Gorge with gigs to boot: The Bronx Doll is slaying the game in NYC.
Thotyssey: Hello BD, thanks for chatting with us today! Actually, let’s start with: what do people call you when you’re out and about in drag? Bronx? Doll?
The Bronx Doll: Wasssup y’all! My name is The Bronx Doll, but mostly people call me “Bronx.”
Is that where you’re from, or where you currently live?
That’s where I’m from originally.
Did growing up there really shape your interests and aesthetic in a big way?
Very much–growing up around girls with signature looks and seeing the makeup, the jewelry, the heels, the hair from women in the Bronx… I thought it was so powerful. My aesthetic comes from The Bronx, New York and Monster High.
JLo of course is a famous Bronx girl… but there’s also Cardi B, Ice Spice… Al Pacino, lol! Do you have a favorite Bronx born celeb?
Well obviously Cardi B and JLo, but I’ve always loved Remy Ma the rapper. We have the same birthday, and her essence always intrigues me.
How might you describe your drag today, as far as looks and numbers go?
My drag is best described as: we’re gonna have a time tonight! Meaning, I love doing numbers that make me happy… numbers that I sing in the shower. I like to do numbers that make people feel happy for my look; I always love to give “Werewolf Siren,” and always give a hint of New York, a hint of Latin flavor, and a hint of femininity.
What inspired you to do drag in the first place, and what were your early experiences performing like?
I have a gay sister, and growing up with her we were watching RuPaul‘s Drag Race from Season Two, [when I was] like nine years old. I was always so intrigued on the power that these people were having, the entertainment [skills] that making the people laugh they had.
I first started as a girl just getting in geish, and going to parties. I started at Paul’s Dolls, a party run by all beautiful trans women, to get noticed and to show people not only that I am entertaining but also relatable, funny, and can work a crowd in a room like nobody’s business.
What are the joys and challenges of doing drag in NYC today?
My drag joy is my community; I’m a lover girl, in a way. I love my friends. I love my chosen family. I love the people that I meet every time I do a show, and I love the fact that people come to my show to feel relieved. The joy that I get is people feeling that life’s isn’t that bad once they leave a show of mine, or being at something I’m booked at. The joy I get from drag is the art that I get to create, to make people feel a sense of life.
My challenges: drag is such a heavy saturated thing right now in New York City, and if you’re not a split or tricks or choreo person, you’re not really looked at as a great performer. But the one thing that I will say is that these challenges make me work even harder: to know my words, to make sure I emote, to know what I’m capable of… to make sure that you feel like you’re watching a music video every time you see me perform.
And there are challenges that I think that people don’t realize: as a taller, thicker Spanish girl, it’s harder to get the love and [respect] when it comes to booking because it’s almost “high school” at the moment–where only the popular girls get popular things, and the girls that people think are beneath them don’t get looked at with the same light.
These days, your light is shining bright! One recurring gig that folks can see you at is a twice monthly drag brunch at Bareburger in Hell’s Kitchen, with your co-host Boy Gorge. That Bareburger has become the most unexpected hit venue of the year, with lots of sapphic and bear events that stand out in Broadway Gay HK! What’s this brunch show like?
This brunch is a little bit of fun, a little bit of Fab, a little bit of chaos! Me and Boy Gorge honestly have built such a great relationship based off of this brunch, where it feels like I’m in my living room performing for my cousin and my titis, having the time of my life. Bareburger has become such a home to me because of how I’m able to be 100% authentically myself all the time with them. The brunch is where you can get a five dollar espresso martini, some fab food and a fab show where you see Broadway numbers, hip-hop numbers, pop numbers… and for $100 I’ll even do a Taylor Swift medley.
You’ll be back there on Sunday the 27th… and then later that night you’ll be a part of “Club 27” at All Night Skate on Brooklyn! This will be DropDead Joe’s birthday show, with what looks like some early Halloween vibes!
Yes honey, we’re gonna give Spooky Cookie this year.
And then on October 16 you’ll be at the Underground in Somerville, NJ for another scary show: “Drag Me to the Grave!”
That is hosted by my good drag sister Jada Honey Diamondz, and basically we’re giving the girls Spooky Cookie Tookie. We’ll party, do pop-up shows and give a good old time. Honestly, I rarely work in Jersey… so when I do, I just wanna have a good time!
Anything else coming up for you?
What’s coming up for me is that I’m going to keep working, working, working. I plan on making a great name for myself… make a Legacy for myself. I did want to mention and give a special shout out to my drag mom Nani Tsunami, who has been there for me through a lot of situations. We’ve had ups, we’ve had downs… but she’s always had my back and always has taught me to be a better queen, a better person, and a better soul. I also want to give a special shoutout to Ritz Bar and Bareburger for being two homes right across the street from each other. I’m honestly loving what the Ritz and Bareburger have done for me. I just wanna say thank you to them for showing my talent and being able to show my talent in their venues.
Lastly, what’s your favorite item in your drag bag, cosmetic or otherwise?
Perfume is my favorite cosmetic. Also, I keep salt on me at all times. I drink it with seltzer so I wouldn’t be hungover the next day for the next gig, because it makes a natural Alka-Seltzer.
She’s a scientist, too! Thanks, Bronx!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for The Bronx Doll’s upcoming appearances, and follow her on Instagram and TikTok.
