The self-described “Trady Lady of Philly” is shooting her shot for the Diamond Race crown this season: Cupid Bowe! [Cover photo: Clavel]
Thotyssey: Cupid, hello! Thanks for chatting! Much to discuss since I saw the Diamond Race premiere on YouTube, but first in general… how has your summer been?
Cupid Bowe: Hey! Thanks so much for your time. My summer has been pretty nice; I’ve been enjoying life out of drag, as well as being pretty busy in drag… and now even more so with Diamond Race. It’s been pretty fast paced, to say the least.
Given your drag name, do you tend to get a lot of Valentines Day gigs? And, are you a fan of that holiday?
I would say so, lol! That month is usually hectic not only because of Valentine’s Day–which I am a fan of, by the way–but also Black History Month, as well as my birth month. A lot of things to celebrate that month!
That is a lot! You got to show off your amazing dancing skills on Week 1 of Crystal Envy’s Diamond Race competition at Paradise. I understand you started dancing in church when you were younger?
So I actually get my “dance” ability from my martial arts training. I started when I was around 8 years old, and then I started praise dancing in church around high school… so like, 16 years old.
Where are you from, exactly?
I was always moving about, so to speak. I’m actually originally from Jersey, the Burlington / Willingboro area. Some would say central Jersey, I guess.
How did you find yourself in Philadelphia nightlife?
When I entered adulthood. Being from Jersey, most queer spaces and parties were in Philly… so I eventually made my way into bars that had regular drag shows, and fell in love with many different performers and people. After about a year of coming out to Philly to support and be with drag community–and also practicing drag at home virtually–I made my drag debut in 2020. Then everything shut down, and it was back to virtual, lol! However I didn’t let that year stop me, and I did a few virtual drag things over the years. Eventually once everything opened back up, I started doing drag in Philly more often.
You also did some gogo dancing, right?
Yes! When I first moved to Philly I was gogo-ing and doing drag at the same time… it was a crazy time!
How might you describe your drag today? And, have you had an all-time favorite moment from your drag career?
I would definitely say my drag is rooted in “old school,” but with a “new school” twist! But my all time favorite moment? If I had to choose, it would probably be competing in the Snatcherella 3000 S4 finale. I was really happy with what I brought, and did it with a really close group of friends. It’s a really nice memory.
What made you want to try out for Diamond Race?
I was highly encouraged by many others around me. I do always like to test myself and see what my brain comes up with regarding prompts, so I decided to apply…. at 11:59 on the last day to apply, lol!
You did well the first week, and for this coming week’s second installment the cast is being broken up into teams for group challenges!
Yes, one of my favorite challenges [on competition shows like RuPaul’s Drag Race] to watch… so now it’s interesting being the one performing in it now. I’m grouped with Blake Harley and Leela Carrera. Expect some sexy and entrancing vibes!
So where can people likely find you performing in Philly, or anywhere else, coming up?
Normally I’m at Franky Bradley’s; I would say that’s my home bar for sure. There’s always a different show going on! Right now I have a few gigs left in August (which all the info is in my highlights titled Upcoming Shows). But mainly it’s just Diamond Race for the foreseeable future.
Good luck! To close: what’s your favorite item in your drag bag, cosmetic or otherwise?
Hmm, that’s a good question! Honestly, lip gloss and setting spray… and I won’t pick between either!
Thanks, Cupid!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Cupid Bowe’s upcoming area appearances, and follow her on Instagram.
Thotyssey 