We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful AIRA. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with AIRA below.

AIRA, appreciate you joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

The first time I knew I wanted to pursue a creative profession was when I was just 15 years old! Growing up where I couldn’t express my femininity out in the open, I secretly started learning about drag. The first queen I ever saw on TV was Alyssa Edwards and I just KNEW I had to try it out. For the first time in my life, everything started to make sense. I began dancing, doing makeup, and designing in my little like “2×4” room! I did this for years until I turned 21 and was able to perform in person. The queer agenda had truly taken over.

AIRA, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Stunning! My government name is Nick a.k.a. AIRA when in drag. I am a 26 year old artist currently residing in Philadelphia, PA! The main goal in exploring this industry is desiring to spread a sense of community and freedom to those who need it. Drag creates this safe space for people of all identities and backgrounds to be unapologetically themselves.

AIRA is all about performance and visuals that always make audience members feel something, even if that feeling is nausea! I really started diving into this industry because I found drag to be political, and that makes me enjoy both ends of the reactions I receive. From tears of joy to anger, drag makes everyone react which is what makes it such a special creative outlet.

Pride in who I am and what I do is something that has helped me become successful in all aspects of my life. I am most proud of my ability to persevere through any and all challenges that are thrown my way. Accomplishments that I am specifically proud of are working at the 50th anniversary of Stonewall in Times Square, NYC for the World Pride festival, and doing makeup for Juan Quitt featured in Grammy Award-winning artist Lucy Dacus’ music video Night Shift.

What sets me apart from others is my ability to execute all of my wild ideas, and a performance style that cannot be replicated. The way I entertain is my truest form of self expression, which is why you can only witness it when AIRA is in the room. Glitchy, ethereal, and mesmerizing have all been words used to describe my onstage presence. You have to see it to believe it!

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

Social media has become one of the best ways to support one another. I implore anyone to support creatives around them by following, liking, sharing, and reposting their content. Money works great too! TIP YOUR LOCAL ENTERTAINERS AND ARTISTS!

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

It is ridiculously easy to lose yourself when you participate in drag or any performance art. Becoming a machine and forgetting to take care of yourself behind all of the glitz and glam is way too easy. I’ve seen this happen to other artists, and started noticing it happen to myself. I truly thought that all of my worth was tied to the praise I would receive from performing, or just being a spectacle. This sent me into a very deep cycle of depression and anxiety. At this time in my life, when I wasn’t in drag I felt worthless.

Unlearning the idea that I was only as valuable as my art was one of the most difficult practices of self-care I have done to date. However, there is always light at the end of these dark times. Realizing that I am much more than just the art I create, has given me so much confidence in and out of drag. Rupaul always says that you have access to the power you have while in drag, ALWAYS! This has finally become true for me.

Recently taking some time away from drag to realize this, I am so back and ready to release the long-awaited update, AIRA 2.0.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://Www.Instagram.com/thelastaira
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@thelastaira

Image Credits

Jonathan Hernandez
Thomas Evans
Mike Rios