First On Point of 2025! Born into a family of actual Fire Island drag royalty, Brooklyn queen Paris Filter serves a gorgeous hue all her own. [Cover photo: Ryan Kell]
Thotyssey: Paris, hello! Happy New Year!
Paris Filter: Hi!! Happy New Year to you too Angel, I hope 2025 is treating you fab so far!
Thank you! How did you ring in 2025?
Well, I’m usually out on the town on New Years–but after these last couple months I’ve been taking a lot of time to rest and focus on the future. So I actually made plans to finally see Wicked! I’m probably the last person on the planet to see it by now, but I finally found the time before the year was over. I spent the day with the love of my life– my partner Collin. We just moved into a new apartment, so we really wanted to be home this year and with our fur baby.
Could you share a bit of your origin story: where’s your original hometown, and how did drag come into your life?
I was born in Deer Park, New York, and I didn’t have much queer representation around me where I was growing up in Long Island. but I’ve always been extremely grateful to have my Uncle Joey, who has always been there to support me as a queer elder. He actually introduced me to drag through his own journey with drag and performing in the 80’s and 90’s; his glamour and resilience has made me the woman I am today. His drag name was Jenna Jaret, and he is a former Miss Fire Island (1997) and New York City legend. He impersonated Madonna and Marilyn Monroe, who have become such icons to me both aesthetically and through their life experiences. I’m so honored that I’m able to carry the torch and continue a legacy of blonde ambition in my own way.
That’s fascinating, he must be so proud!
Oh he definitely is, trust and believe; he loves to make a collage of our pictures to show the similarities, and it’s so sweet. I definitely draw my inspiration for my looks from him, as well as Amanda Lepore and Marilyn.
How then might you describe your drag today?
I was raised by my Italian Long island mother, and she had instilled my love for the 80s and all the glamour that came along with it–and that definitely creeps into the numbers I perform; I love a Shannon number, or Madonna. Then again, at the end of the day I’m definitely a showgirl, and I love to perform anything that exudes sensuality and seduction like Lana Del Rey or Jessie Ware–as long as I can still emote and share something fun and campy with the audience. You can always expect high glamour from me, but I’m also not afraid to be stupid and vulnerable. It’s taken me way too many Britney mixes to get here, but I’m grateful.
Do people ever ask you if you are “related” to Brita Filter, lol?
Funny enough, actually not really! I’ve never gotten to meet her in person, but I admire her so much and all the work she does for our community.
In some of your recent IG pics, I see a little resemblance to Janelle No. 5, who hosted the “Are You The Ultimate Diva All Stars” pageant you were invited to compete in back in November!
Well thank you so much, Janelle is absolutely stunning so that is the biggest compliment! She has taught me so much about drag, especially towards the beginning of my drag career whilst competing in “Are You The Next Diva” competitions, and given me so many amazing opportunities I couldn’t thank her enough.
I did decide to drop out of the “All Stars” competition unfortunately due to personal circumstances, but I still was so excited to attend in support of all of the divas competing. Everyone absolutely blew me away, especially Angel Au; she is just trans excellence on a platter and she tore talent up… I mean, c’mon! But ultimately I was so proud of everyone and what they brought to the pageant, and the newly crowned “Ultimate Diva” Venus Mystique. I’m so proud to see trans women get the flowers we so do deserve. It was a beautiful night, and it was so nice to see the girls shine and turn a lewk with my angel of life, Miss Aimee Amour!
Tell us about “Extra! Extra!,” the show you host with Aimee at Sandy Jack’s usually every fifth Friday—although it’s making a special return appearance tomorrow, January 3rd!
“Extra! Extra!” all started when me and Aimee were proposed with a Pride party at Pianos, where we hosted an open set together and celebrated the beginning of Pride Month. After how successful the show was, we knew we couldn’t let such a good thing just end. Then out of the blue like an angel, Michael Thayer–the owner of a bar called Sandy Jack’s in Brooklyn–presented us with an opportunity for “A Night Out with Paris and Aimee.” Aimee was already very close with Micheal, and we clicked instantly. He has cultivated such a beautiful, safe space for so many queer individuals, especially trans folks, and welcomed me into the Sandy Jack’s fam with open arms.
And yes! We were originally every fifth Friday, and we are making a new special appearance… and there’s much to be revealed about that soon, but for the moment I must stay illusive! I’m so excited to turn out an amazing show tomorrow–and I’m very excited for the talent we will also be featuring in edition to Aimee and I. We have Ambroja Zwaan and Zeraiya Yōkø joining us, and I just know they’re gonna bring the glamour to “Extra! Extra!”
What else is coming up for you?
I definitely have a lot of things in the works, and I’m always creating and working on projects. I’m currently working on a song with Miss Aimee, and It’s been such a fun process! I can’t wait to see where the song goes and for everyone to hear it soon…we’re conceptualizing visuals and a possible music video so definitely stay tuned for what’s to come!
Wow, very amazing! And finally, speaking of amazement: RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 17 is premiering mere hours before your show! Who or what are you most excited to see this season?
I’m so excited for the premiere! Bertha Vanayshun is going to be hosting a viewing party at Sandy Jack’s every Friday–actually right before our show on this Friday! So definitely come by for the viewing, and stay and party for “Extra! Extra!” I’m so excited to of course see my NYC sisters Lana Ja’Rae and Crystal Envy absolutely demolish… I’m also such a Lexi Love fan, and I’m always gonna root for the dolls!
Thanks, Paris!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Paris Filter’s upcoming appearances, and follow her on Instagram.
Thotyssey 
I’m a Proud Momma!
I Love you so much 💎♥️
LikeLike