This Jewel of Jersey has already placed in one of that state’s best known drag pageants, and this summer the glow-up will continue… behold the prismatic power of Spectra Electra! [Cover photo: Roxie Chanel]
Thotyssey: Spectra, hello! It’s only been a few days of course, but how’s Pride Month for you so far?
Spectra Electra: Hello, good morning! I got to start my Pride season off with Trixie Mattel at the Stone Pony! She had an assortment of queens and dancers on stage with her to kick off her Solid Pink Disco tour.
Oh, wow! How was that?
It was absolutely amazing! Trixie and the entire team were so sweet!
As we speak, we’re getting ready for a month full of Pride events in the tri-state.
I’m very excited; June is jam packed me.
How many Prides have you celebrated as a working drag queen so far?
This will be my third summer as a working queen.
Are you originally a Jersey native?
Yes! Jersey born and raised!
Growing up, we’re you always into performing, fashion, etc?
Art class in school was always my favorite! From there, it grew and transformed into different mediums such as theatre, fashion, and makeup. I’ve always been an artist at heart, and drag is another way for me to share my art with others.
How did you discover drag, and what was the situation where you decided to try it yourself?
I discovered drag through Drag Race while watching Season 6! However, I started performing in drag doing a competition at my college to raise money for the American Cancer Society. My friends convinced me to do the competition because I “already do everything a drag queen does,” meaning hair, makeup and sewing costumes. The rest is history. Ever since then, I’ve continued to grow and learn and haven’t stopped performing since.
What was the Jersey drag scene like when you were coming up… and how has it changed since you got there? For one thing, the drag of that state has traditionally been known for being very pageant-centric.
Honestly, the Jersey scene for me was very different depending where in Jersey I went and what venue I was at… and it’s still like that now, which I love! I feel like Jersey drag is still very pageant in some ways, especially at Paradise because of our Miss Paradise pageant that happens every year. Not all Jersey drag is pageant drag, but I feel like the influence is still there in some way, shape or form.
It is kind of amazing that so many queens in the past half decade who were crowned Miss Paradise wound up on Drag Race! Sapphira is the most recent example. She’s a Philly girl, but has done lots of Jersey shows over the years.
Yes, it really is crazy to think about! Paradise produces some amazing drag, and seeing it on TV is awesome! I actually competed against Sapphira (and placed second runner up) when she won Miss Paradise, and I helped her get ready before she left for Drag Race… so it was really cool to see my friend on TV!
Do you think you might take another shot at winning the crown, or any other crowns, down the road?
It was my first pageant, and I was really happy with everything I presented! I will definitely be taking another shot at the Paradise crown, and maybe I will compete in some other systems down the line. But we will see!
How would you describe your drag today, as far as looks and numbers go?
I feel like my drag has always had a bit of a retro flare to it–like how in previous decades what they imagined the future would look like. Think The Jetsons meets Stepford Wives. I also draw a lot of inspiration from cartoon characters, burlesque, and old Hollywood.
People can see all that magic on Fridays this summer, at the Asbury Hotel! Tell us more!
So The Asbury Hotel actually has a tea dance every Friday, featuring DJs Mick Hale and Tyler Valentine who will be rotating in; I will be the host every Friday this summer! They asked me to help them bring drag back to the tea dance after two years post-Covid, and I’m very excited to watch this event grow to its former glory. We want to promote everyone starting their weekend at the Asbury Hotel, and ending their weekend at Paradise with their tea dances!
And on Friday, June 28th, you’ll be performing on the Rooftop at Exchange Place in Jersey City for a House of Love sponsored drag dinner show!
Yes, I’m very excited to wrap up June with our drag dinner! It’s hosted by our current reigning Miss Paradise Freeda Kulo, and features Jolina Jasmine–a former Miss Paradise–as well as a cast of phenomenal entertainers. I’m very excited to work with House of Love and perform again in Jersey City. Also a drag dinner on a rooftop… what’s more iconic than that?
Amen! What else is coming up for you?
Well, summer is always the busiest time for me because I get some time off from my day job of being a high school teacher. You can catch me every Friday at the Asbury Hotel, as well as select Fridays at Paradise. I will be at Paradise every single Saturday serving shots as well as a tea dance or two on Sundays at Paradise. And starting in July, you can catch me in New York City for Nolita Nexus, a new immersive experience presented by The Happening (I can’t say too much without giving it away, but I will be playing the role of Jessi who is inspired by one of the characters that I am very well known for). And I always have my one off shows and shenanigans posted on my Instagram stories.
Very intriguing! Okay, lastly… if you’re following the current season of All-Stars, who’s Team are you on?
Oooh, that’s a hard one… I’d have to say team Plastique!
She’s amazing! And so are you–thanks, Spectra!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Spectra Electra’s upcoming appearances, and follow her on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Thotyssey 