This Tri-State queen is here to slay drag stages, pageants and “World of Warcraft”: Volkie Leigh Versace! [Cover photo: Mark D. Avers]
Thotyssey: Volkie, hello! How has your week been so far?
Volkie Leigh Versace: Hey hey Thotyssey, I’m so excited for our little chat! My week has been booked, busy, and blessed by the drag gods! Dungeons & Dragons, Karaokes, a Drag Race viewing party and my show “Dollhouse” on Friday the 13th! It’s been a ride, ahaha!
What did you think of Friday’s Drag Race? I like Darlene, but I personally didn’t get why everyone thought her roast was so funny.
Last nights episode was a rollercoaster! I’m obsessed with this season of Drag Race, and I’m proud of Darlene getting her win… buuuuuut I also didn’t find her that funny. Jane and Myki really stole the show for me! I couldn’t stop laughing at Myki’s physical humor and perfect timing of jokes! Also, shoutout to our recently fallen sister Kenya Pleaser.
Agreed across the board! You serve the entire tri-state area, but most of your shows these days are in Philadelphia. Is that where you live?
I’m originally born in Trenton, NJ and reside predominantly in Burlington, NJ. But most of my gigs/ friends and boyfriend / life are in Philadelphia! I think I’m an honorary Philadelphian at this point.
I’m always fascinated by the queens who do the whole NJ / PA scene because it just seems like so much ground to cover. Do you ever find yourself performing at a venue and are like, “wait, where the hell am I again,” lol?
I can’t even lie, I just did that last night at my home bar, ahahaha! I host shows in Asbury Park, Atlantic City, Cherry Hill, and Philadelphia… so often I have to take a second to think what state I’m even in! I’ve yet to slip up, but I’m sure the audience has noticed my brain loading the location / venue name.
I can only imagine! So how long have you been a queen now, and how did you first discover drag?
I’ve been doing drag for 13 years, and whoah did that just make me feel ancient! My first experience with drag was a Philadelphia icon: The Goddess Isis! The club iCandy had an 18+ night once a week and Isis performed “F*ck me” by Wendy Ho, and I knew in that moment what I wanted to do with my life. Cross dress, lol!
I don’t think I’ve ever heard the name “Volkie” before, where does that come from?
Here is the nerdy truth: the name Volkie originates with my World of Warcraft character Volkava, which I took the name from Yulia Volkova of the group t.A.T.u (“All The Things She Said”). As I started getting renowned in the game, people dropped the”- ava” from my name and just started called me Volkie. In drag I was Anastasia Oxnuttz, Anastasia Versace, and Trish Tilapia… but everyone knew me as Volkie, so I just dropped the draggy names and became Volkie Versace!
As for the middle part of your name, the Leighs / Monroes are a big, widespread drag dynasty! Do you all ever get together for family picnics, etc.?
Leigh comes from my drag mother Alexianna Leigh! Asia Monroe is my drag sister and Alexianna’s first daughter. Mother Alexianna hails all the way from Denver, Colorado and the Versaces and Monroes have taken several flights to go visit Denver, as well as Mother comes out to visit us in Philadelphia. Our big drag family gets together for every holiday, birthdays, and sometimes we just have home cooked family dinners to really ground ourselves and strengthen our bonds. The Leigh Dynasty is the family that I have always wanted, and I’m thankful for each member every single day.
How might you describe the “type” of drag you like to do today at the bars and venues, as far as looks and numbers go?
The best way I can describe my style of drag is Pop-cosplay-Broadway meets pageantry. My personality is always silly, fun, and comedic, but my actual performances are full of drama, emotions, fluidity, and high energy. 9.9 times out of 10, you will catch me in a slick back high ponytail with some rhinestoned dance costume or gown! But my true love goes into the cosplay / character numbers. Fully becoming a different character with both looks and personality is what started my drag career, and I’ve passed that onto my drag children.
You’re also a pageant queen! Can you tell us about some of your experiences and titles from that world, what you love about it, and if you have plans for doing any more in the near or distant future?
Pageantry has always been my dream when it comes to drag, and although I’ve had my share of losses, I’ve been lucky enough to be crowned Miss Tabu 2024 and Miss PrEP Jersey Shore 2025! I’ve also had the honor of dressing so many of my drag family members for their own respective pageants. The energy behind the scenes is so raw and fast and feels like a crunch, but it makes that crowning moment even more worth it. And that is what I love about pageants! I’m actually going to be competing in Miss New Hope Celebrates on April 4th, which I am so incredibly excited (and nervous) about!
I see you’re billed to perform at Paradise in Asbury Park this Wednesday for E. Licksher’s production of “Shrek: The Dragsical!”
Sadly because of scheduling conflicts, I will not be able to attend the show. However, I have worked closely with E. Licksher for many projects, and I can assure you it is going to be a full theatrical production at Paradise! Every character, sickening costumes, choreography for each number! E is such a talented individual who really knows how to curate unforgettable experiences, and I cannot recommend this show enough! I’ve seen a few of the practice videos and I’m already blown away!
Can you run down where folks can find you coming up?
You can catch me every second Friday at 254 in Philly for my show The Dollhouse Takeover; every third Friday at 254 for my sister Asia’s show Lotus Lounge; and you can catch me every Wednesday and Sunday at Bar X in Philly for karaoke!
Coming up on April 4th I have the honor of competing for Miss New Hope Celebrates at the Bucks County Playhouse!
On April 23rd you can catch me at The Center A La Carte at the Convention Center in Asbury Park where all the proceeds will be going to The Center which has programs for life changing healthcare, housing, and wellness!
I’m also a cast member of Diva’s Royale in AC at the Tropicana, and in Philly at Bar X every weekend! Tickets are always available on Eventbrite!
You can also catch me in a recently released film called A Jersey Burger, and I’m part of the upcoming documentary Drag Arts Oral History Project founded by Wilfredo Hernandez which is debuting this winter!
Great! And lastly: what’s your favorite item in your drag bag, cosmetic or otherwise?
Oh that is a hard question… I’d have to say my favorite item in my drag bag is my plethora of perfumes! I carry at the minimum four scents on me at all times, and I love stacking them for creating an original and unique aroma. A fellow entertainer in Philadelphia once said to me, “Girl, I always know when you’re the club because I smell you from the front door to the third floor!”
Lol! Thanks, Volkie!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Volkie Leigh Versace’s upcoming appearances, and follow her on Instagram.
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