We recently connected with Dixie Krystals and have shared our conversation below.

Dixie, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?

I have been very fortunate in my 26 years as a Drag Entertainer and over 30 years in the entertainment business to make this my full-time career… obviously, there were times that I had to have a secondary job starting out but being self sufficient is a plus. Honestly, the pandemic sparked the question again in me, What makes me happy? and entertaining of course was the answer so I quit my steady income to just focus on my drag business and hustle. it was one of those things that I said out loud. let’s do this for 6 months and re-evaluate then another 6 then another and I have made it stick, which was the goal.
once I was able to focus I could get myself immersed with projects for both the business and me to get more exposure. that was when I was a part of a documentary series for Discovery and now it’s on HBO Max, Generation Drag. that led to more tv opportunities and getting my agent.

I am a hard worker, sometimes too much but I feel if you manifest it and work towards your goals, it will happen.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I have been entertaining since the age of 5 and Love being on stage. that led to me starting drag in 1997. Seeing how the industry keeps changing, so do i. you have to evolve as an entertainer to stay relevant. I get hired a lot for some of the most un expected things because I am an actor that can adapt to the crowd or situation. I am an ordained minister, emcee, hostess, live singer, actor and wear many other hats. most of my clients are corporate and that is the ultimate to setting yourself a part as a drag entertainer. you are allowed to bring awareness to our LGBTQ community and raise awareness and talk about work place inclusivity and that is so important these days.
I feel so proud with every interaction I have because being able to show up in public and have young kids who feel alone or isolated see me…. that’s a huge win. some youth have never seen a drag personality in person and they will say that or get so excited they can’t contain themselves.
My job is to make sure everyone has a smile and good time at the end of a show. there is so much discourse and lies being spread about the art of Drag and it’s up to us to make the truth known. We cannot live in fear of what people will think, we must show them that WE are not the problem.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

show up and support artists, engage with them and show them appreciation. We often forget how boring our lives would be without entertainment and need to be reminded that 75% of entertainers identify as part of the LGBTQ community.

Don’t spread falsities about things you aren’t educated on. Specifically when it comes to drag entertainers. instead show up and support and see with your own eyes what we do.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I wish I knew more queer people when I was younger. growing up in rural America I had no. idea what being gay was. there was no representation on TV or movies so having that now at our finger tips is huge for our youth to feel seen.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.dixiekrystals.com
• Instagram: dixiekrystals
• Facebook: thedixiekrystals
• Youtube: dixiekrystals3539
• Other: TikTok: dixiekrystals

Image Credits
Jeremiah Corder Thomas Evans