“Drag Race Brasil” Season 2 finalist Poseidon is diving into NYC nightlife this weekend! [Cover photo: Felipe Rufino]
Thotyssey: Poseidon, hello and thanks so much for finding time in your busy schedule to chat with us today! Where in the world are you, and what were you just doing before you started answering these questions?
Poseidon: Thank you so much for reaching out! Right now I’m in Mexico City on the “Come to Brazil Tour” with Ruby Nox, the winner of Drag Race Brasil Season 2, and Paola Hoffmann who was also on the season with us. And while I’m answering these questions, I’m literally gluing rhinestones onto the outfit I’m wearing tomorrow night here in Mexico. A drag queen’s work is never done!
Do you consider yourself to be a “good traveler” at this point? Meaning, do you pack just the right amount, can you get to airports on time, are you calm while flying… or is it all crazy chaos sometimes, lol?
I’m finally getting used to this little nomad life… it’s nonstop traveling! I’d say I’m a pretty good traveler, but I can never finish packing without feeling anxious. I’m always bringing one extra look because I’m convinced something unexpected is going to happen. I’d rather be overprepared than end up “naked” in another country!
I’m also the kind of person who gets to the airport hours early. Drag life is already stressful enough; I am not missing a flight! And I never travel without my sleeping medication. I hate cramped spaces, and unfortunately I can’t afford first class yet, so… hello, Klonopin! Whoever’s sitting next to me should probably bring earplugs because I’m definitely snoring through the entire flight!
Drag Race Brasil has shown the world the beauty and creativity of your hometown’s queer art form. What is something about the drag world there that might surprise people, or something about Brazilian drag that everyone needs to understand?
I think what surprises people the most is how much Brazilian drag artists can create with so little. Brazilian drag is built on creativity, improvisation, and resilience. We don’t always have the same resources as artists in other countries, so we’ve learned how to turn almost anything into art and every stage into a spectacular show.
Something people also need to understand is that drag in Brazil goes far beyond entertainment. For many of us, it’s a form of self-expression, survival, and identity. We bring our culture onto the stage: our humor, our music, Carnival, fashion, dance, and that warm Brazilian energy that’s impossible to fake.
Drag Race Brasil helped introduce that to the world, but our drag scene has always been incredibly rich, diverse, and full of amazingly talented artists. We’re constantly reinventing ourselves and turning adversity into art.
How did you begin as a performer / artist, and how did you discover drag?
I started performing back in 2011, when I was still living in Recife with my parents and studying theater. One day I saw an ad for a talent competition organized by the mother of my best friend, Daniela Rodrigues. I thought, “Well… Daniela’s mom is never going to let me embarrass myself!” Lol! I entered the competition performing as Lady Gaga, and ended up finishing in third place. After that, there was no turning back.
Back in Recife there was also a theater company called Trupe do Barulho, made up of actors performing as female characters in over-the-top comedy shows. I was absolutely obsessed with them, and went to see their performances whenever I could. Theater introduced me to drag, and drag introduced me to the life I was meant to live. I honestly can’t imagine doing anything else.
I understand you named yourself after watching the 2006 film Poseidon, which was a remake of the 70s disaster flick The Poseidon Adventure! Wasn’t it sad when Fergie drowned in that, lol?
That movie traumatized an entire generation! Fergie barely had time to sing before she was swimming with the fishes. But I promise, I didn’t choose my name because of that. I’ve always loved disaster movies–the chaos, the drama, the huge cinematic moments–and I thought “Poseidon” sounded powerful. It has this epic energy that really matches the kind of drag I love to do. So… sorry, Fergie. Your sacrifice helped create my drag identity, lol!
You’re famously a resident at Rio de Janeiro’s Pink Flamingo! What’s it like performing there, and do you have a favorite or just plain crazy memory from your time there?
Pink Flamingo is my home, but it’s also been my biggest school. I’ve been there since day one–literally since the club first opened. We grew together. While I helped build Pink Flamingo’s reputation, Pink Flamingo helped shape the artist I am today.
One of the things I’m most grateful for is that Thiago Araújo, the owner, always gave me complete creative freedom. He never just handed me a stage… he gave me room to experiment, fail, learn, and grow.
One of my favorite memories is when Thiago came up to me and said, “you’re going to become a DJ now. You need more visibility, and your booking fee is going to go up.” I thought he was joking. I took exactly two DJ lessons, and before I knew it he’d already posted the flyer announcing me as the opening DJ! Can you imagine the disaster? It was one train wreck after another. At the time I thought I was going to die from embarrassment… but today it’s one of my favorite memories because it taught me not to be afraid of trying new things. Thiago always says, “If people don’t see you, they won’t remember you.” I’ve carried that lesson with me ever since. These days I do a little bit of everything… and honestly, I love it.
Does your time on Drag Race already seem like some weird long ago dream, or do you remember every second like it was just yesterday?
Honestly, Drag Race still feels like it happened yesterday. I can still remember everything, and I miss it all so much. I miss the family we built while filming, from the camera operators all the way to the firefighter who looked nervous every single time I had to lip-sync, lol.
One of the greatest gifts the show gave me was my friendship with Inês, who worked in production and basically became our caretaker. Whenever I wanted to smoke, she’d come with me. If I wanted coffee, she’d get me coffee. If I needed to go somewhere, she was always there. Every time I had to lip-sync, she’d secretly cry backstage because she didn’t want me to go home. Today she’s one of my closest friends. She’s even visited me in Brazil, and I know she’ll be part of my life forever.
Drag Race changed my career… but more importantly, it changed my life.
What was your favorite moment of being on the show, what was your proudest moment? And do you have an “eek, cringe!” moment, lol?
The moment I’m most proud of was opening up about my relationship with my father. I was incredibly emotional, and I had no idea how he’d react once the show aired. I was terrified he’d pull even further away from me. But thanks to Saint Madonna… lol, the exact opposite happened. We talked, we reconnected, and today our relationship is stronger than ever. I’m really proud that I found the courage to share something so personal with the whole world.
And an embarrassing moment? Honestly… I don’t really embarrass easily. I think if you decide to become a drag queen, you’re probably born without that button installed, lol!
Do you think your drag has changed a lot since you’ve been on the show?
Absolutely. My drag has changed a lot not just aesthetically, but as a person, too. When you travel the world and experience different cultures, you naturally grow. You meet people from all walks of life, see different realities, and all of that shapes you into a better artist. Today I feel much more confident in who I am, and in what I want to say through my drag. I think I’m constantly evolving… and honestly, I hope I never stop.
Outside of Brazil, what have been some of your favorite cities to perform in?
One of my favorite cities has to be Dublin. It was the final stop on our European tour, and something incredible happened: the show completely sold out. It was actually the first sold-out drag event in that venue’s history… and it was for a group of Brazilian queens! That honestly gave me chills.
No matter where I go, there’s always at least one Brazilian in the audience screaming my name, making me feel like I’m home. It’s hard to explain, but just talking about it right now gives me goosebumps. It’s one of the greatest feelings in the world.
You’ve performed New York before… what do you like seeing and doing here the most?
I absolutely love New York. I come from a theater background, and New York breathes art. It breathes Broadway. Whenever I arrive, I don’t even need a plan. I just start walking. I love wandering through the streets by myself, imagining I’m living in my own TV series… specifically Sex and the City, lol. In my head, I’m Carrie Bradshaw. I’ve even recreated that iconic “Taxi!” moment just for myself, lol!
I’ve been to the Met steps more times than I can count. I’ve eaten pizza at the pizza place from Spider-Man. Honestly, I just love experiencing New York. Sometimes all I need is a coffee in my hand, nowhere to be, and a chance to walk around feeling grateful for everything that’s happened in my life.
Did you know our Brazilian goddess Pietra Parker from back home, or did you meet her elsewhere?
I actually knew Pietra through Instagram before we ever met. During the pandemic, she became really well known for interviewing people on Instagram Live, and I loved watching her content. The first time we actually worked together was in New York. Now every time I’m in the city, there’s no way I’m leaving without seeing her. We always make time to grab food, catch up, and gossip until our tongues hurt!
Pietra has helped me so much over the years. She even gave me one of the wigs I wore while filming Drag Race Brasil. I’m incredibly grateful for our friendship, and I truly wish her all the success in the world because she deserves it. And if you’re reading this and you live in New York… go see her show! You won’t regret it.
A good time for a Pietra show is at Hush Bar on Friday, 7/24 for her weekly show “Reinas” alongside yourself, local star Freeda Kulo and your Brazilian RuGirl travel companions Naza and Shannon Skarllet! How fun is it to travel and perform with those two?
Naza and Shannon are basically my sisters. We’re really close friends, so traveling together is guaranteed chaos in the best possible way. lol The three of us together? It’s impossible for the night to be boring. If we’re sharing the same dressing room, something ridiculous is definitely going to happen before we even get on stage. And honestly… I can’t wait.
Then on Saturday, Pietra and the three of you will be at The Ritz with the folks behind popular Brazilian-based pop-up party TRETA! What is it about the culture of Brazil that produces such successful nightlife, do you think?
I think Brazilians have a very unique way of celebrating life. We can turn any gathering into a party. We love to dance, sing, laugh, and make people feel welcome. Our nightlife is so vibrant because it blends music, performance, art, and genuine connection with the audience.
That’s exactly what TRETA brings to New York. It’s much more than just a party, it’s a little piece of Brazil outside Brazil. When you walk into TRETA, you immediately feel that freedom, joy, and sense of community that’s such a big part of Brazilian culture. As a performer, it’s really special to be part of that and see Brazilians and people from so many different backgrounds celebrating together. I think that’s what makes events like TRETA so successful wherever they go.
What else is coming up for you?
September is going to be another exciting adventure! Ruby Nox, Paola Hofmann and I are taking the Come to Brazil Tour to Australia… and maybe a few other places that I’m not allowed to talk about just yet! But here’s a little spoiler: the three of us have this crazy dream of becoming the first drag trio to tour all around the world. So let’s just say… Australia is definitely not the final stop. We’re just getting started.
And finally: what is your favorite item in your drag bag, cosmetic or otherwise?
Definitely… my tuck panties…. lol!
Thank you Poseidon, and enjoy your stay in NYC!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Poseidon’s upcoming area appearances, and follow her on Instagram and TikTok.
Thotyssey 