Catalina puts body-ody-ody on the menu this summer!
Thotyssey: Hi Catalina, Happy Pride Month! You just had a real busy weekend spent at Paradise and Stonewall… how did it all go?
Catalina: Oh yes, it was everything I imagined and more! Although I hurt myself on Friday night a little bit–I called out of work on Saturday, got my rest and got right back into it.
Warrior! Do you have a favorite venue or neighborhood to perform in?
I am very happy that I am not stapled to stay in a single location. In regards to favorite place, I can confidently say Fresco’s Grand Cantina in Astoria. I don’t think there’s a venue I dislike, but it all really depends on who I’m working with and on the audience’s energy.
Folks love turning it out at Fresco’s!
Oh yes, it’s always a phenomenal time there!
So how long have you been a working queen now?
I make two years in September; I’m so grateful for everything I’ve accomplished so far.
Can you tell us a bit of your origin story: where are you from, and were music, performance, fashion etc. always a part of your life?
I was born and half-raised in Colombia, lol–I came to the US on my 9th birthday in 2010. I’ve always lived in Queens (Whitestone / Flushing). Ever since I can remember, I’ve always loved being the center of attention–being flamboyant and an extrovert. I’ve been surrounded by women of all ages 95% of my life, so I thank them for all the music, shows, novellas and their ways of carrying themselves for making me the person I am today.
How and where did you first step out as Catalina… and did you have a specific inspiration for your name?
My first time out in drag ever was Halloween 2020, as any other gay b*y would do, lol! I dressed up as Miss Colombia… and looking back, she gets an “A” for effort. I swung extra hard and went out in 6 inch pleasers for the first time–and now anything lower is basically a flat to me, lol.
But I officially started on September 19, 2020 when I performed for the first time at “Madd Mondayz” at Metropolitan in Brooklyn. I did “Waiting for Tonight” by Miss Orange Drink herself, one of my all time fav songs.
The name Catalina is a super common Colombian name–I can guarantee you there’s a Catalina on every block in Colombia–so I did it to represent, because I don’t think there’s enough Colombian drag entertainers. So that’s my first reason. Second, I named myself Catalina after the main character of my favorite novella, Sin Senos No Hay Paraíso, which translates to “without breasts, there’s no paradise.” It’s basically a story about a 15 year old girl, Catalina, wanting to be a star one way or the other… so she resorted to prostitution to make money and get everything she’s ever wanted. But her boobs were too small for any of the narcos’ liking, so her main goal was to get her boobs done so she could accomplish her big goal. It’s an amazing story, but just like Catalina who wanted her titties done, I wanted my body done. So I got my first lipo January of last year, and it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made in my life.
How might you describe the type of drag you like to serve today, as far as looks and numbers go?
I like to make my drag very Latina-oriented; any references I can incorporate or feature, I try to add it to the illusion. I can’t even try to sound bougee about this, but my drag is 1000% stripper coded. I love being naked and free. You’ll hardly catch me in a long sleeve or a covered leg; it happens like once every two months, lol! In regards of music, I love to dance and move around–I’ll do a cute ballad here and there, but I mostly aim for reggaeton and pop music.
During the dog heat of summer, it must be so glorious to be a stripper coded body girl–especially when you’re working with all these queens sweating bricks while stuffed into pillows and plastic hair!
Your words, not mine, lol. While we’re at it: to anyone reading this, wash your drag and wear deodorant! But yes, it comes in handy. People live for it, and I always think about how if I’m hot, I can’t imagine how the padded queens feel–my lil’ heart goes out to them!
You’re gonna be sharing a large stage with many girls in and out of pads quite soon! First of all, have you heard Charli XCX’s new album Brat yet?
I have been listening, and it’s so much fun! This girl knew what she was doing, releasing this album two weeks before Pride.
“Night of 1000 Charlis” is Thursday at 3 Dollar Bill, featuring a large cast including yourself doing a Charli song each!
Oh, yes we are! Its going to be my first “Night of a 1000” by [producer and host] Nicky O! So excited for this event, especially during Pride Month; I just know it’s gonna be Fab-iana Royale Dupree Andrews.
Can you give a tease on what number you’re gonna do?
Now I’m not Raven Symone, but I can almost guarantee the majority of the girls will be in green due to the album cover. But I will be doing a throwback from Number 1 Angel, so I will not be in green. Let’s just say that and in regards of the song, you’ll have to come and see what it’s gonna give.
Also I see you’ll be at Father Knows Best brunch (on Father’s Day Weekend!) this Saturday, with Adra Quartz and Purss’ophonie.
Yes, this Saturday is going to be a long day. We’re celebrating all the fathers and daddies, lol. I will be joining my girls for brunch, then I will be heading over to Fresco’s to celebrate of my father’s Adrian’s birthday. And then I will rush over to Hell’s Kitchen before midnight for “Rush” at Boxers HK. So honestly, it sounds like a good weekend so far!
Enjoy your three borough day! And I also see you’re gonna be in the Bushwig lineup in September, gag! How excited are you?
Bushwig has been a dream since I started drag, and to be on it so soon in my drag career is so full circle. I’m humbled, and it just pushes me to do more and challenge myself.
What else is coming up for you?
I have some very cute gigs lined up for the rest of Pride Month. And for July, right now I’m focused on Janelle No. 5’s pageant “Ultimate Diva” where I will be competing in different categories that will showcase Catalina beautifully–very excited to leave it all on stage.
Wonderful! Okay, lastly: if you’re still watching All Stars… who should win?
I want Roxxxy to win; this is a seasoned veteran that deserves it. If not her, then Plastique.
Thanks, Catalina!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Catalina’s upcoming appearances, and follow her on Instagram.
Thotyssey 