Indigenous Identity, Drag, and Mental Health | Rodaysha Red Ashes

Rodaysha Red Ashes is a local drag performer who turned shyness, anxiety, and a casual conversation at Home Depot into a stage career that changed their life. In this episode, we talk about what drag actually teaches you about confidence, how sobriety reshaped their relationship with performing, and how their indigenous heritage shows up in everything from their drag name to the beaded earrings that start conversations.

This is one of those conversations that covers a lot of ground, from the nerves that never fully go away to the community that carries you through the hard parts. Rodaysha is honest about all of it.

Please note that this transcript was made through a software and it may not be entirely accurate.

00;00;02;14 – 00;00;12;14
Unknown
You’re listening to the Behind the Village podcast, where we invite you to join us on a journey to understand how to live a life worth living.

00;00;12;17 – 00;00;31;24
Unknown
Our guest today is Rhodesia Red ashes, a local drag queen who takes the stage by storm every time they perform. We first saw Rhodesia in the queer cabaret hosted by Mariposa Arts Theater during Pride Month. We were just in awe and knew that if we ever had the chance, we would need to bring them on the podcast.

00;00;31;26 – 00;00;50;07
Unknown
When I was like, I feel like I was like really young because like, you see, like drag, like portrayed and like so many things, but like, like, like, like Mrs. Doubtfire, all that kind of stuff. Like, you see drag everywhere, but then there’s like some drag where it’s like, this is okay for everyone to watch, and then there’s some drag ritual, like, you can’t watch that, you know what I mean?

00;00;50;07 – 00;01;10;06
Unknown
Or like, they’re poking fun or whatever. Yeah. And like, I remember watching that, but then always being like, man, you know, I can’t do that, though, because, like, I’m not a man doing woman drag. Like, I, I guess it’s not for me. So I always just, like, that’s really fun and cool. I love performance, I love theater, I love art, so.

00;01;10;06 – 00;01;32;15
Unknown
And I love dancing, too. So, like, I always was like, that’s so fun. That’s so cool. Like, that must be so awesome. I wish I could do that. And then I think it was like either 2018 or like 2019 when I was like 18 or 19. And I like found on Instagram the like little tiny circle of like alternative like performers in Toronto.

00;01;32;15 – 00;01;52;29
Unknown
Cool. So it was like kings things, you know, queens but who were like biological femme. And it was just like really cool to be like, oh, wait, I can do this. Wait. Like, there is space for me here too. And like, from then it was just kind of like, oh my God. Like, how do I, how do I even like, I would love to do this, but how do I even how do I even get into it?

00;01;52;29 – 00;02;11;14
Unknown
And I was working, I was 22 and I was working at Home Depot. Nice. And I remember just like mentioning it, I just mentioned it to someone and I was working in the paint department, and I mentioned it to this girl that I was working with, and she literally turned to me and was like, I, I know a drag queen.

00;02;11;16 – 00;02;29;12
Unknown
I know them like I know some. They perform in Muskoka. And I went what? I was like, are you serious? And then I was like, well, listen, I was like, you know, if you’re okay with it, like maybe put me in contact. I’d love to like, figure out, like how I could figure out to, like, be a part of this, do it or whatever.

00;02;29;12 – 00;02;52;04
Unknown
I was always, like, really, really shy. So, like, there was like, half of the people who knew me who were like, what the hell? What are you doing? But also have two people who are like, this makes sense. And, yeah, I messaged the person they told me they had like an open stage kind of thing, and they were like, yeah, you know, I’ll talk to the, you know, drag mom and we’ll get you in.

00;02;52;04 – 00;03;09;28
Unknown
And then I was they said that. Yep. You got like two songs or choose two songs or something or one song. I can’t even remember what it was. And it was like and then you and I literally was like, oh my God, this is crazy. So I bought wigs. I found some, like, old dancy stuff from my like, room.

00;03;10;01 – 00;03;30;05
Unknown
I just like, put outfits together and like, my first outfit was like, what? What I said when I made it, it was like, if it was like a punk rock Barbie. Yeah. Had, like, this corset that I bedazzled with, like, pink and black gems and stuff like that. And I had like this, like pink mini skirt.

00;03;30;05 – 00;03;49;17
Unknown
It had ribs and like, it was just so fun. I just, I had, like, the most fun. And I just went out there and like, I think it was my first night or something, or like maybe it was my second show, actually, and someone compared me to Gottmik. Oh, and they also were very surprised that it was my second or first performance.

00;03;49;17 – 00;04;07;21
Unknown
Like, they all were like, wait, we thought you were doing this for a year at least? And I was like, no, this is. But yeah, it’s kind of crazy. Like all the events that like led to me getting this opportunity is so funny because, like, yeah, I worked at Home Depot and I just like, I’m a yapper. I love to talk.

00;04;07;21 – 00;04;12;26
Unknown
So I was just talking about stuff that I would like hope to be able to do.

00;04;12;28 – 00;04;29;26
Unknown
Lately, the idea of speaking things into existence keeps coming up. Most people realizing their dreams are those brave enough to put it out to the universe. I wanted to know if performing has always been part of life, or if it was something they threw themselves into later as an adult.

00;04;29;29 – 00;04;46;02
Unknown
I did do dance as a kid. My mom put me in dance. I did ballet, tap and jazz for for three. I don’t even remember how many years, but I did it and I loved it so much. I was actually like a really shy kid.

00;04;46;04 – 00;05;10;07
Unknown
Like, even in dance. Like, I was like, so nervous and shy and in throughout, like, whole high school and all that stuff, like people, you know, I was like the Degas kid that’s like, quiet and shy in the corner. And so I, I think I’m really surprised, like a lot of people, when I actually like, did this because I’ve always wanted to and like when I did dance, it was so fun and I was like, oh my God, maybe.

00;05;10;07 – 00;05;32;21
Unknown
But I was always so nervous. Like, I have like anxiety and I have I have lots of other mental health struggles as well that I like to like, just kind of like embrace in my performing. But like, I think that’s what it was, was like little kid undiagnosed anxiety, ADHD, really anxious and then like got medicate and it was all like, whoa, confidence.

00;05;32;23 – 00;05;46;12
Unknown
Hello. So you know, yeah. Like, I don’t know, it’s crazy. I never even like if my younger self could look at me right now and be like, like I think they’d be so surprised.

00;05;46;14 – 00;05;58;29
Unknown
You can feel it when Rhodesia performs that high level of confidence. For people like me who feel like I could never. Where do they pull that confidence from?

00;05;59;02 – 00;06;09;21
Unknown
It’s a lot of delusion. Like, I always kind of actually love to hear when people are like, so coffee. You look so confident because when I’m out there in front of everyone, I’m.

00;06;09;24 – 00;06;42;21
Unknown
I’m pooping my pants like I am. So like, I try, I don’t know. And again, maybe I’m going to call myself out if anyone ever sees and I like, make eye contact, I will immediately move my eyes because I feel scared. Like it makes me so nervous. I’m like, oh, they’re actually looking at me. Oh my God. But like, I don’t know, like, I guess it’s because I did do, like, dance and getting used to being on a stage and having people stare at you at least, you know, my dance teachers always told me that it’s kind of like, well, you can’t really see their faces in the crowd, you know, because all

00;06;42;21 – 00;07;02;03
Unknown
the lights and everything like that, but then like drag or like right up in people’s business. So I, I just have learned to be like, you know, whatever happens, happens. You’re doing this for a reason. And you know what? At the end of the day, it’s like if you fall, you make someone laugh, whatever. If it doesn’t land the way you wanted to like it happens.

00;07;02;03 – 00;07;26;16
Unknown
You can’t change it. But I just, I, I yeah, delusion. I’m going to say like delusion. Honestly I just like look right here on people, right? Right between their eyes. And I’m like, I’m looking at your eyes, but I’m not, I’m not really. Because like, that’s too scary. Yeah. Like, I don’t know, I guess you just, you just you never really, like, start getting, like, nervous.

00;07;26;18 – 00;07;42;01
Unknown
You just get like, able to, like, deal with it more like you get to like, like like. It’s funny. Me and my drag mom, we talk about it too. Like, she’s been doing it for way longer than I have. And she literally, like, I still get, you know, a little like. And then I get to the venue and I’m like, we’re good.

00;07;42;02 – 00;08;09;00
Unknown
Yeah, yeah. But I think it’s just, you know, humans were just so like, oh my God, okay, we are going to go do a thing in front of a bunch of people. But yeah, the delusion that keeps us strong. Yeah. No, that’s valid. And I think it’s one of those things. And, you know, the more I explore just artistry in general, but the idea of having to put yourself out there and whatever medium it is is terrifying because there’s it’s coming from that vulnerable place, you know, and it’s just like, oh, I don’t know.

00;08;09;02 – 00;08;31;18
Unknown
But but yeah, I think you’re right at being just more practiced at working through those uncomfortable feelings where maybe most people, as soon as they start to feel it shy away and then you don’t get to explore that side of things, you know? So yeah, you got to just like like you feel that anxiety of like, oh, I’d, I actually just want to like run away.

00;08;31;18 – 00;09;00;23
Unknown
But then you just fight it and you just don’t. And then you actually can. I believe that anyone can do the thing. You just again, I just feel like you can do this, like, just log in. What is it that drag brings to you and or why is it that it called to you so much? I, I love to perform and again it’s so I also like I love politics, I love, like talking about, I love talking about injustices.

00;09;00;23 – 00;09;18;09
Unknown
That’s not really there’s like, wait a minute to say that that like justice. It’s all right. Love and justice is not by me. Like, I feel like I’m a like a, you know, like a sad queer person that is like, mixed indigenous and like, I’ve always had, like, kind of like that point in life where it’s like, I’m not on the worst side of things.

00;09;18;09 – 00;09;50;00
Unknown
I’m not on the great side of things, but I can see it from both sides. And like, drag gives you a platform to talk about really serious things that some people won’t. And I like to incorporate those kinds of things. Like I’d still love to have the opportunity to do like a very political drag show. I’ve got a lot of funny numbers to do to poke a little bit of fun at some, you know, politicians, some particular ones that everyone has that particular rant maybe, I don’t know.

00;09;50;03 – 00;10;08;25
Unknown
And like, I just think that it’s like it’s, it’s a great like it’s just such a, it’s such a lovely community. Like, you can just like get your start like drag gives you a start to do, like anything. Like if I wanted to go further into like theater, I can if I wanted to do like I’ve had opportunities to model.

00;10;08;25 – 00;10;43;05
Unknown
I’ve had opportunities to do little fashion shows, like through drag, like it’s opened up so much more than just like I’m a performer, like, like it’s really cool. It’s cool to just like, have this space and like, I don’t know, I guess it is just a passion for, like, performing. I’ve always been like a very political person, and I just think that that’s like the most important thing and probably what’s like pushed me to like, cause there’s been times where I’m all like, I just want to quit so bad, but then I don’t because, like, my voice matters and like me being able to have a platform and like, share those things that are like

00;10;43;05 – 00;10;51;00
Unknown
a little bit, you know, not talked about. I think it’s important.

00;10;51;03 – 00;11;02;14
Unknown
In terms of their drag journey, how has Rhodesia come to be the version of who they are today? How do they incorporate elements of their indigenous culture into their art?

00;11;02;17 – 00;11;22;14
Unknown
I love weird, I love weird and creepy and and odd and like, again, it was like suffer was like like Jimbo the drag clown. Like putting that in. I was all like. Because I always thought of myself as being kind of clown, but I didn’t, you know, some some people, some performers would consider that like, like an insult sometimes.

00;11;22;17 – 00;11;42;10
Unknown
But like, I think that I am like a drag clown. In, like, indigenous culture, like funny, like comedy, making jokes, laughter. Like, that’s medicine. So like, part of it was like my indigenous side where it’s all like, I love to make people laugh. And I think that like the like the as much as, like there’s serious moments in my drag.

00;11;42;10 – 00;12;07;21
Unknown
There’s also moments where it’s like, we’re allowed to laugh, we’re allowed to have fun because like, oh my God, life is a lot. But yeah, I, I don’t know, I was like, I saw Gottmik and Gottmik is very like gorgeous clown. And I was like, I want to be like a clown, dude. Like, I want to come out doing a somersault and like, come out and admit, you know, like, I want to have fun and just make people laugh.

00;12;07;28 – 00;12;30;28
Unknown
And I also think that, like, the white face and like, is so, so, like creepy in such a good way. It’s like, yeah. Like, I started out just kind of like, you know, doing, like regular, like drag makeup, you know, drag my features. And it was kind of like I also saw some other local performers too that did like White Face, and like local in Toronto, like, and like I was like, oh, my God.

00;12;30;28 – 00;12;59;05
Unknown
Like, I didn’t again, like, for so long, even when I started doing drag, like for so long, it was all like, this is how you do drag. And not everyone knew all of like the little niches and cool little stuff all the time because it’s not always, you know, pushed to the forefront like RuPaul’s Drag Race. You know, I just love being silly and it’s definitely also like the visual esthetic and also like a little bit of like, like I do also try to incorporate the indigenous side of myself in it as well too.

00;12;59;05 – 00;13;20;02
Unknown
But like, like a trickster is like something where it’s all like we just make people laugh, like we just try to have fun. And they’re like a spirit that’s like giggly little guy. And I think I’m a giggly little guy, so what? What parts of your indigenous culture do you kind of pull inspiration from or pull into to your drag?

00;13;20;04 – 00;13;45;05
Unknown
Like, so my name, road Red ashes, why I chose that name. I actually got given it to giving it like the first part, like Rhodesia by, my last drag mom. And, because I was, I had when I first started, I had a name and I was violently baked. Which I thought was, like, so funny.

00;13;45;05 – 00;14;00;07
Unknown
And then I started to, like, get sober and, like, not really drink and, like, do anything like that. So I was like, maybe I don’t want to have my name around that. Which is funny. I love when people do a funny little name that’s like that. But I was like, maybe like for my healing. I don’t need that right now.

00;14;00;07 – 00;14;27;23
Unknown
So I wanted to get a new one. And, I recently went to Winnipeg for like a little gathering that we had, and I talked to, an elder, and I got my spirit name, and it’s Phoenix, so near Pinas, and, it means Firebird or Firebird. And so I was like, oh, okay. And then so having that and then my drag one was like Rhodesia because it’s very regal.

00;14;27;23 – 00;14;48;16
Unknown
It’s very royal, it’s very beautiful. But then like Red ashes because you’re a little phoenix rising from the ashes and it’s, it’s funny because like, I chose that, but also like before I even got my spirit name, I chose Phoenix for myself. Cool. And then I talked to an elder and they were like. Like they gave me this little smirk.

00;14;48;16 – 00;15;07;08
Unknown
Or they’re all like, yeah, I see it. I know, I know that that’s your name. And it was just kind of like this moment where I was like me and creator, like, we’re like this. Like we both just are like, okay. And so I use, like, again, like it’s it’s mainly like politics a little bit where it’s like I’m bringing like the artistry side.

00;15;07;08 – 00;15;34;25
Unknown
But I also do want to bring light to the injustices that are happening all across Canada and North America, to indigenous people still to this day. So a lot of it is like I just try to like, bring it like I will, you know, I’ll wear earrings, like beaded earrings that either I’ve gotten from, like some friends or cousins or whatever, or I’ve made or like, I’ll wear like my jacket has land back on the back and it usually just like, starts like.

00;15;34;25 – 00;15;52;19
Unknown
And I beaded that and it starts like a conversation, which I think is the most important thing. Like usually people be like, wow, I really like those earrings. Where did you get them? And I can give them like either, like whoever’s Instagram it was. So then I’m like helping that indigenous person or like again it starts a conversation of what does land bag mean?

00;15;52;19 – 00;16;14;29
Unknown
And then I can like tell them. And so I just try to I just try to incorporate like honestly like knowledge and teaching with like, like letting people know that like there’s also indigenous people that like like like me and like we’re everywhere. And you know, it’s important to just like, be kind and polite. And also it’s fun to be educated on indigenous stuff.

00;16;15;01 – 00;16;23;18
Unknown
You live in the country where, you know, our land mass. Why not learn a little bit?

00;16;23;20 – 00;16;30;24
Unknown
How has drag shape their identity as a person and contributed to who they are outside of drag?

00;16;30;27 – 00;16;53;10
Unknown
It’s definitely like, help me. Like I think like I get tell me grow as a person to help me like face things that like, I don’t think like a lot of other people would face and then like sit and reflect like I do. I go to therapy because, well, like, I need it, I love it, it’s good. But like having like the space to, like, be physically expressive.

00;16;53;10 – 00;17;18;16
Unknown
And then you go in like you talk to, it’s just like made me have more confidence in, like, my everyday life. And like, I do, you know, feel better about myself. I was like, really mean to myself for like, so long. And I’m still I’m still working on it. I’m not the best, you know, we all have our problems, but, like, drag is definitely like, help me be like, know you.

00;17;18;16 – 00;17;35;20
Unknown
Like I can look in the mirror and be like, I love myself like I do love myself. You’re a cool person. You do the cool stuff. You’re really talented. Like, that’s cool. And like, I could never do that before. Like, even like saying that, like, I would like, laugh and be like, just kidding. But like, oh, like, it’s like, no, like I am that person.

00;17;35;20 – 00;17;56;25
Unknown
And like, drag has definitely helped me be like like again, it started with delusion, but like, you fake it til you make it. Yeah. Now I’m just like, no, I am that person. Like, yeah, I am, I am that bitch again. Pardon my language for like I am, I am that person. Like that is me. And like I don’t have to like there’s still sometimes are like if I try to like give myself a compliment, I’ll be like, oh, maybe I sound too cocky.

00;17;56;25 – 00;18;29;26
Unknown
But then, like, people will like, no, you are that person. Like you are that like that’s, you know, so yeah, that’s huge. That’s major. When I started drag, I was 22 and I was like using a bit of substances and like drinking like way too much. And that’s definitely what helped me get my confidence to like, get on the stage, which, you know, but like, I, I very like quickly was like, oh man, like this, this is not good.

00;18;29;26 – 00;18;59;27
Unknown
And I don’t want you to get into like a pattern of like this being something that you need, something that you’re relying on. My family has like lots of, like past addiction issues. And I love my mom so much. She’s like the sweetest lady. And I just could not do that to her. I was like, I was like, oh, I’m going down a path where I feel like my mom is already very worried and maybe I need to like, so I, I immediately was like, okay, like with drag, it did help me feel like, oh, maybe this is like not okay.

00;18;59;27 – 00;19;18;05
Unknown
My drag mom doesn’t drink. She doesn’t drink when she performs. She didn’t do any of that stuff. Like she should go have her cigaret, but that’s it. You know, like, she does not drink. And it was kind of like me looking up to her and being like, oh, I don’t I don’t need this to do it because she doesn’t need to do it.

00;19;18;07 – 00;19;40;15
Unknown
So I probably don’t need that also. So then I kind of was like, okay, I don’t want to do this. It’s making me feel not good. And, you know, like it was it was getting chaotic to where like, I’d be really stressed out while I’m getting ready, like, I’m, I’m new and I’m trying to get ready. And I’m also like, using and like it was just so many layers of like, don’t do that.

00;19;40;18 – 00;20;08;08
Unknown
And so I got sober, I stopped drinking, and I stopped using and I went to any and I did meetings every week for about a year, and I got all my tags. And yeah, I was, I was three years sober up until this September. I had a little bit of a relapse with alcohol. But, you know, I’m happy it’s not the other stuff.

00;20;08;10 – 00;20;25;24
Unknown
But I guess it’s been it’s like it helped me get, like, sober and, like, know that I don’t need those things. I had, you know, having a little slip right now, but, like, in recovery, like, it’s just kind of like, hey, you know what today’s today does? Deal with it. And like, let’s move forward. Let’s just try and be better tomorrow.

00;20;25;27 – 00;20;48;25
Unknown
Yeah. Like I think that’s why, like, mental health and stuff is so important to like talk about with like, drag and like all that stuff because, like, people, there’s a lot of like, like usage of, like substances in performing in general nightlife, all that kind of stuff. Like, it’s just, it happens and like, it’s really easy.

00;20;48;25 – 00;21;12;06
Unknown
I think as queer people especially to like get down those roads because we already go through so much and, you know, it is like a little bit of a release, but it’s important to have like there’s like, like champagne topper. So that’s my drag mom and like King Freddie, and Sandy joint like these are like, sober, like like kings and queens that, like, have, like, inspired me to be like, oh, my God.

00;21;12;06 – 00;21;32;01
Unknown
Like, no, like, it’s hard. It’s hard to do. But like, honestly, it’s like worth it. Like they’re fantastic performers. It’s important. It helps you like again like loving yourself. And it’s like you want to take care of yourself. So, you know, drinking all the time and doing all that stuff is like, it’s not taking care of yourself. And like, we need like, this is, this is how I make money.

00;21;32;01 – 00;21;48;14
Unknown
I need this body to make money. So if I can’t, you know, get up for a gig or something, then it’s like I lost out on money and that kind of sucks. But also experience and, like, connection and, like, I don’t want to. I don’t want to forget.

00;21;48;16 – 00;21;57;11
Unknown
With their journey through sobriety and life outside of drag. Does it matter who you surround yourself with?

00;21;57;14 – 00;22;01;06
Unknown
It doesn’t matter. You know, it’s like people, places and things.

00;22;01;09 – 00;22;16;29
Unknown
So, like, you gotta change where you’re hanging around, who you’re hanging around and we’re going. And so, like, if you’re going to hang around people that are going to be doing all of that stuff, it’s like it’s listen, it’s really hard to stop doing that around that unless you’ve like got a couple of years under your belt.

00;22;16;29 – 00;22;32;16
Unknown
So it’s kind of like you gotta change that. And it was kind of like shifting from like my little other friend group or whatever group I had into, like hanging out with, like my drag friends and like, people who, like, really care about you and actually are like, hey, we want you to like, be okay and do good.

00;22;32;16 – 00;22;57;13
Unknown
Like, you know, like it’s like it’s something that I think everyone deserves to feel is loved and accepted and like, cared for, you know, like all that good stuff. So the people who are your people will hang around you and they will want to hang around you and they will, you know, call you on your bullshit and like, help you through that, though, like, they’re not just going to be like mean and rude.

00;22;57;16 – 00;23;17;27
Unknown
And it’s like something that is like is really hard to get into your head. Like lots of people, I think, still struggle with that, but it’s kind of like you will find your people. You just have to be like authentically yourself. And they’re there and like, it does suck to lose people that like you thought you know, were your friends or like thought really cared about you.

00;23;18;00 – 00;23;33;15
Unknown
But at the end of the day, it’s like that’s a loss that like had a positive ending though, right? Like it sucked and it hurt, but it’s not going to hurt forever. And then on the other side, there’s like all this, like, beautiful, lovely stuff that you just have to wait

00;23;33;17 – 00;23;40;14
Unknown
So how could someone get started on their own drag journey? Where would you even begin?

00;23;40;17 – 00;23;43;01
Unknown
for. Like the drag babies out there.

00;23;43;01 – 00;24;21;26
Unknown
You just. The most important thing is going in supporting your community. You want to be a part of the drag community. You have to go to shows and you have to support the queens that are there. Open, open stages are a fantastic way for brand new performers to get their feet in the little performing pool. And also just like, you know, like, this is gives out some funding because I feel like I’ve acted so, like, not humble, but it’s like, like staying humble and just like, knowing that, like, you know, like the people who see that you can do this and see the fire, you know, like they’ll see it and they

00;24;21;26 – 00;24;53;10
Unknown
will take you under their wing. But if you’re going to, like, come in and, like, bulldoze, like you’re going to upset like a lot of people because like, drag is like, this is a community that’s been around for years and years and years, like it’s definitely evolved and it’s changed. But like, there’s there’s etiquette, you know, there’s drag etiquette that, you know, it’s just polite to follow because like, you know, our like queer queer elders, you know, people who’ve been here before us and have actually, like, paved the way so we can have these kinds of performances where like, used to not be able to do this, like, you can’t, could not walk down

00;24;53;10 – 00;25;10;18
Unknown
the street and drag people with, like, you know, either hurt you or like you get scared or, you know, all that kind of stuff and like, like, we won’t have that anymore. Like, I’ll be honest. Like there’s some times where, like, I have definitely gotten a slur or two thrown out at me, but like, I’m, I’m not in any danger.

00;25;10;20 – 00;25;32;09
Unknown
That’s like that. So I just think that it’s like it’s important to respect the people who paved the way. Go show support to your local queens, kings and things. And you know what? Ask questions. If you see a performer and you’re like, I really like that. And I would just go up to them and be like, hey, you know, I don’t want to step on any toes, but like, how do you get into, like, just if you just talk to us?

00;25;32;09 – 00;25;50;10
Unknown
Like, honestly, a lot of the time, like where a lot of us are happy to just help people out, some of us are not. But, you know, like, you just you learn it quick and it’s just all about, like, you know, even if with one place you go somewhere and you don’t get another gig or you don’t get a ass back, like, just roll with the punches.

00;25;50;10 – 00;26;07;19
Unknown
Just try again. You know, if you’re meant to do it, you’re meant to do it will find you. But it’s just all about like just like just like don’t. I also find because of RuPaul’s Drag Race, everyone tries to shoot for ten, right? At the rate at the gate. Yeah. And it it it never comes out like that.

00;26;07;21 – 00;26;29;22
Unknown
So it’s it’s okay. You don’t need to do the bucking. You don’t need to do the kicking. You don’t need to frickin wager. Like, the most important thing is, like, if you’re going to get up on that stage, know your lyrics, my lord. Know your words. Because, okay, you can dance. Whatever. If I see you not lip syncing.

00;26;29;24 – 00;26;52;20
Unknown
If that’s a problem, because, yeah, like, I, you know, you got to have a healthy balance. Like there’s a little drag trick to, like to be lip syncing and not know your lyrics, so you’re doing a lot more things. You’re like, oh, I don’t want people to know, but it’s like all the other drag performers in the room are all like, yeah, we can we see.

00;26;52;22 – 00;27;15;01
Unknown
Yeah. It’s just it’s about just like, you know, getting your tone in the community. Don’t rush. Just have fun. And you don’t have to be perfect right at the start, you know, learn your lyrics and like, be confident. And those are like the two things that you need to, like, go in and then, you know, the look, the makeup, the hair, the outfits, it’ll all follow.

00;27;15;04 – 00;27;24;02
Unknown
But the main thing is like getting that, like confidence and like, like owning the stage.

00;27;24;05 – 00;27;38;16
Unknown
I’ve always been in awe of drag performers of all kinds. It’s so exciting to see the talent that we have here in our local area. So go out, support our local drag artists. Go see their shows. It’s so much fun

00;27;38;22 – 00;27;41;19
Unknown
and I can’t wait to see more of them.

00;27;41;22 – 00;28;01;11
Unknown
Thank you for listening to the entire episode. All the links and info you heard in this conversation will be featured in the show notes on our website. If you’d like to know more about anything we mentioned in this episode, make sure to check Villager Magazine Talks Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening from.

00;28;01;13 – 00;28;10;05
Unknown
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