A horned hairstylist and Jersey / New York drag queen on the come-up, Diosa Aurora Oso prepares to slay the Mx. Rockbar semifinals! [Cover photo: LouGo Photography]
Thotyssey: Diosa, hello! How was your Halloween?
Diosa Aurora Oso: Diva! Halloween was so fun! I partied in Brooklyn as Mileena with some friends, and danced my ass off!
Work! You had those little ninja knife things?
Yes! I made sure to have sais on hand, in case people want to get rowdy, lol.
That’s a 24/7 life plan! We’re already inching towards Christmas… will you be sporting some December holiday looks soon?
Yes! I’ve learned to actually love Christmas more in the past few years, so I’ve been inspired to create and make / perform holiday numbers.
Overall, how might you describe the “type” of drag you like to do, as far as looks and numbers go?
In terms of numbers, I go into two categories as of late: Sexy or Emotional. I want to make the audience feel something, and I want to feel something when I’m performing.
In terms of looks, I like to push the boundaries of what a fat person can wear and do. I bow to Divine, especially because she did the same thing. I’ve added horns to it, cuz in essence Diosa is a Hell Goddess.
Can you tell us a bit of your origin story?
Picture it: New Jersey, 2015. I knew I wanted to be a drag performer. Watching Season 2 of Drag Race really showed me that it was possible; up until then, I didn’t know what drag queens did. And then, falling into watching videos from Showgirls Weho YouTube channels, it made me want it more.
I’m from Belleville; my family moved us there from Newark when I was 11. Belleville is known for their Cherry Blossom Festival. After high school–and when I was able to buy my makeup–I practiced a lot on my drag face. I wasn’t old enough to get into the clubs, and knew it would serve me best when I was able to. I did a lot of online competitions to help satiate the need to perform.
In college I had my own radio show, and had Olivia Lux as a guest. She had hosted my college’s drag competition, and was a former student there. She was even my student orientation leader when I first got there.
Anywho, she told me about [the drag competition show] “Open Call” at The Ritz, and slowly the wheels got turning. Maddelynn Hatter was the host, and after seeing me perform, she literally told me to keep going and keep performing. Covid eventually happened, and I ended up back online for a bit. I don’t know how–maybe it was the Insta algorithm–but I saw a post for “Drag Wars” at Pieces with [host] Shequida in it. So when nightlife was more open again, I dipped myself back into it.
The path to excellence is revealed! You also have a wig styling business. When did you learn you had a knack for hair?
I love wigs! They’re my favorite part of drag; it’s one of the first things you see. I ended up with Covid and home for fourteen days in recovery. I ended up just working on a style (incidentally with horns), and just fell in love with the process. I learned from online tutorials and private lessons from a queen in upstate New York and a stylist in Florida. I’m open for commissions, I just need to update more pics.
This is cool: you won a preliminary round of the Mx. Rockbar competition, and you’re returning Monday for the semifinals! How has your Mx. Rockbar treated you so far, and how psyched are you for Monday?
The experience has been both amazing and scary, and introspective. I am friendly with the past winners, and it’s been one of those situations where certain pieces come together. All of them won by trusting their talents. I struggle sometimes, and question myself a lot. But giving into confidence and just living in the performance has truly made it easier.
Im excited for Monday’s semifinals; prep work is happening as we speak. I love everyone who’s competing. I’m just ready to show the audience and the judges more of who I am. Rockbar has been a safe space for me, both in and out of drag, so being the next Mx. Rockbar would be amazing.
Is there anything else to say?
I appreciate everyone who works in nightlife that keeps this existence running. Oh… and “World Peace.”
Thanks Diosa, break a leg at Mx. Rockbar!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Diosa Aurora Oso’s upcoming appearances, and follow her on Instagram.
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