This Berkshire born baddie is keeping us singing in Brooklyn these days, while preparing to bring back a fun pageant this week: Veronica ConstantLay! [Cover photo: DropDead Joe]
Thotyssey: Hello Veronica, how was your Pride Month?
Veronica ConstantLay: Busy and eventful! Thank you.
Are you a fan of Summer Drag, or do you prefer that crisp Layer Weather more?
Summer Drag is rough for me. I tend to sweat off half my makeup… but I do love the energy that comes with summer.
Can you tell us about your drag as far as your aesthetics and performance style? I know you’re a live singer, for one thing!
I am a live singer. I consider my aesthetic to be close to Joan from Mad Men–very vintage, classic, and clean.
Where are you from originally, and how did you begin as a performer? Also, how did your name come to you?
I am from the Berkshire originally–I [actually] just finished two shows in Berkshire this weekend. I began being a drag queen by meeting my drag mother on Grindr, and ended up having a coffee date at a McDonald’s. To be honest, my drag name was something I came up with when I was 18, and decided to stick with.
What are the joys and challenges of being a queen in NYC these days?
I feel like at times, the community can be cutthroat. But also, there is an oversaturation of drag queens in NYC to the point that there are very few opportunities for the up and coming queens.
Would you have any particular advice for a new queen on the scene?
Absolutely! Try to make community with your fellow queens, because they are the people that will help you do your makeup and hair better, dress better, perform better, and be better.
One place where queens can come together–while also engaging in some healthy competition–is the 4th Annual Queen of Cortelyou pageant at Littlefield on July 19th that you’re co-hosting with Queen David! Tell us more, please!
Absolutely! The queen of Cortelyou pageant is a pageant I started four years ago at Highbury Pub [on Cortelyou Road in Brooklyn] to showcase local drag talent. Over the last few years it has grown in venue, size and participation size. This year, we’ve included many more of our local sponsors and businesses to really showcase community. Our theme will be “trailer park royalty,” What is drag, if not opulence on a budget? We are excited to let our queens, kings, and things compete for the crown and come together as a community. Queen David was actually the first winner of the Queen of Cortelyou pageant, so her stepping up as my co-host was the natural choice.
You’re also hosting karaoke monthly in Brooklyn!
I have karaoke at Fiona’s Bar coming up this coming Tuesday; it’s very lovely with a mix of queer newcomers and bar regulars that leads to a fun and engaging evening!
Excellent! Lastly: what your favorite item in your drag bag, cosmetic or otherwise?
My fan! I tend to sweat under all my layers, and that fan is a lifesaver!
Thanks, Veronica!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Veronica ConstantLay’s upcoming appearances, and follow her on Instagram, YouTube and LinkTree.
Thotyssey 