We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Reina. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Reina below.
Reina, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?
Becoming a drag queen changed my life. It originally started by watching Rupaul’s Drag Race Season 6 and I was amazed by the transformations. I started going out in drag shortly after to the nightclubs in Hollywood and it was all fun and games. It quickly turned into a new passion of mine that allowed me to explore more of myself. After a couple years and winning competitions in the local drag scene, I started to do drag and get paid for it. The bookings kept coming and I found myself in a pickle. I had to decide if I wanted to commit to my day job or accept more bookings. I took the initiative to network and show up to other drag shows in drag in forms of support to gain reassurance that this is what i see for myself and my future. I quit my day job and started doing it full time and I couldn’t be happier, doing something that you love as a job makes it not feel like “work” and being able to create my Art on stage is the best feeling. Entertaining is what I am meant to do.
Reina, 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?
Reina. That is my drag name. The name on everyone’s lips after I set the stage ablaze with my engaging high energy style. Most people believe dancing for 3-5 mins on stage with a wig on is “drag” but it is much more than that. A drag queen like myself, is all about the details to deliver the best version of their Art to the world. Working on music mixes, concepts, choreography, makeup, outfit designs, stage placements all go into those 3-5 mins. I take it a notch further to think about how to engage with the crowd and make them forget their problems during the show. Spreading Love is one of the effects Drag has on people. I have worked at Company parties to Birthday backyard parties to your nearest local bar and restaurant covering the area from Santa Barbara to San Diego in California. In my experience I find it’s the unexpected that captivates these audiences. When i make every single person in the room cheer and we all come together in moments of Joy, that is what makes a true Drag Queen. La Reina.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
The best way to support drag artists is to go support LOCAL DRAG. We all have come to fall in love with Rupaul’s Drag Race and people often forget that those girls who get casted are the same performers in a local drag show who put the same amount of work ethic. The platform the show has given Drag in the Mainstream Media is amazing, if you enjoy it don’t be afraid to look up your nearest drag show and see it for yourself in person. All you need to bring with you is the energy! I am so grateful to Rupaul’s Drag Race for giving me the gift that I had within me all along and doing what I love to do, entertainment.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect as a Drag Artist is sharing the knowledge with others. Seeing people learn and grow and accepting themselves automatically is beautiful. I am a Drag Mother (drag mentor) and have created my own family through the drag community. I have a Drag Daughter named “Joella” who is on Rupaul’s Drag Race Season 17! Witnessing someone who i taught the ropes of this industry to now living their dreams is my proudest moment.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reina.drag/
