This fun up-and-comer was inspired to do drag by a Philly all-star, and was since taken in by a popular Brooklyn drag mom. Now Adra Quartz is slaying the game all her own. [Cover photo: Human Flowers Productions].
Thotyssey: Hello Adra, thanks for chatting today! So, I take it you survived The Great NYC Quake of 2024?
Adra Quartz: Honestly didn’t feel a thing; I was actually out grabbing breakfast.
A lot of folks said the same. I thought it was just a big truck! Well, we’ve recently had lightning strike the Statue of Liberty, and now a tremor in the days before an eclipse. Should we be on the lookout for vampires and werewolves roaming the streets now?
Who knows, honestly? Earthquake on Drag Race Day, The solar eclipse on Monday… we just might be!
As if a drag queen’s life wasn’t crazy enough! How long have you been a queen now?
I’ve been a queen since 2021, so just coming up on three years. Although it feels much longer!
Can you tell us a bit about where you’re from, and if you’ve always been a performer in some way?
I am originally from Brooklyn, born and raised! I was a competitive dancer growing up (think Dance Moms), then I moved to Philadelphia for College ( I went to U-Arts) and majored in dance. So performing has always been involved in my life, since I was 13 years old.
How did you become a queen, and a part of NYC nightlife?
Well, I started drag in Philadelphia after actually going to Sapphira Cristal’s show at the now closed Jocks Bar. I debuted at a local competition “Dragarama” and then a month later moved back home to Brooklyn, where I met my drag mother Iodine Quartz. She kind of took me out to the Rosemont, and I was able to perform. After that, I just met more and more people and would sign up for open sets and competitions.
Speaking of Sapphira and Drag Race, we now finally have a Top 3, and it’s probably everyone’s presumed Top 3 since the first episode! Who’s taking home the crown… and which returning queen is winning the lip sync battle next week?
Sapphira is taking the crown! And I would love to see Hershii take the lip sync.
How would you describe your drag today, as far as aesthetic and performing styles go?
Aesthetically I would say Adra is very versatile. I love to try new things with my drag, and honestly see what sticks. As a performer, I describe myself as an entertainer. I love to just turn the party and give shows! And sometimes I’m funny.
Very well-rounded! What are your thoughts on the state of NYC drag today… are there a lot of opportunities for performers to shine, or is there oversaturation? Is there a diversity of talent being showcased, or is there room for more?
I do think there are a lot of drag queens thanks to Drag Race making drag a bit more mainstream. I do think there are a lot of opportunities to break out in, and show yourself to, the city… such as open sets and competitions. But I’m a big advocate for speaking up for yourself, and if no opportunities are being presented, then make your own opportunities happen.
Indeed! I saw you compete in Mx Rockbar several months ago; you were a strong competitor on a night of strong competitors!
Oh, thanks so much! I was nervous as someone who didn’t perform there much prior to competing. But I felt very welcomed by the staff and audience.
Hopefully we’ll see you there again soon!
In the meantime, you’ve had a regular presence in a Brooklyn venue called Father Knows Best.
Yes, I love Fathers Knows Best! It’s a queer friendly bar with amazing food and drinks, right off the L Train at Wilson Ave. Father Knows Best has kind of run in my drag family; Iodine Quartz and MissMa’amShe had a show there back in 2019, but it stopped due to the pandemic. So I reached out last year to the management, and asked if they were interested in bringing drag back. A few weeks later, we had our first “Hey Diva” drag event. Now we have “Hey Diva” drag bingo every second and forth Thursday of the month, hosted by myself and a special guest. We also have drag brunch at Father Knows Best every third Saturday of the month hosted, by myself and Purss’ophonie.
You’re one year anniversary at that venue is this week.
So excited for the anniversary!! Cannot believe how fast a year has flown by. I’m joined by Vampy Von Thickums Galore, who was actually my very first guest at “Hey Diva!”
Anything else coming up for you?
I will also be at the Stonewall 04/20 for Lala Wiggy’s 420 extravaganza.
Spectacular! Last question: what’s currently the favorite item in your Drag Bag?
Ooh, great question. My favorite cosmetic has to be my Kim Chi blush.
Good choice! Thanks, Adra!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Adra Quartz’s upcoming appearances, and follow her on Instagram and Twitter.
Thotyssey 