Currently slaying NYC drag stages with fierce beauty and blazing movement, Southern Belle Faye Scarred is a fascinating work in progress. [Cover photo: Brit Manchester]
Thotyssey: Hey, Faye! How was your July 4th?
Faye Scarred: Heyo! This year I chose to take time for myself on the 4th of July. I stayed home, watched Love Island, and ate pizza.
Love Island has exploded! Will you be on it someday?
OMG, yes! I will say, nothing beats Season 6. I would love to be on the show, for the sole purpose of crashing out on live television.
You did a Pride Month show in Manhattan with Odessa Da Gawd, how did that go?
It was a lot of fun! It was at a restaurant called 1803. I admire Odessa for so many reasons, so I felt honored to do a show with her. I do know she has a brunch in Jersey that I may or may not be joining in the near future! Being so new to the drag scene, it was nice to pick her brain as she is a more experienced queen.
Where’s your original hometown, and what were some of your early creative interests and pursuits while growing up?
I was born in a small town in Georgia, and spent most of my life there. I found a liking towards musical theatre at a young age, and have chased my Broadway dreams ever since.
Do you have an all time favorite show or showtune?
Thats such a hard question! I will always a special place in my heart for The Wiz. I love every song in the show, but listening to the final song “Home” never gets old.
Lovely choice! How did you discover and ultimately enter the drag world?
I moved to New York City to pursue my Broadway dreams, because growing up that is all I focused on. However, once I got to the city and was introduced to an environment that welcomes queerness and diversity, for the first time I considered a different pathway. After stumbling upon local drag at “Drag Wars,” I was so inspired to pivot and take a leap of faith. Now here I am, eight months into drag and I couldn’t be happier.
I love your drag name: when I first saw it; for a quarter of a second I thought it was some sort of emo reference until I heard “Face Card,” lol! It’s also great to have a Faye in NY drag.
Aw, thank you! When finding my name, I knew I wanted it to be a play on words and something that felt Gen Z. So as I was trying to fall asleep, I kept thinking of Gen Z slang that I could turn into a name that had a realistic first name. “Faye Scarred” felt perfect for so many reasons beyond my rubric! I do have a scar on my face that I’m asked about quite often, and felt insecure about for some time. Also, starting with the name Faye Scarred forced me to figure out a sickening mug, and quickly!
The mug is fierce indeed! How might you describe the type of drag performance and fashions you like to serve these days?
I’m honestly still trying to figure all of that out. I will say, I love to showcase my body… so the less fabric, the better. moving forward, I would love to experiment with more avant-garde, high fashion lewks. As for performance, I believe sex sells — but oddly combining it with a dark, dramatic storytelling element. I’m inspired by all kinds of drag queens from Lana Ja’Rae to performance styles like Julie J.
We love a darkly dramatic sexy work in progress! A queen who has also been serving that energy on the RuPaul’s Drag Race stage has been Lydia Butthole Kollins. You and several other local stars will be joining her onstage when she invades 3 Dollar Bill on Friday!
I am so excited! I didn’t realize how much my drag is inspired by Lydia B Kollins until I was offered this booking at 3DB. I had the epiphany that if Lydia and Kori King had an offspring, it would likely look like me!
Though this isn’t my first time performing at 3DB, it will be my first time performing in my own drag persona. For it to be with a much loved queen currently on Rupaul’s Drag Race is mind blowing to me, I can’t really fathom it.
What else is coming up for you?
I am a contestant in the upcoming season of the “Drag Wars All-Stars” competition hosted by Shequida Hall at Pieces Bar! I am looking forward to showcasing the best of me, and would love to see everyone there! Stay tuned!
Good luck! Okay, lastly: what’s the most essential item in your drag bag, cosmetic or otherwise?
Wig adhesive. My biggest fear is my wig falling off; I am determined to go my whole drag journey without having my wig fall off. I don’t think I can take the embarrassment.
I’ve seen it happen to the best, but it’s still a good goal! Thanks, Faye!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Faye Scarred’s upcoming appearances, and follow her on Instagram and TikTok.
Thotyssey 