The Bratz Beauty of the Hudson Valley, Bambi is no stranger to NYC drag… and she’s about to join up with one of the city’s hottest stage revues. [Cover photo: Alekz Pacheco]
Thotyssey: Bambi, hello! As of this writing we’re in the middle of Halloweekend… how are you handling all the sexy spookiness so far?
Bambi: Hi diva! I’m currently rotting from all of last night’s tequila consumption, but we’re thriving and we are surviving, henny!
I hear that! Is tequila usually your beverage of choice on a night out?
Oh, for sure! A tequila and seltzer gets me all the way together.
Amen! So we’ve seen a few Bambi Something-or-Others come through New York drag over the years, but you may be the first Just Bambi in awhile! What about that name speaks to you?
Honestly, I really wanted my name to resemble a stripper’s name, lol! But I really love the juxtaposition of “Bambi” being this cute and innocent baby deer that can barely walk, and then there’s me — a 5’4″, slutty, high energy diva who can use her strong ass legs.
Where are you from originally, and did you have interests in things like performance and fashion while growing up?
A drag queen who gets to talk about herself? Hell yeah! Let me stop, OMG!
Yes! I was born, raised and currently living in Newburgh, NY right in the Hudson Valley. I definitely grew up with the desire to perform and just move. I trained in Tae Kwon Do for fourteen years, which peaked my interest in dance… so I trained in that for six years. I finally got to perform in high school, and that bug bit me right in the ass so hard, girl! As far as fashion goes, BRATZ BRATZ BRATZ. Love everything Bratz, hence my look. But also, I am heavily inspired by all of my Latina divas growing up. Give me anything Y2K, hip-hop inspired!
How did you enter NYC’s drag world, and what do you think are the joys and challenges of navigating it today?
I’ve had the desire to do drag for about ten years, so I visited the city for a few brunches when I debuted in 2023. I met Hibiscus at Fresco’s, where she booked me for a show she was hosting at Stonewall a few months later. Since then I competed at “Drag Wars” twice, but then took a bit of a drag break. It wasn’t until I recently competed at Freeda Kulo’s competition at The Ritz where I really started to storm.
I find the joy in just performing, really. Especially the connections I’ve made with so many other artists and the people who come out to support! As far challenges go, mostly the commute. But drag is so worth it to me. There’s also so many newer artists these days, but I believe that my performance capabilities along with my charisma on and off stage really helps.
You’re going to be part of one of NYCs more unique and successful shows this coming Monday: Apocalypse Noir at Balcon, headed by Andrew Barret Cox! Have you seen the show before… and what can we expect from what you’ll be serving?
Ah yes! The show is phenomenal! Literally one of my favorites in the city, period. Ya’ll can expect me to do the most. Jump splits! Dips! Kicks! Just going to have the most fun!
What else is coming up for you?
Honestly, not too much a the moment besides Apocalypse Noir on Monday. But I do intend on popping out and supporting the girls… so ya’ll catch me out and about! I also have an upcoming gig in December at The Ritz with Queenlee Stars for her weekly show “Toxica.” But ya’ll can also catch me performing at my home bar, The Roosevelt in Beacon, NY with my girlies for my drag mother Andramada’s weekly show “Yas Diva” every Friday night!
I also want to express my gratitude for the divas who’ve allowed me to perform on their stages, and to everyone who shows up to support! The divas who I’ve met along the way, too! It truly warms my heart so freaking much.
Okay lastly… what’s the most essential item in your drag bag, cosmetic or otherwise?
Oh girl… GUM! I fully believe in smelling good, especially my breath! We’re networking all the time in nightlife, and more often than not you’re face to face in a packed venue. So I pride myself in my breath smelling good!
Well said, and well smelled! Thanks, Bambi!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Bambi’s area appearances, and follow her on Instagram.
Thotyssey 