Part of a fierce Jersey drag dynasty, the lovely Leela Carrera is about to compete in Asbury Park’s newest and very high stakes drag competition! [Cover photo: Clavel]
Thotyssey: Hello Leela, thanks for chatting today! Did you survive that gross hot smokey air yesterday?
Leela Carrera: Yes, I fortunately did. It was little scary, so I stayed at home doing chores and went to Asbury Park in the afternoon, had a walk on the boardwalk before my gig… and it wasn’t that bad. I guess the breeze helped a lot. By the sea, life is better–or that’s what they say.
I’ve heard that somewhere too! I’ve noticed many Carreras doing shows in the Tri-State area recently. Are you all one big drag dynasty? Is Natalie your mom or sister or third cousin twice removed, lol?
Absolutely, I am part of this big dynasty; Natalie is, in fact, my Drag mom.
Yay! What does it “mean” to represent the Carrera family… and how might you describe your drag today as far as you looks and numbers go?
Being part of the Carrera family means being embraced by a rich legacy of sensuality, and that’s exactly how I like to describe my drag–full of femininity and sensuality. Drawing on my talent as a designer, I like to take inspiration from the great designers in the entertainment industry.
Can you share a bit of your origin story with us?
Of course! I was born and raised in the beautiful city of Medellín in Colombia, and I started my drag career there. When I came to Jersey I was missing that side of crafting and creating, so I decided to get a sewing machine. I made myself a dress, and started from there on open calls and Drag Wars.
What have been some of your favorite moments in your drag career… and what have been some overall challenges of Jersey drag for you?
Without a doubt, I’ve found a chosen family–and I share moments with them. This year, I had the opportunity to be with my mother Natalie at Asbury Park Pride, and seeing all that love and that spirit of community amid the dark times this country is going through really touched my soul.
If we’re talking about challenges, I’d say the biggest one was creating a completely new drag character… something that would be more in line with my roots, and allow me to better represent my Latino community.
What was your former drag persona like?
Back in Colombia, I was a punk girly. My name was McKenzie Sparks… very whitewashed, for my part. I don’t know if this is politically correct to say, lol!
RIP McKenzie, she moshed so that Leela could fly!
So it was just announced that you’ll be part of the second season of Crystal Envy’s Diamond Race at Paradise, an epic multi-week competition that Drag Race fans love–the live shows are ultimately edited into very watchable segments complete with cast confessionals that stream on YouTube. What made you want to take part in this season?
Challenging myself to be better, and to grow. I think that’s the biggest challenge for any artist, and having a space and a production team that encourage you to do just that is incredible.
Very exciting! Any thoughts on the recent Drag Race All Stars winner Crystal Methyd, by the way?
Love her and her aesthetic since her original season; I love to see campy weird polished drag.
I also see that this Thursday you’ll have an earlier Paradise gig: WEPA. This week’s edition will celebrate your Diamond Race cast announcement!
Yes, I’ll be there this Thursday for “WEPA: Werk the Room” at Paradise in Asbury Park. We’re gonna have a salsa dance class and performances.
What else is coming up for you?
Right now, I’m focusing on the Crystal Envy Diamond Race competition, devoting all my energy to that and my regular gigs. Maybe I’ll be competing in some pageants next year, but nothing’s set in stone yet.
Good luck! In closing: what’s your favorite item in your drag bag, cosmetic or otherwise?
OMG! Definitely No Sweat Antiperspirant Gel 50 ML. I’m a big sweater, so for all the girls out there who need the makeup to last… this is the trick, and thank me later.
Thanks, Leela!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Leela Carrera’s upcoming appearances, and follow her on Instagram, TikTok and LinkTree.
Thotyssey 