The Slaysian Diva of Los Angeles stole our hearts with memorable moments on last season’s “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” Now, Mother Mattress is coming for NYC! [Cover photo: @jordysng]
Thotyssey: Joella, hello! Thanks so much for chatting today! We are basically creeping into the Spooky Season now… are you a fan of Halloween drag vibes, or is it not your thing?
Joella: Hi! I am a very big fan of spooky season! I currently am getting ready for it, and have already begun my fall / Halloween movie rotation. I’ve been watching Coraline, Twilight, Nightmare Before Christmas and Wednesday the Netflix series, and I need to get to a lot more.
What’s the best gay thing to do in LA for Halloween?
Definitely to watch a drag show, or to go to a Halloween party or event. I definitely would recommend any Friday, Saturday, and Sunday brunch shows at Precinct. Honestly, every show they have there on any day is a good show. Those nights usually are also parties where you can hang out, drink, and dance in between or before and after the drag show.
We’ve enjoyed watching you alongside Melinda Verga, Ongina and DeeDee Marié Holliday react to Drag Race Philippines: Slaysian Royale on WOWPresents’ YouTube. What are your overall thoughts on the season?
I really enjoy watching Slaysian Royale. I feel like the drag is definitely elevated, and there has been some cute drama. I really love Khianna, and I’ve lived for her drag ever since I saw her on her original season. I gag over her every time I watch her on my TV screen. I’m also rooting for Yuhua. I live for her drag, and I started watching Drag Race during Season 10’s airing time… so she’s very symbolic to me.
Do you think World of Wonder was inspired by your “Slaysian Diva” nickname when they thought to make this special season of Drag Race, or was it a long time coming?
I can’t say, as I don’t know. But I will say I love that the Drag Race world is getting more SLAYSIAN. Also, Drag Race is my favorite TV show, so this is very cool.
Regarding the last American installment of Drag Race All-Stars, did you have any particular thoughts about Ginger Minj’s win? Certainly many other RuGirls did!
I think that it’s unfair that the conversation of her winning is always surrounded with doubt. No one deserves to feel like they have to diminish themselves. She is a very talented, well-rounded queen, and ate the competition up.
Your time on Drag Race’s 17th Season was sadly short lived, but quite memorable for the fans! Do you remember your time competing and filming very clearly like it was yesterday, or does it all seem like a weird dream?
There are some moments I remember and can replay in my head like a video in my photos app, but it feels like a weird dream. It’s something I’ve dreamed of every day for a very long time (five years), and felt so impossible. I knew and have worked with queens who had been cast in the past, but never had a close, close sister make it on to the show. So, getting the call felt like I was in a dream. I still feel like I’m in a dream, and I’m so scared I’ll wake up one day and this will all be fake.
Your personal ties to Katy Perry and emotional reaction to her appearance on your season led to one of those memorable moments. Ms. Perry has been catching heat from all directions this year, from the Space Adventure to onstage antics to some social media snafus! Are the people just being haters? Also, if she gets engaged to Justin Trudeau will you take the proper steps you need to officiate their wedding in Canada, lol?
I love her and if she wants to book me, she knows where she can reach me.
Of course, your mattress runway look will live rent free in our collective minds forever and ever! It was drag camp whimsey at its best. Did you know that was going to be the Moment that it was?
I honestly did not predict that it would go so viral.
Carrying a mattress around for live touring shows is probably not a viable option, but I’m guessing you’ve done a Cameo or two in a variation of that look? Also, is “mattress drag” something you want to move past, or do you enjoy having this niche thing to play with?
I love playing around with it and will continue to do so, but there’s always room for more.
What are some of the challenges you missed after leaving that you know you would’ve slayed?
I think I could have done good in Drag Race Live and the Rusical.
While watching your season back, were you surprised to see how the personal drama unfolded with your fellow castmembers after you left, or did it all “track?“
Honestly, it all tracked. But, I was shocked when I watched the Untucked episode where Lana, Onya, and Kori are off to the side talking about my wig while I was sitting on the couch. I had no idea that conversation was happening right in front of me, and that’s the funniest part.
Which might be more fun for you: returning to American Drag Race for an All-Stars season, or competing in a second Slaysian Royale?
I’m ready for whatever WOW wants me for.
How is the LA drag scene these days? I feel like so many queens are moving there lately!
I think the LA drag scene has been thriving, and I love seeing all the girls grow and do more… and I love my sisters so so much. I’m very proud to be a drag queen from LA.
What’s been your experience with New York nightlife? Any favorite queens to twirl with, or venues to twirl in?
My first night out in New York was during press week [for my Drag Race season], and it was the first night we all had gone there. I’ve always dreamed of going to NYC, and even talking about it right now is putting butterflies in my chest. We went into the subway, and it felt like a movie. When we walked out into Times Square, it was like the world stopped for one second. Being on Drag Race felt so real at that moment. I had realized I was doing Drag Race press week, and I’ve dreamt of it for so long. We went to a few bars; Acacia led the way. On the way to one of our stops we passed by Sunset Boulevard and they were doing the outside live camera scene, and that was really cool. We saw a drag show, and went to another bar with cowboys dancing on the bar. Honestly, I was so overwhelmed with how excited I was to be alive, so I can’t remember any of these places’ names.
You’ll soon be in town again — around the same time as another legendary diva, Dua Lipa! In fact, you’ll be performing for a Dua concert afterparty at Red Eye on September 20th, along with your season sister Lana Ja’Rae. What can we expect from the show, and do you have a favorite Dua Lipa song?
First of all, I’m so excited to be with my sister Lana Ja’Rae. I love her so so much, and have always admired her drag. I also love Dua Lipa, and have been a fan since her first album. My favorite Dua Lipa song is probably “Physical.”
What else is coming up for you?
I’m embarking on the Slaysian Tour, where at every stop I perform and host a show featuring local Asian talent. With this tour, I want to uplift the Asian community and showcase Asian drag and art. The point is to not necessarily have everything Asian themed… I feel Asian drag artists are often pigeonholed and pushed to make their drag look more “Asian.” That’s such a racist and weird expectation to uphold. I want to show everyone what these artists do.
Excellent! Finally: what’s your favorite Halloween candy?
Sweet ropes or Kit Kat.
Thanks, Joella!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Joella’s upcoming area appearances, and follow her on Instagram, TikTok and LinkTree,
Thotyssey 