Bringing positive energy and performance mastery to the often cutthroat NYC drag competition scene, Echinacea Monroe Sidora is one we should all be watching in the new year.
Thotyssey: Happy New Year, Echinacea! How did you celebrate the weekend?
Echinacea Monroe: Happy 2026! I performed at Good Judy with my sister Ella Fartzgerald and Swiss Mocha. And I was in bed by 2:30 for a busy audition day on the the 1st.
Amazing! What was the audition for, if I may ask?
This was actually a video audition for the new TLC musical! So I submitted a hip hop dance they sent, learned three scenes, and sang. It had nothing to do with drag, but I am performer in and out of drag.
If you could play one of the TLC girls in drag, who would you choose to portray?
Haha OMG, probably Chilli because I love a long back wig. And I think she has this sensuality and light that is very Echinacea coded.
What can you tell us about that code? And generally, what is your performance style and aesthetic like these days?
To be Echinacea coded is to bring good energy to the space. To make sure everyone is feeling sexy and confident and full. Someone last night said “oh, so I take you to feel better,” and he was correct.
My style is very rooted in femininity, subtlety, and confidence. I pride myself on getting the room on my side and welcoming them into my fantasy. It doesn’t hurt that I’m beautiful and can perform, haha! I say that with the most humility a drag queen can say that with.
Where are you from originally, and were you always into art and performance of some sort?
I’m from Silver Spring, Maryland outside of DC. Yeah, I started doing theater in 8th grade. I was that super hyper queer kid that was bullied a lot and singled out. Like a lot of theater kids, I found people just as creative and weird as I was.
And the rest has been a long career of being onstage. Drag has actually been great to keep me creative, and keep performing fun. The “business” does feel like work a fair amount. So getting to chose my look and mix, go sexy or go political, it’s all a free creative choice.
Here in NYC, you’ve become a darling of the competition scene… and a frequent winner!
Thank you for saying that!
How do you approach a competition: as something to win, or as a way to network and try out new things?
I strive to be an intentionally kinder human. I get in drag to entertain and to connect with my girls and my gays, and all the fun babes of nightlife. Performing and community are the most important to me. Winning is nice — money is even better — but I do this to feel connected to our beautiful queer community.
Have you had a favorite experience in the competitions, or is there one you enjoy doing the most?
I love every venue that gives drag a spotlight. Like, can I shout out Pieces, Industry, Balcon, and nightlife folks like Lanyé Armön, Phil Chanel, Kizha Carr, and Shequida for giving newer girls the stage.
My favorite drag competition memory of 2025 was tying with Jam Eden for the win at “Drag Wars.” And DJ Nicky Boom Box adopting me as his drag daughter that night. He is father.
He certainly is! What’s coming up for you in January?
I’ll be competing in the “Slay” Cycle 2 semifinals — and finale, fingers crossed — hosted by Freeda Kulo at The Ritz in Hells Kitchen. The finale is January 24, and semifinals is the Saturday prior. Come out and support!
Good luck! Did you catch the season premiere of Drag Race last night, by the way? If so, any thoughts on the girls, the fashions, the season in general, Cardi’s collar, etc.?
Cardi B is already Ally of the Year! She’s just so warm, and reps for the dolls! I foresee Nini Coco as the winner of the entire season, but I am rooting for Everyone Black. And lastly — long live RuPaul, the creator of drag, first of her name.
We’re not worthy! Let’s close with this old chestnut: what’s the most essential item in your drag bag?
Ooh! Lip liner and gloss for the full final fantasy. And it isn’t an item, but it’s the most essential: stretch and hydrate, ladies!
Thanks Echinacea, and slay “Slay!”
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Echinacea Monroe’s upcoming appearances, and follow her on Instagram.
Thotyssey 