A spookygorge up-and-comer in NYC drag; a taste of Soy Leche is required this Spring. [Cover photo: DropDead Joe]
Thotyssey: Ahoy Soy, thanks for chatting today! How is March treating you so far?
Soy Leche: Hi Thotyssey! Absolutely, this feels like an honor! March..oof has been curdled milk. Overall it had been pleasant, but it turned in the last few days and looking at a possible transitional phase.
If anyone can turn things around, it’s a queen!
Oh for sure! Things will get better.
How long have you been a drag performer in New York now?
Professionally, it’s been just over two years! Before that I was toying with the art in other aspects of my life.
Tell us more!
So my love for drag started back in 2014 when I visited a gay club called Tracks in Denver, and there was a whole lot of drag queens performing on stage. One that caught my eye was the one and only Nina Flowers. Her looks and talent really sparked an energy in me that I really wanted to pursue the art. And in a way, that’s what inspired my spooky fierce looks. When I began my life in New York around 2017, I joined Gotham Volleyball and they came up with this concept of drag volleyball and play matches. So I started forming a team, and competed for about three years playing volleyball in drag– mostly played in wigs, no heels–but we had fierce and fun runways, and all the team looks were amazing.
I grew up in a town called Greeley, Colorado. It’s a town in the northeast of Colorado about an hour from Denver before drag. I fell in love with art photography, mostly abstract and define gravity work. I went to college for media broadcasting and it took me to different parts of the states, for instance Connecticut, where I pretty much started my career in videography, camera operating and editing. I’m now the Lead Multimedia Producer of a jewelry brand in the city, and drag became secondary art alongside filming many drag artists in their shows and making reels of their performances. Gotta help an artist out with the exposure, ya know! We need the footage!
Hav you done anyone’s Drag Race audition reel yet? I’m guessing that would be a VERY involved, but creative, process!
I have! I have assisted in my drag mother‘s video for her entry into Drag Race. I was also approached by other queens to assist in shooting portions of their entry, but unfortunately, they did fall through. However, I was very excited to be asked in helping them! I hope they ask again when they’re ready–you know who you are, wink wink! I have helped other queens with video work for pageantry, too.
Who is your drag mother?
The reina herself, Freeda Kulo!
That’s our queen!
I hope one day I’m called that by you, haha! but yes, she’s definitely a queen of queens.
You mentioned spookiness earlier… how might you describe your drag today as far as looks and numbers go? Also may we ask,
I describe my drag as “your Latina bearded diva giving you all the giggles and wiggles with my jiggles.” I’m silly on stage, but also give spooky glam. I’m like Elvira mixed with Sofia Vergara.
Besides Elvira, do you have any particular horror diva, monster, killer etc., that is your biggest inspo?
Morticia Addams for sure, specifically Anjelica Huston… and you can’t forget her performance as the Grand High Witch! Also, this diva I love who isn’t really a horror type, but is a villain–Xayide from Never Ending Story II. Her outfits / glam were so good!
Would you be up for giving pageants a try, like the big ones Mother Freeda partakes in?
Honestly, I have thought about it and it could be in the books. But having been behind the scenes, high glam pageantry can get crazy! So, for now I stuck to more Dragula style pageantry like ” Witches & Stitches” hosted by the founder and my twisted sister, DropDead Joe. I’ve competed twice–all great concepts, but a tough bloody (literally) competition.
This Saturday, you’ll be part of the large cast of Sandy Jack’s recurring charity showcase “Defend Us” in Brooklyn! This time around, you all are raising funds for the organization GLISTEN.
It’s going to be a great night! I love being a part of the cast, and it’s always full of love. After many times participating in “Defend Us,” this will be my first time co-hosting this particular event… and I’m super thrilled! What to expect? Mostly all family love! The mission to help educators to help our LGBTQIA youth is strong, and all those who are performing in the show are going to give it their all for them. Family helping family.
If you haven’t been to Sandy Jack’s, please do! Always great to support local queer bars. The space has always been welcoming, and [owner] Michael does an amazing job to make sure all are welcomed! It’s why I keep coming back.
What else is coming up for you?
More to come, for sure! On April 4th I’ll be twirling with my drag mother at The Ritz for her show “Juicy!” Then, related to our previous pageant talk, myself and Veronica ConstantLay co-host a campy pageant of our own, “Queen of Cortelyou.” We’re about to open it up for contestants to apply to the 4th Annual, and we’re set for July 19th. All drag artists are welcome, but limited spots… otherwise, we’d be there all night! All potential contestants need to do is DM either one of us on IG to be added to a list.
Great! To close, what’s the most essential item in your drag bag?
My large clacker fan! I’m a thicker queen and I wear a lot of layers, so having my fan keeps me cool and makes me feel fierce. I’ve also learned some skills tossing it, which I do in my performances… which I think sets me apart and unique.
Thanks, Soy!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Soy Leche’s upcoming appearances, and follow her on Instagram.
Thotyssey 