Boston burlesque beauty Briar Blush is a star of her city’s drag scene, and is beginning to conquer New York as well. Next stop, the world! [Cover photo: Amanda Macchia with Mike Krodel]
Thotyssey: Hello Ms. Blush! How has summer been treating you so far?
Briar Blush: Summer’s been great! Pride was extremely busy for me, and July and August. I’ve been taking time to focus on upcoming shows this September and October!
You are a Boston queen… how might you describe the drag scene there?
The Boston drag scene is very diverse in terms of its art. I find that there’s a whole camp of beautiful, gorgeous dolls. We are goblins and everything, and every sort of art form of drag that you do. I for one sort of fit in between the two categories where I perform with the gorgeous dolls and the crazy goblins!
You’re such a gorge queen! How long have you been in the biz?
Seven long, long years. I started in Boston, but then I moved to Orlando for two years and then I came back right before the pandemic. I always was interested in doing burlesque and also doing drag, and that just shifted into me.
How might you describe your drag today as far as looks and numbers go?
I would consider myself as a drag burlesque entertainer. I would describe my numbers as conceptual, creative and distinctively Briar. I only wanna do things that actually excite me as an artist.
We’re in weird times now for drag performers and queer expression… do you feel like the role of a drag queen has changed at all?
If anything, I feel like it’s more traditional what we’re doing now because of what’s going on culturally. Being a queer artist in and outward is meant to be provocative art, or at the very least outside of the societal expectations of what our gender rules are. Drag was getting so mainstream for a second there that with the current wave of conservatism, I think it creates a direct conflict to what drag has been for the last couple years.
You performed in New York a bunch of times this year, including a few gigs just this past June. Any plans to return here anytime soon?
Absolutely! I plan on returning to New York August 28 for a Man’s Best Friend album release party hosted by Atomic Annie [and Chase Runaway, at C’mon Everybody]! I also plan on being in New York more frequently within 2026. I kind of consider NYC to be a homebase away from home, and I have so many good friends over there who are parts of my inner circle.
What can you tell us about what else might be coming up for you?
Stay tuned… I think I’ll be diversifying my drag soon enough. In Boston, I’ve written and produced many theater shows with distinct narratives and visions… and this is something I want to bring to New York soon!
So exciting! Fnal question: what’s the most essential item in your drag bag, cosmetic or otherwise?
I think the most essential item in my drag bag is actually the drag bag itself — a quality bag will get you far in life. Mine personally is Vivienne Westwood. But to answer that question more earnestly: bring a toothbrush and toothpaste, for obvious reasons.
Thanks, Briar!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Briar Blush’s upcoming area appearances, and follow her on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok and her website.
Thotyssey 