From PR to PA, “Drag Latina” Season 2 star Samara LaNegra is currently winning more diamonds. [Cover photo: Clavel]
Thotyssey: Samara, hello! Thanks for chatting with us today! Much to discuss obviously, but I see you performed at the Lunar Faire this weekend… how was that?
Samara LaNegrá: Performing at Lunar Faire was definitely an amazing experience, loved it!
On a scale of 1 to 10, how Witchy are you?
Well, I would say 6-7, lol. I just go with the flow, and stick to any type of vibe everywhere I go.
Congratulations are in order for winning the first round round of Crystal Envy’s Diamond Race last week! How did that win feel?
I honestly felt amazing. I was a little nervous at moments, but then remembered how good of a drag queen I am and how much effort I put into this. I enjoyed every second of the first night, and snatched the first win!
You’re certainly no stranger to competing in major competitions!
I was on the reality show Drag Latina Season 2. And I won Drag Arena All-Stars Season 4 in Harrisburg hosted by Madame D and Krishnara Diamond, and Black Girl Magic Showdown in Philly hosted by VinChelle.
What was your experience like on Drag Latina? That’s a wildly popular drag experience streamed on Revry that Carmen Carrera co-hosted. I know that sadly you your time on the set wasn’t long, but are you still in touch with any of your co-stars from the season? And, what was it like to watch it back the first time?
I felt good about my experience there. I left a little early (first eliminated), but all the work was definitely worthy. And yes, I’m still in touch with some of them. They are such amazing people! When I watch the show edited, I was just crying… but because I was proud of myself! Everyone just showed me a lot of love and support, and that’s what I took from that experience.
Love that! If that show ever does an All-Stars season, might you return?
I don’t think I will be back. I’m now looking forward for bigger things! My goal now is to be on Rupaul’s Drag Race.
We’d love to see you there! You are a native of Puerto Rico. What was life like growing up there, and did you begin your drag there or afterwards?
Yes, I’m from Puerto Rico, growing up there was amazing even though opportunities were a little bit limited. I started performing there… just two times, by the way! Then I moved here in 2021, and started making all my drag by myself.
Wow, some truly gorgeous looks!
Thank you! Yes, 90 percent of the stuff you see me wearing are made by me.
How might you describe your drag today, overall?
Definitely very polished, creative, and a little bit crazy… but organized.
Whereabouts in Pennsylvania are you today, and is there a drag scene there?
I live in Bethlehem! There is a very limited amount of drag queens; I barely perform here in Bethlehem. I usually perform at other places like New Jersey and Harrisburg (colleges, universities, brunches, etc.)
Diamond Race, the Drag Race-inspired competition that Crystal Envy hosts at Paradise which you just won the first installment of in this Season 2, is a great platform for a queen to showcase her design and performance skills–especially to a prompt! As someone who already did major competitions, do you thrive in that competitive environment?
I will say yes. Doing drag for fun is good… but when you are in competitions you have to push yourself a little bit further than you usually do, and get out of your comfort zone. That way, you’ll be learning and experimenting with new stuff that you probably think you will never do.
Wednesday, August 26th is the next round of Diamond Race! Are you enjoying the company of your fellow Racers, and did you know any of them before? Also, I saw that guest judge Arrietty performed–was she fun?
Arrietty was absolutely fun to watch! And yes, the rest of the competitors are very nice, and I just knew who two of the girls before the competition: Tiffany and Cupid.
What else is coming up for you?
So right now, I have a few gigs coming up. I’m going to a university this Friday, I have a Barbie themed show, and will be working on making my next looks for the Diamond Race.
Enjoy it all! To wrap, what’s your favorite item in your drag bag, cosmetic or otherwise?
Definitely eye liner and blush… but I can’t forget my gummy bears!
Delicious! Thanks, Samara!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Samara LaNegrá‘s upcoming appearances, and follow her on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.
Thotyssey 