfor. He’s going to college out here, and I was thankfully able to move with him. It’s been one of the biggest blessings, moving here from the middle of nowhere.
I got my name Nxthing (pronounced “Nothing,” but had to switch it up for social media) from my childhood. Being a very outspoken queer kid living in the middle of nowhere surrounded by conservatives, I was always told I would grow up to be nothing. I was told I am nothing, and my life will amount to nothing. So, I took that word and reclaimed it… and now Nxthing pays the bills!
I started drag four years ago during October, after wanting to do drag for years prior. At that time, I recently got out of an abusive relationship and went in on drag. I got dressed up and went to a show where Brook Lynn Hytes was performing. That night, she recognized me along with a few other queens for being something more than just a baby queen. I also met a queen that named Indica, who invited me out to Pittsburgh to be guests and eventually perform at her shows. Ever since then, Nxthing has taken me on the wildest, most amazing ride I could’ve ever asked for!
As a non-binary identifying person, is drag about gender expression for you or something else entirely?
It’s a mix of both! When I first started, it was very much about creative expression. I didn’t really fit into a gender with my early work, but as time goes on I feel like my drag is evolving into a form of gender expression. It’s complicated, and I’m still learning how it effects me. I do find gender euphoria from being the most glamorous version of myself in drag now.
I understand that Atomic Annie is your drag offspring! How did that come about?
Funny story! I competed with Annie in “BitchFest” last December. We instantly connected and have been close ever since. I ironically told myself I’d never have drag children, but she approached me with being her mother and I accepted right away! She’s so incredibly talented, willing to learn and take critique. It’s really amazing watching how fast she’s growing, and I couldn’t be prouder of her. It also helps that my sister, Mr. E. Minx, has taken an aunt role in her drag. I feel absolutely unstoppable as a drag family with both of them by my side.
I also have one other sister in Ohio–Sarah Tonin–who has been by my side throughout my entire drag career and prior. I know the question was about Annie, but couldn’t help to bring the rest of the fam into the picture!
Minx, Annie and yourself host “Girls Who Brunch” every Sunday at Sally Roots in Brooklyn! What can you tell us about that show?
We like to joke about how we’re three of some of the most glamorous girls in the city, but we host a chaotic show. We’ve really gotten into a groove of how we operate, and we have specials guests every month! We have a lot of new and exciting gigs happening in the future that we can’t wait to announce!
You’ve got some fun special shows coming up this month as well! You’ll be in the large cast of Amanda Porq’s “Warped Whore” at 3 Dollar Bill on October 25th!
Yes, it will be an amazing opportunity to bring out the grungy punk drag I used to do!
And then you’ll be at the Germanotta family business, Joanne’s, on October 27th!
That will give me the opportunity to bring out my Gaga references!
Anything else to report or mention?
I’d actually love to bring up my wig business! I’ve been styling hair for the Drag Race and Dragula girls for some time now, but am finally getting my business off the ground and rolling out weekly ready-to-ship wigs! I also had a few wigs recently shown in Paris Fashion Week. I’m so proud of what I’ve been doing with them, and so thankful for where it’s taking me.
Love! Get your wigs, girls! Okay lastly: who is your favorite horror movie monster, killer, etc.?
I would have to say Freddy Krueger! There’s something just so funny about his witty one liners before he makes the kill. Just gay campy shenanigans that gives me life.
Thanks, Nxthing!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Nxthing’s upcoming appearances, and follow her on Instagram and Twitter.
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