Navigating two very different drag cities can be a challenge for many up-and-coming performers, but the multitalented / multimedia entertainer Ivy Fischer steals every stage she’s on… and now she’s bringing beauty to Brooklyn full time. [Cover photo: Toby Rhinehart]
Thotyssey: Ivy, hello! Thanks for chatting today! How are things?
Ivy Fischer: So good! I’m surrounded by family and friends right now and enjoying my favorite strawberry peanut butter smoothie. How are you?
I’m great, and that sounds delicious! You’re a very interesting person to watch in the drag world, because last I heard, you were balancing plenty of gigs between New York and Atlanta!
Yes, that’s right! I am a Georgia Peach. I’m born and raised in Atlanta and have been there for most of my life, up until June of 2024. I’ve always loved New York for its vibrant atmosphere, history, culture, and energy. Artistry thrives here. I’ve been afforded some amazing opportunities and experiences being one of Atlanta’s top divas, so I wanted to venture out and explore life in a new scene. I’d visited New York on and off for years, so when it finally got to the point of moving it felt so correct. I am Brooklyn-based, and travel back home on occasion to gig and see my loved ones.
How are you enjoying New York… and what are the big differences in the drag scene here versus Atlanta?
Not to be cheesy, but I love New York, lol. In the short time I’ve been here, I’ve met some incredibly genuine, kind, giving, and talented people–artists in every sense of the word. I’m a poet and musician as well, so I’ve been able to connect with people on so many levels outside of drag.
I think the biggest difference I’ve noticed is the sheer size of the scene here in New York versus Atlanta. I feel like up here, everybody and they mama a drag queen. Back home, we only have a handful of bars that are performance-focused… but New York has the infrastructure to cater to so many more people, performance styles, venues, etc.
Also, I would like to mention that some of the best entertainment you will find in the world exists in those Atlanta bars. Entertainment in New York is top-tier, and I find myself inspired by other performers in the scene constantly.
Can you tell us a bit about how you discovered drag, and what your drag is like today?
There’s certainly more than meets the eye when it comes to me. But I do like to stick to what I know in terms of performance style, looks, etc. Ivy Fischer is the girl next door meets sex siren. I’m like if Roxanne from A Goofy Movie grew up and became an even badder bitch somehow. The Black Holli Would (sans tragic “pick me” energy), if you will. My inspirations are Eartha Kitt, Lola Folana, Victoria Monet, Pam Grier, Miyuki Ayukawa, SZA… the list could go on. I like to embody sensuality in my movement and exude confidence in my performance. My goal whenever I get on stage is to make people feel something… whether that’s excited, happy, enamored, silly, whatever. You might leave an Ivy show thinking about me the next morning, lol.
I started performing after working at a local queer arts magazine in Atlanta, Wussy Magazine, for about a year and a half. The leader of that publication would put on shows around the city and book various Drag Race girls. One day he asked me if I wanted to try performing at an upcoming Christmas show, and the rest was history. That was 2019.
Beautiful! Can you tell us more about the kind of music and poetry you create, and if you ever incorporated that into your drag?
I write a lot about love. The excitement of loving and being in love, and being surrounded by it, is truly intoxicating to me. I’m a Cancer, so I’m heavy on romance and expressing my emotions. The people around me who I love will feel it, and vice versa. I write about my friendships, my familial relationships, my grandmother.. I went to school for journalism and film; I used to write pieces, and then turn them into short films and video essays. I love mixing my art mediums together to create things that are personal to me, but also resonate with others.
I’m also a cellist! I started playing in the sixth grade, lol. Classical music has always been so beautiful to me. The richness and fullness of the cello and the way it sounds when you play it immediately pulled me in. I told you I’m all about feeling, and you literally have to hug the cello when you play it… so I’ve been obsessed since I was younger. I actually did get to play it in Janelle No. 5’s most recent “Ultimate Diva” pageant! I dressed as Akasha, Queen of the Damned and played “Are You That Somebody” by Aaliyah on the cello. It was vampy, bloody, lyrical and beautiful.
You’ve got some great gigs coming up here in NYC, including the award-winning out-of-the-box drag showcase “STR8 to DVD” at C’mon Everybody on April 12th!
I’m so excited. I love performing at C’mon, and I’m looking forward to ki’ing with the girls. You can catch me at “Sexx Dreams” that same night afterwards, with Janelle No. 5!
3 Dollar Bill presents “Dollapalooza” on May 17, featuring a massive all trans cast including yourself. Not only will this be a great show, but it will be an important statement of strength and solidarity during these unfriendly times.
Babyyy… “Dollapalooza” finna be fabbbb! I’m so excited to get to meet and share the stage with even more girls in the scene. It warms my heart to see such a huge display of transsexual excellence. Everyone gets an E-shot on me!
Have great shows! My last question will be: what is your most essential item in your drag bag, cosmetic or otherwise?
My most essential items are floss, Listerine mouth wash, a toothbrush and toothpaste, and My Way by Giorgio Armani.
Excellent choices! Thanks, Ivy!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Ivy Fischer’s upcoming appearances, and follow her on Instagram.
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