A recent “BitchFest” champion, Maxx Love mixes up the scene with dark, driving and dramatic ingredients while championing sex work and sobriety. [Cover photo: AJ Jordan]
Thotyssey: Hi Maxx, thanks for chatting today! How’s your February so far?
Maxx Love: Hi, hello! It’s going good. It’s definitely been a harder month for shows and work, but I am resting, recovering and preparing for some really exciting things coming up in the spring!
I understand you were just gigging somewhere last night.
I was out supporting my best friend and roommate Kanika Peach for the Lunar New Year!
Gorge! So ho long have you been a part of NYC nightlife now?
I started going to drag shows regularly about two years ago. I was only an audience member for the first year, and then in March of 2023 I decided to take a leap and start drag! So I will hit my year next month!
Can you tell us a bit about where you’re from, what your original artistic or performing pursuits were, and how you eventually became a drag performer?
I’m originally from Kentucky; I grew up in a small town there, and started taking dance classes around the age of three. I pursued dance a majority of my life, and went to a small studio in Kentucky. Then at eighteen I moved to Phoenix to go Arizona State, where I got my Bachelors in dance performance! After graduating, I moved to Brooklyn to live and work as a dancer. But as the years passed, I started to feel uneasy and not really knowing how to fit into the dance community in Brooklyn. It felt that something was missing.
Then two years ago around the same time, I started transitioning and getting sober. These two things really gave me the ability to step out of my comfort and step into my power, which translated into drag. My best friend who is known by BOSS started drag a couple years before I did, so I was slowly moving my way into nightlife through them. I then went to Bushwig in 2019 and saw God Complex perform a number to “My Body is a Cage.” And I remember my first thought was, “I didn’t know you could do drag like that.” And as I was going to more shows I could see myself in other performers. The weird, conceptual, contemporary forms of drag were already there and being done so well. I have my transition and my sobriety and my community to thank for giving me the courage to step into myself.
Is navigating the business of nightlife–which is ultimately about selling drinks and also rampant with other substances–ever a challenge, or just a pain in the ass, for you as a sober person?
It definitely has its challenges! But I also have a huge sober community outside and inside of nightlife, which makes navigating it easier! I love a good mocktail. And what I receive from drag is unlike anything I have ever experienced. So that also makes it feel worth it!
Another thing I want to add that feels relevant and important is that I’m a full time sex worker! It has influenced a lot of my drag, and has given me confidence to really reach for what I want. And drag also influences my work. They really feel like they go hand and hand, and starting them at the same time has really expanded my understanding of what is possible for me.
I saw the clip of you winning a recent cycle of the “BitchFest” competition at C’mon Everybody; the crowd went wild! That must’ve been a great moment for you.
That was an absolute whirlwind. “BitchFest” was incredible because every week for five Sundays, I was able to create a concept and have it fully realized on a stage in front of an audience. I really think this competition jump started a lot for me. and pushed me to be uncomfortable, and pushed my art into a space I didn’t know was possible! Before drag I was terrified of being on the mic… and during the competition, we had to do a full five minute standup. I was surprised by myself, honestly!
So on February 15th, you’re gonna take part in a Samuel Paulish-hosted show called “Thirst” at The Sultan Room!
Yes! It is co-produced by Juno Stardust and Mars Hobrecker. It’s a T4T, all queer and trans strip show! It gives trans and queer people who are otherwise turned away from clubs and other spaces because of their identity (sexuality, race, body type, etc.) to get paid and get paid well! It’s really exciting for me, because most of my work outside of this show I have to wear a wig and perform as a woman. So it’s relieving I get to finally be myself!
Looking ahead, on March 7th you’ll be at 3 Dollar Bill for Tiresias‘ latest multimedia experience, “Bacchanal!”
Yes! I am so fucking excited for that! I have an incredible surprise for that show… and I’m going to have a huge group of dancers with me. A full production!
What else is coming up for you?
There is something very exciting come up that I can’t speak too much on, because it’s still in the works. But I am working on starting a queer bi-monthly nightlife series, either at the end of March or the beginning of April. So stay on the lookout for that!
Yay! Okay lastly… what is your favorite, go-to cosmetic product you use for drag?
Oooo definitely the Nyx liquid black waterproof liner! I always have a mustache and freckles, so that shit gets me right!
Thanks, Maxx!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Maxx Love’s upcoming appearances, and follow them on Instagram and Twitter.
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