One of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 18’s most joy-inspiring cast members, South Carolinian superstar Kenya Pleaser is coming to NYC for an epic Pride Kick-off. [Cover photo: @studiovur]
Thotyssey: Thanks so much for talking to us today, Kenya, and congrats on a great run on Drag Race! You handily won the hearts and attention of fans across the globe. Is the newfound fame and recognition completely enjoyable, or perhaps a bit overwhelming?
Kenya Pleaser: I absolutely feel all the love that I get from all of the fans and everyone who supports the show and enjoys watching the show. I have been granted what so many queer artists and drag queens across the world want. It can be overwhelming at times because of things like imposter syndrome. But other than that, I have been enjoying every minute of it.
I believe your South Carolina’s first RuGirl! That’s both a great honor and great responsibility, since SC is one of many states with laws targeting trans and queer folks. Do you really feel that love and importance of that representation in SC?
I absolutely feel all the love from South Carolina. Being from the Deep South, of course, things are harder for me when it comes to being a black queer man… and on top of that, a black drag queen. Sometimes I don’t feel the safest. But it’s the community who supports me that makes me feel 100% protected.
Were you able to understand your wins and losses on Drag Race more clearly as a viewer than you did while filming, or are there still moments where you’re like “I don’t understand why it happened that way?”
Absolutely the first episode was insane. I literally walked in so nervous and so excited at the same time. I won the first mini-challenge, and then we got presented the first maxi-challenge; as soon as I heard that we were going to be sewing, I got excited. That excitement turned into fear: unconventional materials. I literally went blank, and we all know how that turned out. I truly don’t understand what happened that day.
Do you have any personal favorite moment from your time filming?
My personal favorite moment while filming would have to be the Rusical. The Rusical episodes are my favorite challenges every season, so being able to be a part of such an iconic challenge was so gaggy to me. I loved every second of it.
What’s an important thing that people should know about the process of making a season of Drag Race, or any reality show?
Filming any show requires a level of discipline and dedication. But a show like RuPaul’s Drag Race requires you to show up and be stupid every day. Like literally, you cannot take yourself so seriously while filming Drag Race. The whole point of the show is to be fun–and of course, having real moments and excelling at the challenges presented. But at the end of the day, you are expected to make Mama Ru laugh!
You and your season’s castmates, aside for some dramatic moments, seemed to get along well. Do you think that sisterhood will last forever?
Listen, I love my castmates so much. They’re literally my sisters for life, if they like it or not. No but seriously, I generally have so much love for all them. They so amazing, and have had such a huge impact on my life. I love them so much.
You got some negative critique for your runway looks throughout the season, yet you had one of the best looks in that last design challenge! How did that happen… were you just more clear-headed then prior attempts when you made that more successful look, were you learning to construct and style better throughout the series, or was it just a perfect storm of luck and inspiration?
Honey, my runway package was definitely one of the most polarizing things that happened to me this season, haha! Getting ready for the show was very hard, and I got a little screwed over for some looks. [And during the design challenges] I felt like I always got in my head. Like the first episode… that looked terrible. Then we got to the second, and I was like, oh, I actually like this look. And then boom, I was put in the bottom two. So when it came to the third design challenge, I literally said fuck it. I am just going to make whatever I want, and what I know how to make. I know how to sew, and I know how to put a garment together. I literally made half of my drag before coming on the show, so I was comfortable behind a sewing machine. I guess I took it myself and turned it out. I literally had no choice but to make a good garment, because the competition was getting slim and I needed a stand-out moment.
The roast of Alyssa Edwards was a bit hard to watch… most of the queens did less than great. I was so upset for you all; being in your position would be, like, my worst nightmare! How were you feeling when you realized your jokes weren’t landing… did you want to just rush through it and be done? Also, did you get any time to ki with Alyssa behind the scenes?
I absolutely hated doing the roast, haha! I would consider myself a funny person, but I always have trouble putting it to paper. But when I heard we had to roast Alyssa Edwards, I gagged. She is over the top, and the Grande. How was I supposed to roast her, knowing that she could turn it around on me and roast me? I generally thought I had some good jokes that just did not land… and it was downhill from there. My heart was beating so fast, and I got so embarrassed. I wanted it to end immediately. Thank goodness Alyssa was so gracious; when she came into Untucked, we were able to have such an amazing conversation, and she truly spoke life into me. She is so amazing.
You’re known for your Lizzo numbers, and portrayed her in Snatch Game! Have you ever gotten any feedback or interaction from her regarding your tributes to her?
I haven’t gotten any feedback from Lizzo, but she did send me some of her amazing Yitty products… and that was enough for me! I absolutely love her so much, and everything she stands for. I feel like I relate to her such a deeper level than being plus size and black.
You performed an original track for the talent show! Any desire to record more music someday?
I would absolutely love to record more music in the near future. I am working on some music now actually, and I’m so excited for everyone to hear it when it’s done. I mean, every Drag Race girl puts out a club song for a track, haha! So why not throw my hand into ring?
You are definitely one of those RuGirls who fans instinctively know is going to slay the house down in a live show! What’s your favorite live number to do these days?
One of my favorite live numbers to do right now is probably “Afterbody” by Jae Stephens; I have it mixed with “Peanut Butter” by RuPaul. The crowd goes up for it every time.
By the way, whose team are you on for All-Stars 11?
I am definitely Team Silky and Team Akeria C. Davenport!
Is there any particular New York venue you’d like to twirl in, or local queens you’d like to kiki with?
I would absolutely love to kiki with Bootsie LeFaris! She is from my home state and she is an amazing performer. I’ve never performed in New York before, but I’ve always wanted to perform at Pieces and 3 Dollar Bill! They are such iconic night life locations in NYC!
You will be in town on June 3rd for a special party that kicks off Pride Month, care of popular queer culture / nightlife site So.Gay! Pride House will be at another great local venue, the Brooklyn Monarch, and will feature an iconic lineup including yourself, indie Latin popstar La Cruz, Real Housewife / DJ on the rise Meredith Marks, and a squad of talented local drag performers, hosts and DJs! How excited are you for this?
I am beyond excited for this amazing opportunity to kick off Pride month with So.Gay! It’s opportunities like this that make all of the hard work worth it. Coming together as a community to put on an amazing event to entertain, dance, and share love is what this community is all about! And most importantly, it is what we need… especially during times like this!
What else would you like to inform the children of?
You are going to witness a new era of Kenya Pleasaer. You got a taste of me on RuPaul‘s Drag Race Season 18, but I am so excited to show the world how much I have grown and how far I have come. Stay on the lookout on socials to see the latest up-to-date gigs, looks, performances… and hey, maybe I’ll be back on your screen very soon…
Thank you Kenya, see you soon!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Kenya Pleaser’s upcoming area appearances, and follow her on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Cameo.
Thotyssey 