We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Miami Andrews (a.k.a. Calvin Cruz). We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Miami Andrews below.
Miami Andrews , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today One of the toughest things about progressing in your creative career is that there are almost always unexpected problems that come up – problems that you often can’t read about in advance, can’t prepare for, etc. Have you had such and experience and if so, can you tell us the story of one of those unexpected problems you’ve encountered?
I’ve been doing drag since I was 16 (started 2017) and although you knew the social and political climate at the time wasn’t the best you at least knew you could go to the club or brunch and be in a community where you felt safe and protected by your peers. As the years have gone by i would have never thought we’d be facing issues of performing in front of a certain age group or even facing the fact that walking from our car to the gig means we could be attacked and ambushed just for doing our job. Although there is no quick and easy resolution we can still fight back and register to vote for the upcoming election, call our state representatives, protest, and donate to the ACLU drag defense fund. No matter how much hate we have knocking on our front door we will continue to be beacons of light for the community and protect our trans brothers and sisters who are even bigger targets for the right to attack!
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’ve been a performer straight out of my junior year of High School. Although not currently full time, i’ve been to where drag was all i had and was the only way i was able to put gas in my car and food on the table. As an artist, drag has opened me up to so many different ventures in my life such as being able to style wigs/hair & sew my own costumes which have all contributed to my daily life and we’ll being! This art form has so much to offer and so much joy to bring to the world it’s the only escape i have sometimes form everything going on around me. I’ve been blessed to perform at many amazing places with amazing people i call family, in front of many stunning audiences. At just 22 years old i feel drag has changed my life for the better and has made me excited to see what my future holds.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
Currently the best way to help any artist is to show up and show out. Buy our merch, buy tickets to shows and venues, shop locally, and as for drag… SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL DRAG ARTIST!! We may not be on tv but we are still here and ready to put on a show for everyone to enjoy! Come give us a tip, come buy a drink from the bar that’s giving us a platform to show our art, and like previous register to vote and let your voice and support be heard!
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
My community is full of amazing people, but the trans community has been the most amazing people to learn more about this art form from. My drag mother Lynz Andrews is a proud trans women, who is constantly fighting and bringing light to current issues, and has taught me so much to help better perfect my art craft. There are too many people to name but without them i don’t think i’d be as pretty and polished as i am without the tips and tricks i’ve collected over the years! Being able to be surrounded by such pioneers in our community is such a rewarding part of being a drag performer.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: instagram.com/calizzlee