Puerto Rican born and Jersey raised, drag pageant beauty Franchesca LaRose returns to Paradise this week! [Cover photo: Leela Candela]
Thotyssey: Franchesca, hello! How is 2026 treating you so far?
Franchesca LaRose: My 2026 is been good, thank you or asking!
Do you have any big hopes or goals for your drag year?
I want to put my name out there more — try and do more shows and get back into the New York scene, and maybe actually make it on RuPaul’s Drag Race in the near future.
That would be amazing! Have you been watching the current season? We already lost our sole New York representing sister, DD Fuego!
Yes, I’ve been watching… and yes, OMG I was so shocked to see her go!
Maybe she’ll return to slay the LaLaPaRuza!
How might you describe your own drag these days, as far as looks and numbers go? And how long have you been in the biz?
I’ve been in the business for 13 years, and I describe my drag as very feminine and real. I wanna look as “real girl” as possible. My looks are different every time; I love trying new looks, so I’m always evolving and changing. I love to do very upbeat numbers, and also I love doing a ballad once in a blue moon. But recently I’ve been obsessed with Tate McRae.
She’s a fantastic dancer!
I’ll say I’m not a fantastic dancer, but I know how to please a crowd!
Can you tell us where you are originally from, and if you were always performing in some way while growing up?
I was born and raised in Puerto Rico, and I grew up in Howell, New Jersey. And it’s so funny you ask… when I was young, I used to use my shirts as wigs and put on some my mom’s clothing, and I would lip synch and dance to Britney Spears. I would envision in my mind that I was in front of a crowd cheering for me, so I may have created this path by manifesting.
New Jersey drag is known for its very polished pageantry! Do you have any personal history with that tradition?
Oh, absolutely! I started preforming in Asbury Park in the Monday competition called “Drag Wars” hosted by Cee’Mour Cox. After that, I ran in my first pageant which was called Miss Ikon in Sayreville. The theme was icons, so I chose Lady Gaga; it was such a fun experience! Then right I after that, I ran for Miss Paradise… three times! I competed with amazing alumni like Jolina Jasmine, Victoria Courtez and Honey Davenport. Then I stepped into the NYC scene to [compete in] “Look Queen” when Bob the Drag Queen and Dusty Ray Bottoms were hosts. And I am the now-former Miss Gay Asbury Park 2025.
You’ve since become a regular performer at Paradise’s “WEPA” Thursday Latin nights, and you’ll be back there this week on the night Paradise reopens after a short winter break! What’s it been like to do that party, and what can we expect from this week’s special edition?
Oh my gosh, I’ve been a regular WEPA girl for a long time, and its just so fun! And it’s an honor to perform for my Spanish community. WEPA has given me the opportunity to actually be a host, and it’s just been so magical. This week, we are celebrating the birthday of the man who started WEPA, Jonny Castellanos — a fun night packed with performers. So expect a lot of sazón this week… and also an amazing show to be a witness of!
Anything else you want to mention?
Yes, I forgot to mention that by day I’m such a hard worker; I work as a hairstylist at Great Clips, and I work at an Asbury Park Irish pub called Kim Marie’s where I do food runs and serve… so I’m kinda a jack of all trades, haha! And you can catch me Friday the 16th at Georgies Bar for a Latin night hosted by Nikky Sky Blake.
Excellent! Okay lastly: what are the true joys and challenges for you these days in regards to drag?
The thing I love the most is to be on stage. I love to show people my charm and my presence, I love feeling feminine, and I just love spreading love and light. I actually don’t find it challenging, because drag is always evolving. So I think a challenge for me would be to step out of my comfort zone once in a while. And also I’m that girl that saves the day whenever someone needs backup; if you count on me, I will always help out ! I’m a team player.
Thank you, Franchesca!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Franchesca LaRose’s upcoming appearances, and follow her on Instagram.
Thotyssey 