Combining the worlds of nerdy cosplay and high glam for the ultimate drag experience, Philadelphia’s Tiffany Uma Mascara might just be the one to beat in Crystal Envy’s Diamond Race Season 2. [Cover photo: Clavel]
Thotyssey: Hi Tiffany! We’re now in September and rapidly approaching the Spooky Season… is that a fun time for you?
Tiffany Uma Mascara: Baby, summer came and went like a bad habit. I am so excited for fall! I genuinely thrive in the fall–from hoodies to Halloween, it’s the best season, no shade! Very excited for Spooky Season, it’s always a fun time.
There are a lot of different elements to your drag. How might you describe it all today, as far as looks and numbers go?
Hmm… in all honesty, it’s a consistent, everchanging experience with me. At Tiffany’s core, My drag is an eclectic blend of camp and glamour! I don’t subscribe to the idea of having your drag be one thing; that makes it boring and predictable. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel by any means, but don’t be afraid to spin a different kind of a wheel every once in a while… and that’s Tiffany! I can give a sickening ballad one day, and then do “Crazy Frog” by Axel F the next. Tiffany is obsessed with being a silly, cunty lady… and that’s my drag!
Your “Blue Diamond” number that’s clipped on social media is pretty well known! You pay homage to both the Steven Universe character as well as The Fifth Element. Was that a one time thing, or do you do that number a lot?
Ah yes, the Diva Number! Honestly one of my favorites! So I do cosplay often. I have a yearly Steven Universe show here is Philly where I have done Garnet, Blue Diamond, And Spinel… so far. I haven’t done the Blue Diamond number specifically since last year, but would love to travel with her… and maybe even do like a ComicCon or FanExpo with her! It’s such a fun number; it’s 10 minute megamix taking through the whole lore of her, and showcases truly the range of all Tiffany can do!
Where are you from originally, what sort of interests did you have growing up, and how did drag come into your life?
So I am actually originally from New York, but have been living in Philadelphia for quite some time! My mom grew me up in the entertainment industry; she worked closely with many artists like Bun B, Nick Cannon, and the Simmons family. She specialized in making rhinestone merch t shirts or clothes for video shoots or premieres, so I always grew up surrounded by rhinestones, music, acting, etc.
As a kid, I was a huge nerd! I loved anime, larping, video games, and cartoons! With my mom taking me all around NY to events, I quickly became enamored with the stage and being known.
Tiffany formed as a cry for help to be honest, lol. Before I knew I was trans, Tiffany was just a cover up for me to delude myself that I wasn’t trans. Tiffany became [my out-of-drag name] Drea’s fantasies of escaping the real world, and being transported to her favorite shows. Tiffany is the giant woman in the anime who is powerful AF, and you are scared of her… but at the same time you want her to step on you and call her mommy!
What are the joys and challenges of Philly drag?
The joy of Philadelphia drag is truly the community! Philly has some of the most creative artists I have seen, and being amongst them feels so inspiring. They consistently keep pushing me to not just keep going in life, but in this career!
Philly, like any other creative city, of course can be challenging at times when there are bigger fish to fry. But at its core, Philly drag will band together at a drop of a dime for someone in need. Philly drag joy is knowing that even with all the drama, wigs, and shenanigans…. all we got is each other! Philly has a show for everyone. Whether you a nerd, a pop star stan, or just wanna shake ass…. Philly has a show for you to go to! There really is no drag like Philly drag and that’s no shade!
Nevertheless, you are currently a shining shar of New Jersey Drag… care of Crystal Envy’s Drag Race inspired Diamond Race Season 2 at Paradise, where you are slaying the game as a contestant! What inspired you try out?
I honestly was a little bored! I think no matter where you are in your career or artform, you should always wanna push yourself, try new things, and challenge yourself. Diamond Race felt like the correct next step for me to start yet another evolution! I never performed in Asbury Park before this competition, and Diamond Race has allowed me to expand not just my reach as an entertainer, but also expand myself and what I can do!
I’m guessing you knew at least a few of the other contestants before?
I did know a couple! Of course Cupid from Philly. I also knew Samara, Blake, and Dezi as well! However, I think this competition not only brought me new sisters, but also is strengthening my connections with the ones I already knew. I just hope it stays that way, lol!
You were rated in the top on the premiere, and your group was safe in the second installment! How did you like the dynamics of the group challenge?
The group challenge was honestly very fun for me! I had a great time with my divas Xaya-T and Desiree Moonshine! I think the challenge overall was very fun. I just wanted different songs, lol! Don’t get me wrong, I kill any lip sync given… but I wanted to buck! Either way, being safe is all I could ask for, and was so proud of our team…. especially since it was difficult for us to rehearse with me being in Philly with no car!
Wow, I bet that was challenging! Round 3 of Diamond Race is Wednesday, September 16. Do we know the theme?
Yawp! We are doing a musical–Chicago! I am very, very excited as I said, I have range… and being an undercover musical theater queen is on one end of that spectrum! It’s gonna be a fab week!
I see you have a Dolly Parton brunch coming up in Philly. RIP the queen, and Rocky Horror legend Tim Curry on the same day! Did either of those two influence your drag at all?
So excited to pay homage to the Diva Dolly! Them two days were insane; I genuinely couldn’t believe that they both went back to back! So with Dolly, let me tell y’all this: black folks love Dolly, so I grew up with her in blood! She is the reason I live for a long, fab nail and a sequin!
And I will never forget Tim Curry in Rocky Horror! His performance was my first look at queerness and femininity, and truly was the flint Tiffany needed to strike a flame!
What else is coming up for you?
Welll I got a new show coming in October to Franky Bradley’s in Philadelphia called Night Of 1,000 Dolls, paying homage to the dolls like Bratz, Monster High, Barbie, etc.! Follow my Instagram for more details coming soon. You can always catch me at Fabrika for brunch, too!
And finally: what is the most essential item in your drag bag, cosmetic or otherwise?
Ooh, I was waiting for this question! It would have to be my Too Faced Lip Injections: Extreme! I love a lip plumper! It must be with me!
Thanks, Tiffany!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Tiffany Uma Mascara’s upcoming area appearances, and follow her on Instagram and TikTok.
Thotyssey 