A newcomer to Brooklyn’s drag scene, Hautie Wheels overcomes disability to serve Hot Horror Fashion It Girl with each new gig… and she’s got three big ones coming up!
Thotyssey: Hautie, hello! Thanks for finding time for us today! How are you surviving this bitter cold January NYC afternoon?
Hautie Wheels: It’s a pleasure! Doing my best to stay warm and toasty.
You are a fairly new performer in NYC nightlife. When did you first join the fold, and how might you describe your drag today?
I first joined NYC nightlife in January 2025, and it’s been absolutely fantastic! My looks are heavily based off early 2000’s It Girls, country women who kill, and horror fashion icons! Monster High is basically my bible.
Are you a native New Yorker, and what sort art and performance were parts of your life while growing up?
Actually I’m from Houston, TX! I was lucky to explore a ton of artistic areas and always had a deep love for music, so it made sense that I was into choir, cheerleading, and theatre.
What have been some of your highlights so far as a drag performer, and what have been some challenges?
Definitely proud of being in Rocky Horror: Extra-Transexual and producing my own shows! Some challenges are common — like self-doubt and internalization — but as a physically disabled person, I’d like to bring my wheelchair to more venues.
Is there anything you want to share about the nature of your disability, and if it informs your performances in any specific ways?
Yeah! So I’m an ambulatory wheelchair user — which means I use a wheelchair some days, and other days I use other mobility aids like forearm crutches and canes. But due to most subway stops and venues being inaccessible, I mainly use forearm crutches for events.
Now I get the inspiration behind your excellent drag name! On Wednesday the 28th, you’ll be competing in Poppy J. Snacks‘ “Shady Lip Sync Battle” at Phoenix Bar, which raises funds for Queer Care,
I’ve already done another lip sync battle with Poppy J. Snacks, and it’s always been so much fun! I’ve gotten to do a good bit of competitions, and have been first alternate for two different pageants — most recently “Miss Cortelyou” hosted by Soy Leche.
Awesome! And you’ll be part of the large cast of Sandy Jack’s next benefit showcase, “Defend Us,” on Friday, January 30th.
Yes I’m super excited! It’s so cool to see so many performers coming out for Defend Us.
You were supposed to have another show this past weekend, but due to the snowstorm it got bumped to this coming Sunday. The good news is, we get to talk about it here now! You and Concrete are going to host a VeggieTales drag show at Pink Metal on February 1st! What can you tell us about what’s gonna go down at this show, and were you a VeggieTales fan growing up?
Concrete and I are hosting a night of fun, silly performances with an amazing cast ready to make folks laugh the religious trauma away! I grew up in a heavily sheltered church environment, and Veggietales was one of the only shows I was allowed to watch. So I’m reclaiming the show in the gayest way possible!
What else is coming up?
I’ve got a lot of stuff in the works, so expect to see a lot more Hautie in 2026!
Excellent! Okay lastly: what’s your favorite item in your drag bag?
OMG, such a good question!! My black lipstick and joint braces are always packed!
Thanks, Hautie!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Hautie Wheels’ upcoming appearances, and follow them on Instagram.
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