As Jersey drag continues to expand and evolve, keep your eyes on its unique collective La Gatita and one of their founding diva destroyers, Acid Reflux!
Thotyssey: Hi Acid! It’s a mild late August afternoon… how has summer been treating you?
Acid Reflux: My summer has been all over the place, but I’m getting rest when I can and enjoying time to myself.
Your savage band of drag folx La Gatita just opened for the Werq the World girls!
Yes! It was an interesting experience for sure, and a huge milestone for our collective. We got to meet the RuGirls for a short period of time, and make a name for the DIY scene. Although it was a bit stressful, as with any big milestone, our collective showcased what we do best.
Amazing! For those unfamiliar, how might you explain what the DIY drag scene is specifically?
I would describe it as a subculture where artists / creatives create and produce their own shows without any ties to corporations; it’s simply for community. That is the origin of La Gatita. We started off in our friends’ basement, building the space by scratch — cleaning, decorating and creating the DIY drag space where all forms of drag were welcomed in.
Where are you from, and how did you begin as an artist / performer?
I’m a Latin trans artist based in New Jersey, and I began performing three years ago at the basement shows in New Brunswick. There was a space called the “Teachers Lounge” run by my close friends Eden and Isa who also threw DIY shows. I ended up performing as Acid Reflux for the first time at that space, outside their apartment on the concrete. I would continue to join lineups at band / basement shows, making a name for myself in the punk scene and eventually getting to secure a basement to throw our own drag shows in. My friends and I were the only queer folk in New Brunswick hosting DIY drag events; it became such a huge hit, and created space for queer / trans art to flourish.
Did you ever have actual acid reflux, by the way? I hear it’s not fun.
Yes, actually… I still have it to this day! Me and my friend Eden (who I’d mentioned before) created the name Acid Reflux when we were trying to find a drag name that fits. We couldn’t find anything until I remembered that I had a bad case of acid reflux.
How might you describe the drag you do today, as far as looks and numbers go?
Grunge / horror ,with accents of feminine beauty. I love to emulate a demonic spirit searching for lost souls. My looks always require a ton of layers — reds and black being my staple colors — and a lot of graphic eyeliner! I also can’t forget wearing two different contacts to top off the spooky doll that is Acid Reflux.
As far as numbers, a lot of my drag performances are about hitting the beats in the songs with my body. I love to tell a story through movement; whether I choose high energy or more emotional takes in my numbers, I will always move my body to the feeling of the music.
Is there an overall spooky element throughout La Gatita, or do you all have very different aesthetics?
I would say each member of La Gatita — Sourdoe, Tangelina Holee, Mx. Media, Jaris, Indigenita, Eden Kitty, Dollie Emani and DJ Gloverrrboi — have their own unique styles of drag. Anytime we perform together, it’s always something different; we never do the same numbers as each other. Our collective’s looks can variate from spooky demon, a clownish vibe, nonbinary disco eleganza, or a monologue / rap remix. We pride ourselves in welcoming all forms of drag, and it shows through the members of our crew.
You beasties are all over the Tri-State! La Gatita is a perfect match for Brooklyn, but are you surprised to have found such devoted fans in your Jersey homebase?
I honestly wasn’t surprised. I knew even before La Gatita started that there was a queer scene; they just needed a space to get things started. I would always hear the same saying: “there’s not a lot of queer spaces in Jersey,” which I totally agree with. There could always be more. But I’m really glad La Gatita opened up that space for queer / trans folk to come see different forms of drag art…not just one.
La Gatita will be in Brooklyn’s Purgatory for “Gotham Rave” on August 30, a tribute to Batman’s hometown and your birthday show! Happy Birthday! Tell us more!
It’s been my dream to have a full out nerd production. As a child, I always grew up with super heroes and villains… it’s heavy inspiration for my drag as well. I wanted to throw a Gotham themed rave for my 24th birthday because I saw Acid Reflux as a super villain in that universe — hence the inspiration of the flyer. I wanted to see everyone’s creative takes on the Gotham characters. It wouldn’t be a Reflux Rave without some sickening DJs as well. I wanted to recreate the club scenes from the Gotham animated series, but make it queer / trans!
That will be a night to remember! What else is coming up for you? No doubt the Spooky Season will keep you busy!
After such an eventful summer, I will be letting Acid Reflux rest in September. But La Gatita is planning a huge open call Halloween show for October! Our last one was called “Halloween Homecoming” at our home space coLAB Arts in New Brunswick. It was a huge hit; we packed out the space, and definitely want to bring it back. We also have a lot more spooky DJ events we’re planning to have in Brooklyn, to keep the spooky vibes going for October. Stay tuned for a ton of spooks from the kitty fam!
Very exciting… and terrifying! Okay lastly: what’s your most essential item in your drag bag?
It would have to be my black Makeup Forever lip pencil, my colored contacts case, setting spray to keep my makeup moisturized, thin nail brushes and my Danesaa Myricks liner to touch up any lines at the gig. And my favorite perfume combo to smell sexy throughout the night. Oh, and don’t forget the press-on nails and nail glue — always have to keep those demon claws on. And don’t forget the blood spray, in case you got some ghouls and goblins in the audience.
Thanks, Acid!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Acid Reflux’s upcoming appearances, and follow her on Instagram.
Thotyssey 