Known to serve both looks and numbers, Aurora Ivy was just nominated for being the first person you see at the party. [Cover photo: Matt Dickson]
Thotyssey: Hi Aurora! Thanks for chatting today! How is late November treating you so far… and perhaps more importantly, how many times have you seen Wicked For Good so far, lol?
Aurora Ivy: Hello! Thank you for having me! November has been great so far — keeping me busy, but in the best way! Now, I surprisingly haven’t seen Wicked For Good yet… but I actually plan on going later this evening.
Enjoy! And congrats on your recent Glam Awards nomination for Best Door Goddess! Did that nom surprise you at all?
Thank you so much! I honestly was hoping for a nomination this year because I feel like I’ve put so much work in… specifically at the door! I love just having fun and getting to know the people that come through any door I’m at. All that to say, I’m less surprised, but more so just happy and grateful, that the people of nightlife are recognizing the work I’ve put in. I’m honored to be nominated!
Where can folks usually find you Door Goddessing at?
You can come see me every Thursday at Boxers Hells Kitchen for “Hustlers,” every Friday at Metropolitan in Brooklyn for any party going on, and I’m also there every Saturday for “Sexx Dreams!” You may also occasionally see me pop up at 3 Dollar Bill!
I remember Vena Cava’s acceptance speech for her Best Door Goddess win at the Glams a few years ago, where she said something to the effect of, “don’t sleep on the door queens, they know everybody’s pay cut at the end of the night,” lol! Door Goddesses do have a unique power and skillset, right?
Haha she’s not wrong! There is power in what we do, because we set the tone for the whole night! We’re the first people there, and it’s our job to get the party started and get people inside, while at the same time still trying to get sales. Producers, hosts, performers, and bar staff all depend on us to make budget and make sure that everyone else is able to be paid at the end of the night, which in my opinion is one of the most important roles of a party. You have to be uniquely personable and inviting, but also business-savvy while standing your ground.
You’re also a full on performer yourself for other gigs. How might you describe your drag today, as far as looks and numbers go?
My drag is ever changing and evolving as I discover more of myself! I love serving a look. I love a little sparkle, a little skin, and just being glamorous and put together. My early childhood plays a big role in my drag, because I always wanted to be the gorgeous pop stars I heard on the radio, and saw on TV. Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande, Miley Cyrus, and Rihanna were my divas! Uma Thurman specifically as Poison Ivy, I think altered something in my brain chemistry, lol. I’ve wanted to look as beautiful as her. I also look up to so many drag icons that have come before me, such Aquaria, Sasha Velour and Janelle No. 5 — who has been such an amazing mentor and friend to me coming into the New York scene, which I never could’ve thought possible.
As far as performances go, I love to give a crowd a sensual feeling — a little glam and sex with a bit of edge to it. I love performing all my pop icons, because that just makes me feel happiest. One of my goals for this coming year is actually to get my name out there more as a performer, and let more people see all those sides of me!
Can you share some of your origin story with us? Where are you from originally, and how did you discover drag and become a New Yorker?
Absolutely! I’m from the Midwest, originally — lived all over Wisconsin, Illinois, and eventually Iowa! I discovered what drag was as a kid just watching TV and happened to come across an ad for Drag Race! I didn’t grow up around any queer people and always felt out of place, but drag just instantly gave me a feeling a joy and belonging… a place that felt like it was for me.
I started playing around with drag during Covid in my bedroom! I stayed up all night doing my pre-shower makeup, lol. I actually visited New York several times before moving here to see my friend Lana Ja’Rae, who I started bedroom drag with online! I moved to Brooklyn two years ago now, at a very pivotal time in my life where I sorta felt lost and drag was the only thing really calling to me. I’m so glad I did though, because I now have a sense of belonging and family like I’ve never felt before!
Here’s a very pageant-y question, lol: why is drag important to you, and why might it be important to the world as an art form today?
I am your contestant number one lol, and drag is important to me because I’m showing sides of myself that have always lived inside, and it gives me the outlet to express that. It’s very sacred to me because I feel my most vulnerable, but also my most free self!
Especially now in the world, drag is so important! The world right now is very empowered against queer people, but specifically trans people. In times like these, one of the most important things you can do is celebrate the good in our community. Drag is entertaining and a celebration of queerness, no matter how you express it. Thrive, because that’s the last thing the world wants to see us do.
Well said! Okay, in conclusion: what’s the most essential item in your drag bag right now?
I always keep my perfume combo in my drag bag! It’s very important for me to always smell good… especially in Brooklyn, lol!
Happy Thanksgiving, Aurora!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Aurora Ivy’s upcoming appearances, and follow her on Instagram.
Thotyssey 