A comely Colombian born drag performer on the rise, Mx. Rockbar’s wildcard semifinalist Kimbeluh is ready to rule.
Thotyssey: Hi Kimbeluh, thanks for chatting with us today! How are you enjoying this crisp autumn Blue Wave weekend so far?
Kimbeluh: Hi! Yes it’s beautiful outside; I’ve been waiting for this weather.
And it’s great drag weather! How might you describe your drag today?
I actually just came out of a photoshoot I’m doing, and it’s heavily inspired by my latinx culture. I’m so excited to post the photos when they are ready.
Where are you from originally, and how did your drag journey begin?
i’m originally from Cali, Colombia and I started doing drag about a year ago; I started performing about six months ago. I’ve alway been in love with the art form that is drag since I was, like, 15. Obviously I was watching Drag Race, and going out to see local drag. The first drag queen I saw was Miss Toto and wow… she was everything. [Other early favorites] were Essence, Jax and Suddenly Audrey.
How did your name “Kimbeluh” come to be?
Kimbeluh actually came from my mother–well, a word play at most. She told me that if I were to be born a girl she would have named me Kimberly, and my middle name is Kerverlyn. I remember in school, people would call me Kimberly to be shady… and I just thought of making it a tee bit more cunty, and Kimbeluh came to mind.
What’s great about New York drag, and what’s challenging?
In my opinion, I think New York drag is the most diverse drag you can think of. I lived in Orlando for about four years, and the drag community was–for lack of better words–not the best, and the opportunities and clubs weren’t much. I believe in New York, the scene is definitely cutthroat; it’s either you got it or you don’t. But there’s definitely plenty of opportunities to show your art.
You’ve made it to the semifinals of Mx. Rockbar, which goes down on Monday! How have you enjoyed competing,in this pageant, and what we can we expect for this week?
It’s honestly been amazing. It’s so fun to really push past your limits; you never know what you’re going to create. I’m very happy because I got the wildcard, which means I came back to the competition. And what you can expect this week is something you probably can’t even imagine–it’s fun, it’s sexy, it’s engaging. It’s what a drag performance should be. I’m giving the girls a show.
Anything else to plug?
Yes! Come watch me every Monday of the first of each month for Open Stage at Icon in Astoria; I promise you’ll have a blast!
Great! Okay lastly: who’s you’re favorite pop girlie?
Chaka Khan, lol! No, but I don’t think I have a favorite pop girlie. But probably my favorite artist ever is Kali Uchis.
Thanks, Kimbeluh!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Kimbeluh’s upcoming appearance, and follow her on Instagram.
