“La Diva De Atlantic City” is showing us all that her hometown is becoming a drag destination once again; carry on with Kirby!
Thotyssey: Hi Kirby, thanks for chatting today! How’s April treating you so far?
Kirby: Hi my love! April is treating me so so good! A lot of new things happening, and a lot of new things in the works.
Very exciting! You’re in Atlantic City, NJ–that’s obviously a beach town that starts to pick pick up towards the end of this season, right?
Yes sir! Born in AC, currently living right outside of South Jersey’s beautiful playground. Us locals are preparing for the traffic to pick up, and I have a good feeling about this summer!
AC nightlife has been surprisingly not-so-queer in recent years, particularly since 2019’s closure of Rainbow Room. That might be changing now (we’ll get to that), but in general the queer venues in Jersey are spread out very far. Is that a challenge to navigate as a performer?
I was about 18-19 years old when Rainbow Room closed, so I never had the opportunity to really experience any queer venues out here. But like many other queer people before me, we find our way!
My introduction to queer nightlife came about in Philly, in their gayborhood. I was about 21 years old when I got a taste of the queer nightlife, and quickly fell in love. When I started performing, I was 24, and I was performing in small venues that hosted drag nights once a month. It was an amazing stepping stone for me, but I was hungry for more. Once a month wasn’t cutting it for me. I started digging and putting my name out there–competing in amateur shows, giving my Instagram out at any and every space I would be in. All that hard work paid off, because within my first eight months I had the opportunity to perform in New York, Philly, Florida, and all over Jersey.
It was challenging, I won’t lie… but I was determined to get my name out there, and show people what Atlantic City has to offer.
What drew you to nightlife and drag originally? Did you have a background in performing, makeup, fashion, etc?
I went to my first drag show for my 23rd birthday in NYC. The first queen I ever saw perform was NYC’s very own Shequida Hall. I remember falling in love with the level of production and passion that was poured into the show; I immediately fell in love.
I began playing with make up in 2020 during the lockdown. To be completely honest with you, I was tired of doing TikTok dances… I wanted to try something new! I had no previous knowledge of makeup, fashion or performing in general. All those things were new to me, but I was determined to get it right. The dancing, however, came naturally to me–I’m a proud Latino! We learn to dance before we learn how to walk.
Where did “Kirby” come from? The little pink round Nintendo guy?
You know what’s funny? That’s what everyone assumes! But the gag is… it’s my actual birth name. I decided to make it my stage name because no one ever believes it’s my real name. It’s always been an on-going joke between my family, friends and myself. And my “La Diva De Atlantic City” nickname came from the barbers at my barber shop that would yell “the diva from AC is here!”
How might you describe the drag you showcase nowadays, as far as looks and numbers go?
Latin Excellence mixed with a touch of the hot Cheeto girl that sat in the back of your math class. When it comes to looks, I love being able to try new styles and things that really push myself out of my comfort zone. Now when it comes to my numbers, I’ll have you dancing and singing along with me. I love performing numbers that move the crowd, and absolutely love throwing a throwback in the mix and seeing all the older people in the crowd living their best lives.
We Oldz appreciate it! You’ve got a few things coming this week… Thursday you’ll be back at Paradise in Asbury Park for “WEPA Latin Night!”
It absolutely is a ki! I love being able to perform out there, and seeing all mi gente come out and dance the night away.
Then on Friday you’ll be at Bar X in Philly for a RuPaul’s Drag Race viewing party–the much anticipated “Lalaparuza” episode–with your drag mom, Buttakup. What’s it like to host with Mother?
Correct! Friday night I’m at Bar X in Philly with my amazingly talented Mother ButtaKup; we can’t wait for the gay Super Bowl! I love any opportunity I get to host with her; she’s my best friend, so it doesn’t feel like work when we’re hosting. We definitely have the crowd laughing and gagging when we hit the dance floor.
Regarding Drag Race: have you enjoyed the season, and are you satisfied with this Top 4? Who’s your predicted winner, and what were your thoughts on former Miss Paradise Crystal Envy’s time on the show?
I did enjoy the season–I think this cast definitely gave us a great mixture of drag and reality TV. I think every single one of those girls earned their spots in the Top 4 , but I have to admit that my predicted winner for this season is none other than Onya! Crystal is a close friend of my other best friend Nessa Sky, who is also an amazingly talented Queen from Asbury Park!
Regarding Crystal’s run on the show–call me biased if you’d like, but I think my prima deserved to go farther! Her time was cut short on the show, but she’s got a long and successful career ahead of her… so I have no doubt in my mind that she’s going to continue to show the world how Jersey represents!
And circling back to Atlantic City, you’ll be returning to a newer venue there, The Byrd Cage, for “Pork Roll, Egg & Queens Drag Brunch” on Saturday morning with Kimmy Sumony and Lady Celestina! What can you tell us about this venue and brunch?
Yes, I’m ending my week back at home and with two of some of my favorite entertainers! I can’t even begin to tell you the amount of joy it brings me to say that we have a queer space back in AC. The food is phenomenal, the vibes are immaculate, and the shows! Baby, the shows! Seeing the drag scene thriving out here in my own backyard is so rewarding, and being a part of it makes it all that much more special.
What else is going on with you?
Drag career aside, I recently graduated from my medical assistant program… so I’m looking forward to continuing my education and career in healthcare. I was Atlanticare’s first and only LGBTQ+ Support Navigator for the company here in Atlantic City, NJ. I provided resources for the community, and was based out of Atlantic City’s first and only LGBTQ+ PrimaryCare office. I chose to continue my education in healthcare because I wanted to not only entertain my community, but I wanted to also be able to give back to them as well.
Wonderful work! Okay, finally: what’s your best advice for a new queen on the scene today, who wants to make it big in the scene?
The best advice I could give a new queen in the scene today would be: 1.) Believe in yourself. You have to be your biggest cheerleader and supporter. 2.) Pay your respect to all the older queens that came before you and I; if it wasn’t for them back then, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do today. 3.) Stand ten toes down on business; know your worth and don’t let anyone bully you or make you feel less than. Don’t be afraid to remind these girls they started somewhere, too. 4.) Find family and community–I promise you, you’ll need them. 5.) Stay true to who you are; it is very easy to lose yourself in this industry and nightlife in general. Don’t get caught up in any of the extra things. You’re there to put on a show and make your money, baby! And 6.) Have fun… after all, it is drag!
Thank you, Kirby!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Kirby’s upcoming appearances, and follow her on Instagram.
Thotyssey 
