Having recently won an epic local horror drag competition, Defacto Obsolete will be haunting us throughout the New Year.
Thotyssey: Hello Defacto! I think it’s too late to say Happy New Year now, but how is 2026 treating you so far?
Defacto Obsolete: Well, the night before last I tripped on the subway platform into the train doors, which opened and I face planted full force to the ground resulting in a minor concussion and bruised collar bone. However, there are still 358 days left in the year, so I’m still optimistic.
Oh no! Well, the rest of the nation joined you metaphorically in that fall! Other than “remaining upright,” did you have any New Years Resolutions?
I’ll finally learn to sew. I have mastered costume “fabrication.” I can make patterns and tailor, but I don’t actually know how to operate a sewing machine.
That, and read Stephen Kings Misery.
How might you describe your aesthetic and performance style today, for the uninitiated?
I’m a living dead crossdresser. The genesis of Defacto spawns from Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” and The Rocky Horror Picture Show — both of which were a huge part of my childhood, and shaping my interests later on in life. My particular style is very influenced by 90s alternative culture (grunge, industrial metal, etc.). My performances have been described as completely disgusting and unsettling. I do a lot of visually graphic things on stage that I’m sure violate several obscenity and health code laws.
What’s the “worst” thing you’ve done onstage?
I used to cut myself onstage with broken bottles, and that bothered a lot of people. Once a girl ran out screaming “he’s killing himself!” I got banned from a bar in Florida for launching a frozen feeder mouse into the crowd. But that was an accident.
Born to be a Brooklynite, lol! Is Florida your original hometown? And how did you ultimately become Defacto?
I was originally born in Lafayette, LA and raised across all of the Gulf Coast. My mom managed strip clubs in New Orleans when I was a kid, so I spent a lot of time there. I did live in the Bronx for a short while when I was 5 to 6; I actually started school there. My father is from Harlem. We moved to Florida when I was in high school and I lived there until I met my drag mother, who facilitated my move back to NYC.
Years ago I used to be in a string of bands with my friends, and we had a dozen projects between us depending who was in the room with what instruments. I thought “Defacto” would be a cool band name, but it never got used. I kept it, and started performing under the name. But I’ve been doing extreme sideshow stuff with metal bands long before I was doing drag. Once I moved back to NYC, I just adapted what I was doing in Florida and started performing at fetish parties here in 2010. Eventually I realized I could do all this stuff in a wig and a satin spaghetti string nightgown… and it all came together.
You had a great moment this past October when you won Dropdead Joe’s “Witches & Stiches” horror drag competition! What was that experience like for you?
It was amazing. It’s the first competition I’ve ever won, so that was very exciting. There’s an episode of Rugrats called “Moment in the Sun” where Didi Pickles goes on a quiz show and and it boosts her self-esteem. It felt like that, lol. Very validating, like having a moment in the sunshine.
You’ll be back there this month. But first you’ll be taking part in a drag tribute to Muppets creator Jim Henson at C’mon Everybody on Thursday, presented by Soraya Sis!
The Henson tribute show should be really fun. I grew up on the Muppets and rewatched the 70s Muppet Show this time last year. It’s such a gay show; the majority of the guest hosts are all queer icons.
Are you excited for the allegedly upcoming Miss Piggy movie?
She used to have her own show in the early 80s, so it’s a great idea in theory. But I didn’t like the last movie from 2011… so I’m skeptical.
Who’s the best Muppet?
Animal is my favorite. We are both drummers. I’ve always been very fond of Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem, in general. If you haven’t listened to them, check them out.
Then you’re returning to “Witches & Stiches” on Monday the 12th at All Night Skate… this time as a guest judge! What will you be looking for in the contestants that night?
Good storytelling. I love strong concepts with a narrative, and follow through. I want to to be taken on a journey. Also a well timed, show stopping gag!
What else is coming up for you?
I’m taking the winter to work on some upcoming shoots. I like this time of year to hibernate and crank out looks. So I’ve got some very things cool stuff coming!
Exciting! Okay, to close: what would you rather compete in, Drag Race or Dragula?
I’ve auditioned for Dragula twice; I would love to be on. In my mind, I’m already a part of the family… I just haven’t been on the show yet. I’ve got the chops. I’m a great costumer and special FX artist, and truly punk rock to my core. So I’m very hopeful!
It’s out there in the universe now! Thanks, Defacto!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Defacto Obsolete’s upcoming appearances, and follow her on Instagram.
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