Out of the box, into the (paper) bag and onto the Brooklyn Pride stage this weekend… Amaya Dabaddest answers her name’s own question!
Thotyssey: Hello Amaya, thanks for chatting with us today and Happy Pride Month! Are you excited / stressed about all the Things to do this June?
Amaya Dabaddest: I’m feeling all of the feelings–excited and stressed as well. This is my first time performing for any Pride event, as well as this being the time that we need to stand united more than ever! Anything I can do to make our community respected more and loved more, I will.
She’s gonna serve some sickening shows, just when the people need them most! I saw you at Polish the Queen’s second ever G Lounge competition installment last night. You did a crazy / hilarious number that started out with you wearing a paper bag on your head!
LMAO, one of my new numbers actually. My drag is very in the words of Katya: “a comedic mover.” So this mix is just nostalgia at its finest. I come in as Candace from Phineas and Ferb when’s she sick with the parsnips….which explains the bag!
All the kids loved it! So most of your drag comedic?
I would say so; I always try to find the stupidity in everything, and really drag it through the mud. And I love to dance as well. Stella D’oro calls me The Energizer Bunny. I give [all the] energy and emoting with my face.
You also recently won a round of the monthly competition at El Santo in Brooklyn, Miss Cheesecake!
Yes I did–I love Miss Cheesecake! Michelle Ann Starr and Lailah Lancing are amazing hosts, and I can’t wait to go back to defend my title.
Another fun thing that happened during one of your recent competing nights, this time at Shequida’s Monday night Drag Wars at Pieces: Lizzo came in to shoot a scene for her “Still Bad (Animal Style)” remix video with you and the other contestants, right there!
OMG yes it was such a surprise! We knew someone was coming, but they did not tell us. Then her camera crew came in through the rain with her in her Met Gala outfit, and shot the video with us! I wore my purple dress and was in the front for it, and was living!
Can you tell us a bit about where you’re from, and how how you ultimately became a queen?
I am born and raised in Bedstuy, Brooklyn NY and have lived here all my life. I actually was in a very tough spot before I did drag. I was–and kinda am still–an introverted extrovert. Like I want to say hi and greet people, but I learned that some spaces were not really socially accepting me–not only in regular spaces, but also queen spaces because of the way I look.
Then I found this bearded queen goddess named Kizha Carr, and she was and is so unapologetically black and unapologetically herself that it inspired me to start to do drag. I was just tired of being seen or looked at as “intimidating” or “scary,” when all I want to do is be respected and have fun. I’ve gotten better because of that, and it’s made me a better person.
That’s a wonderful journey! As far as the weekly competition shows go, are you generally “in it to win it,” or in it to be seen, to practice performing and looks, make connections, etc.?
When I do competitions, it’s really to get my name out there and show people that the drag that I do–even if I’m not doing the splits and dips–that my drag is just as entertaining, if not more. It’s a mixture of everything; I love making connections with people. I’m a little nervous when I speak to people cuz of my anxiety, but I love to face that fear when it comes! And who doesn’t love to win!?
I know a number queens who have social anxiety or are introverted who say that drag empowers and emboldens them… do you find that to be true for yourself?
Yes, it truly does. I believe I’m just a little more powerful when I’m in drag. Am I The Baddest? I love that this is not only my name, but my story. You have to learn to appreciate yourself more, and sometimes it’s hard. But when I’m in drag, I just feel like I’m making a statement that doesn’t need to be explained.
On Saturday, you’re performing on stage in the Brooklyn Pride festival! How amazing is that!?
I am so nervous and excited at the same time. This is my first Pride performance ever, and I know that I have to give it all I got–not only Brooklyn, but for all of our LGBTQIA+ community. I can’t wait to have some fun with everyone!
House Down Boots! Another huge event you will be a part of is Julie J’s “A Very Black Drag Show” on Juneteenth at 3 Dollar Bill… a massive, stellar cast of local drag talent is on the bill for that one!
Yes for the POC drag show! This jewel, Julie J! She is another one that has always been in my corner since the very beginning. She’s helped me emotionally, financially, spiritually, helped me see my worth. And when she asked me, there was no hesitation at all. I am just so blessed by the opportunities that I’m getting, cuz two years ago I was so broken. Drag and all of these performers and supporters who have been loving me for me are the reason why Amaya can call herself Dabaddest.
Anything else you wanna mention?
I just want to say I am more than honored to be a part of these shows, but more proud of being in this community and spreading love–it’s the Brooklyn way, Notorious BIG. Oh, and one more thing–if you love drag, then come support your local bars and local drag performers because we are all trying to survive and thrive, and make as much as we can… cuz it’s hard.
Well said! Okay, lastly: if you’re watching and can keep track of all these damn brackets, lol… who do you wanna see win Drag Race All-Stars?
OMG that’s so hard. Can I choose one from each bracket? Irene, Lydia and Acid Betty!
Thanks, Amaya!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Amaya Dabaddest’s upcoming appearances, and follow her on Instagram.
Thotyssey 