Jersey bearded beauty Paprika is keeping it spicy this season. [Cover photo: Michael Rios]
Thotyssey: Hi Paprika, thanks for chatting today! How is May treating you?
Paprika: Hey love, thank you so much for having me!! May’s been pretty great to me so far! Just been preparing for future shows I have, and competitions, while also trying to get on any stage that’ll have me!
Can you describe what your drag is like today, as far as looks and numbers go?
Of course! So when it comes it my drag (at least aesthetically), I love mixing super high femme drag with what a lot of people would say are super masculine qualities about my boy self–which is my beard and body hair. I find it very empowering, and also sexy, to be able to give very feminine drag while also having a full beard. And while I love experimenting with all different types of performing styles, my ultimate go-to will always be a diva power ballad. Think like Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Mariah Carey, etc.
I just saw that one of your Jersey sisters, Lexi Pro, is competing in a prelim for America’s Bearded Queen. Is that something you might be interested in doing someday?
Absolutely! I love to compete; it allows me to grow, learn, and evolve as an artist… being able to put my ideas and concepts up against other artists. I just think I need a little bit more time to “cook,” as queens say, before I take on a competition that serious. I’m super excited for Lexi though! I know she’s working super hard towards her package, and we’re technically drag family–so I’ll always be rooting for her.
Some girls here in NYC got a little snarky about bearded drag on a podcast not long ago, which annoyed some of our more follically friendly femmes. Are you affected by people’s negative views on that aesthetic, or do you have no fucks to give?
Hmm… in theory I give no fucks, lol! But I would say that’s easier said than done sometimes. When I started doing drag, I knew I would get some flack because I am a bearded girl doing more feminine presenting drag. And with that, I knew that there would be queens and people in the community that agree with me in their opinion. But at the end of the day, I know my talent and what I bring to the table… so I just have to remind myself sometimes that everyone has opinions. But as long as I’m happy with what I present, and the queens I look up to as mentors and leaders see all my hard work, then I try to just ignore all the white noise.
Can you share your origin story with us: where are you from originally, what sort of creative interests did you grow up with, and how ultimately did you become Paprika?
I’m originally from Hoboken, NJ! It’s a bit of a long story, but Paprika was born in the summer of 2023. Every summer I spend some weekends at a LGBTQIA+ campground in East Stroudsburg called Camp Out, and that weekend was the drag weekend. I signed up for their competition; three contestants were selected and they each were paired with a working drag queen. Throughout the whole weekend, we were taught how to be queens and were given makeup tips. It all ended on the final night of the weekend with all three of us competing for a crown. My drag queen was Belle Pepper, and she named me Paprika! We hit it off after the competition was over, and I decided to keep doing drag after that. We don’t really keep in touch anymore, but I will always have love for her.
When it comes to creative interests, I love a whole bunch of different things. I’m a huge Disney nerd, and also love to express my proud Puerto Rican roots in my drag. I’m also a big horror fan; I haven’t really expressed that in my drag, but it will be coming soon!
Halloween will be here before you know it! What are your overall thoughts about the state of Jersey drag today? On one hand I imagine it’s a challenge because venues are few and far between, but also… the scene seems to be having a Moment now! It’s not just about that traditional polished pageantry anymore, for one thing.
I definitely agree that the needle is shifting in some ways when it comes to different types of drag being accepted into different spaces that are predominantly occupied by more traditional drag. But there’s definitely more work to be done. This year alone I’ve seen the rise of more bearded queens, drag kings, and drag things more than ever before. But with the rise of these artists that break the norm, there needs to be those spaces willing to give artists like us a chance. We’ve definitely seen a lot of progress in the NJ scene, but there’s still a lot of work to be done.
And you’re one of the gworls leading the way!
Aw, thank you! That means so much to me, you have no idea. I love the art form of drag so much, so to have you say that feels amazing.
On Wed May 13th, you’ll be in the cast of “Greased Up,” an E. Licksher-led drag tribute to Grease at Paradise! What can you tell us about this show… and do you have a favorite Grease number?
I’m so excited for the show coming up! I don’t want to give away too too much, but I will say to be ready for some campy, silly, over the top drag. We’ve been rehearsing at Paradise, just trying to make this show as fun as possible. They’ll be some funny gags and some awesome choreographed numbers!
When it comes to my favorite number, I’m a bit biased–I’m playing Kanickie, and I get to perform “Greased Lightnin’,” so that’s definitely my favorite. but I have a soft spot in my heart for “Summer Nights” and “Beauty School Dropout” as well.
After that show, you’re paying homage to another iconic musical, Hamilton, care of a FlipPhone Events‘ brunch at the House of Independents on Saturday, May 16.
I’m so excited for that as well! Me, Lady Celestina, and Sasha Curvy were all a part of [drag pageant] Fresh Face together, so it’s like a reunion of sorts! I’m super excited to get to work with Myster E. Mel Kiki as well! He was one of the judges my year, so it’ll be awesome to work with him in a more professional setting
What else is coming up for you, or is there anything else you want to mention?
Well, I have a few competitions coming up that haven’t been announced yet… but that’s super exciting! I can’t wait to share more once I’m able to.
And I definitely just want to mention, FUCK ICE. And I also want to mention that we are in the year 2026… all shows should have queens, kings, and things of color in every single cast lineup.
Preach! To close, who might you be excited to see win this season of All-Stars?
I’m always going to root for my Latina queens! But I love Jasmine Kennedie so much. I’ve met her in passing a few times because she goes to Paradise sometimes, and she’s always just been so sweet and kind. So, anyone Latina and Jasmine Kennedie!
A great list! Thanks, Paprika!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Paprika’s upcoming appearances, and follow her on Instagram.
Thotyssey 