Queen of the Week - Sally Ingus Wilder

Name: Sally Ingus Wilder

Age: 26

Location: Portland, OR

Single or taken? I'm a single Sally

What is your drag style like?  Being from the Midwest originally, there's definitely a bit of "Minnesota Nice" in my personality. When I perform I tend towards theatrical, choreographed numbers. I love props, magic and special effects! I'm more interested in performance and spectacle than straight up dancing, lip-synching, or pageantry.

How long does it take you to get ready in drag? Around and hour and a half, or 3 PBR tallboys.

Do you have a favorite number you perform? It's too soon to say. I'm working on a more serious piece involving projected home videos of me as a child when I used to secretly dress in drag and videotape myself, which I hope will be tragically hilarious and moving at the same time.

Where can we see you perform? I'm currently loving performing at Miss Thing each month here in Portland, hosted by the legendary Heklina of Trannyshack! I'm also really excited to be performing in the new alternative drag show Artemis is hosting beginning in May!

How did you first get into drag? I've always had an interest in performance, makeup and costume, but never had the right connections growing up in Minneapolis. It wasn't until moving to Portland that I found an encouraging network of friends and professionals. It's here that I met my drag mother Allison May, who has a rich background in theater and loves drag queens more than anything on earth. She really helped me make the leap, and I'm oh so glad she did!

Who have been your biggest inspirations? Traditional drag really does nothing for me. I love anything androgynous, experimental, and spectacular. I'm currently a huge fan of Suppositori Spelling for the rawness of her performances. I love the look of Minneapolis's Kysa Bong. Sissyboy is super inspiring — I love a good gender fuck! I also have a huge crush on Portland performance artist/Sissyboy Kaj-anne Pepper.

What would be your three biggest tips for a new drag queen? Well being a new drag queen myself, that's a tough one, so here's advice I've received that's been really helpful:

1. BE HUMBLE. Your drag persona is one thing, but you personally must always remain humble (thanks Fannie May Darling!)

2. Drag queens are allowed to be filthy as fuck, but do it with just a touch of class… sometimes.

3. Drag is addicting, no one can do it just once!

If you could perform anywhere in the world where would it be and why? I was raised in an evangelical home, and I performed in one of those Christian Hell Houses as a teenager — I played the role of a tortured soul in hell (ha!) and it was really homophobic and horrible. I'd like to go back in full drag, and reach out to all the poor young queer kids and tell them they're beautiful the way they are.

What is something that might surprise us all about you? In addition to my day job as a graphic designer and illustrator, I've been a professional live caricature artist for 8 years, and have drawn over 10,000 faces at all sorts of venues including Theme Parks, County Fairs, and San Francisco Pride. And you thought drag was trashy…

What makeup items could you not live without? Portland diva Poison Waters once said never to spend more than $2 on a pair of lashes, and its true. I'm a regular at the local Mid-K beauty supply store… they've got the goods for cheap! The people at Hollywood Lights here in Portland are really helpful with stage makeup as well.

Do you design any of your clothes, create any of your wigs, etc? My outfits are usually pieced together from thrift stores, things I've made, and borrowed items. My sewing machine is my best friend! I've just started learning to style my own wigs. It's amazing what you can do with a cheap wig, synthetic hair extensions, a can of Aqua Net and a blow dryer!

What has been your all time greatest moment in drag? Winning the March 2010 title in the Miss Thing talent search! I did a lyrically-altered version of "Big Spender", lip-synched to live vocals, swallowed a balloon, and there was a juggler on stage. Besides walking away with the title for that month, it was also my first time on stage in drag, so that would have to be the greatest moment of my young career.

What else should we know about you? Friend me on Facebook and find out! 

Queen of the Week - Sonique

Name: Sonique aka Jason Edwards

Age: 26

Location: Atlanta, Georgia

Single or taken? Taken. ( pretty much married)

What is your drag style like? It changes from day to day, I never like to put myself in "a box" but I do enjoy my leather and metal accessories, I love any animal print I like to mix and match , I'm a rocker. :-)

How long does it take you to get ready in drag? It can take me anywhere from 30minutes to 1hour and 30 minutes maybe longer depending on how dramatic I want to be.

Do you have a favorite number you perform? I have a few that I enjoy, recently I have been doing" Te Amor" by Rihanna but my all time favorite would have to be Peaches "Boys wanna be her" or my Catwoman mix that I made a few years back.

Where can we see you perform? I'm pretty much all over Atlanta, GA. Blakes on the Park on Mondays. Shout on 14st on Tuesday. Club Jungle on Wednesdays, The Heretic on Thursdays. and on the weekends I travel around the US on the weekends.

How did you first get into drag? I guess I have always been in drag, I use to get into trouble for wearing my sisters clothes when was a kid, The first time I ever dressed up and went out I was 18 and I went to a gay club, it was awful but I didn't think so then, I didn't really get into performing until I turned 21, so I have been doing it of 5 years.


Who have been your biggest inspirations? I'm inspired by most everyone I meet but I like what i like and I love learning from people. I like the classic movies ,The 80's , super hero chicks, PINK, MADONNA, LADY GAGA, Anime, Rock music, and bright colors and rhinestones.

What would be your three biggest tips for a new drag queen? learn as much as you can because drag is forever full of tricks and shortcuts. Never be afraid to try something. If you have to ask if it looks good, it probably doesn't so take and learn from the critiques'.

If you could perform anywhere in the world where would it be and why? Saturday Night Live because thats where all my favorite singers have performed!!!!

What is something that might surprise us all about you?  I'm a transexual and held off on my transitioning to be on Rupaul's Drag Race. It was so hard on me to do that, and I'm glad I did, but I'm a much pleasant person now that I'm back to my transitioning.

What makeup items could you not live without? Lip gloss, Liquid liner, mascara , Full coverage (MAC) ,301 Eye lashes, and clown white.

Do you design any of your clothes, create any of your wigs, etc? I love making costumes, I'm not the best with wigs, but I do add extensions and cut a few pieces every now and again.theres not much I can't do when it comes to drag.

What has been your all time greatest moment in drag? I think seeing myself on TV for the very first time it all seemed like a dream and it has been a blessing. I'm very thankful.

What else should we know about you? I'm a lead singer/rapper in a rock band.


To find out more about Sonique check out her facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1504810189

Queen of the Week - Bianca del Rio

Name: Bianca Del Rio

Age: 34

Location: NYC

Single or taken? Single

What is your drag style like? Cartoon, Mod, 60's

How long does it take you to get ready in drag? 45 minutes

Do you have a favorite number you perform? No

Where can we see you perform? All over NYC

How did you first get into drag? By mistake 14 years ago

Who have been your biggest inspirations? Jesus and Oprah

What would be your three biggest tips for a new drag queen? Don't do it!...Kidding!  Be true to your art, always.

If you could perform anywhere in the world where would it be and why? Right here in NYC, cause it's the best!

What is something that might surprise us all about you? That I'm a man.

What makeup items could you not live without? Lashes, Black Shadow, and White Liner.

Do you design any of your clothes, create any of your wigs, etc? Yes, all of the above.

What has been your all time greatest moment in drag? Meeting Madonna.

What else should we know about you? That I don't take myself too seriously.

Queen of the Week - Mercedez Munro

Name: Mercedez Munro

Age: Timeless

Location: San Francisco, CA

Single or taken? Very Taken

What is your drag style like? Very old school drag. I'm all about looking/feeling pretty.... being classy while perfecting my art of lypsyncing. I like it when it looks like the words are actually coming out of my mouth, as opposed to a queen just lipsyncing a song. 

How long does it take you to get ready in drag? I like to take my time, that's for sure. It takes me about 3 hours to paint. I have a lot of boy to transform. :)

Do you have a favorite number you perform? I do. I would have to say my favorite number to perform is, "Airmail Special" by Ella Fitzgerald

Where can we see you perform? I perform all over the city, more specifically: Ginger Snaps' Snapalicious, Mary-go-Round with the amazing talents of Pollo DelMar, Suppositori Spelling and Cookie Dough. 

How did you first get into drag? I lost a bet to an old ex-boyfriend of mine, actually. I don't even remember what the bet was but at the time, we were living with a performer who always said I'd be a pretty girl. My ex thought he was being funny by making me do drag; to his surprise... I loved it! My friend painted my face and the rest was history. 

Who have been your biggest inspirations? My drag mother, of course. The memory of her is what pushes me to perfect my craft. In addition to her I'd have to say my kids; all of my babies in La Maison de Munro! I can definitely say I'm a very proud house mother. All of them: Paju, Erykah, Taye, Starr, Fame and of course all the boys, have all inspired me more than they know. I want them to be proud of me, just as I am of them.. 

What would be your three biggest tips for a new drag queen? 1. Concentrate on the style of performer you'd like to be and own it 2. KNOW YOUR WORDS when you lipsync a song. It really IS an art. Some people might say... "Girl, at the end of the day you're just moving your mouth!" but it's more than that... and it's usually the queens that are bad at it, saying it! 3. It's easier to be nice than shady...

If you could perform anywhere in the world where would it be and why? I'd have to say in my partners home country, Germany! I don't think they've been exposed to plus-sized, ebony enchantresses such as myself. :) 

What is something that might surprise us all about you? I absolutely detest corn! 

What makeup items could you not live without? Items? I'd have to say my entire makeup kit! Each piece contributes to the overall illusion... I couldn't imagine not having any of it at my disposal. 

Do you design any of your clothes, create any of your wigs, etc? Yep.. I do design my own clothing. I'm learning to become a better seamstress though. 

What has been your all time greatest moment in drag? Winning the Miss Gay San Francisco crown, my first night in drag, after taking a 9 nine year break. 

What else should we know about you? I am launching my very first pageant, Miss Triple Crown 2010 and I couldn't be more excited about it. It's April 2nd, 2010, the winner wins $500 in cash, I have a lot of great judges and contestants. Shangela, from RuPaul's Drag Race is our special guest performer, who is an absolute doll! With never putting on a drag pageant before, I am absolutely in awe and amazed at the generosity of the girls participating.... and I LOVE Artemis Chase. :)

Queen of the Week - Paige Turner

Name: Paige Turner

Age: Beauty is timeless-I play 16-20 on stage. 

Location:  NYC Baby!

Single or taken? Depends on the night

What is your drag style like?  Girly girly!  I love anything crinoline and prom dresses-I wear a lot of fuschia/black and if I could runway for a designer it would be Betsey Johnson! 
 How long does it take you to get ready in drag?  I can be ready in 40 minutes-it doesn’t take much to transform into the magic.

Do you have a favorite number you perform?   Many!  If I had to choose 1- “I’m With You” Avril Lavigne

Where can we see you perform?  Bartini Ultralounge on a regular basis and I fill in the holes of some of the other queens around town as needed and let me tell you-those are some big F-in holes!  

How did you first get into drag? 1 foot at a time- I was doing a production of “Vampire Lesbians of Sodom” (which made Charles Busch famous) Everyone who saw it was like, you really need to be doing this all the time!

Who have been your biggest inspirations?   Actually I adore Charles Busch and Varla Jean Merman-they are true drag artists and are fabulous actors.  I also think 80’s Julie Brown (the white one) rubbed off on me a lot in creating Paige.


What would be your three biggest tips for a new drag queen?    Work hard at your hosting skills-it makes a huge difference!  Be a professional-drama can be entertaining,  but being easy to work with stands out in a good way!  Don’t shop at Forever 21-their return policy sucks!

If you could perform anywhere in the world where would it be and why?  I have never performed in P-town!  I think the old school queens there would eat me up and I have no problem rollerskating past Hedda Lettuce to attract an audience!

What is something that might surprise us all about you?   Hmm, the fact that people sometimes don’t realize I’m in drag and think I’m a real girl and that I can buy off the rack in the jrs dept. 

What makeup items could you not live without?  My Mac Pressed Powder and my bubblegum lipstick from CVS!

Do you design any of your clothes, create any of your wigs, etc?  I create a look based on the material I’m going to perform, the clothes seem to compliment the numbers and there is always a hint of retro thrown in.  I also can get a little crazy with a hot glue gun!

What has been your all time greatest moment in drag?  I think it was when I realized that people really respond to my character and that the world could definitely use a lot more of Paige Turner!  I really do find performing Paige rewarding in many ways and that people always say “I can really tell you love performing, which makes me want to watch you!”  That’s the best compliment.

What else should we know about you?  If you don’t like drag I encourage you to come see me-my main goal is for the audience to have a great time and to make people laugh, not to mention that I’m gorgeous-I’ve converted a lot of heathens!  

Queen of the Week - Artemis Chase

A couple weeks ago I had someone come up to me and ask why I had never taken the time to sit down and answer my "Queen of the Week" questions about myself.  To be honest, I had never even thought about it. So I decided that I would sit down this week and give you all the dish on myself that I have never shared before and hopefully give you all a little more insight into who I am!  So here goes...

Name: Artemis Chase            

Age: One thing according to my birth certificate, Another according to my plastic surgeon.

Location: Portland, Oregon or anywhere else people want to pay me to go!

Single or taken? Taken by the man of my dreams!

What is your drag style like? Ever changing and evolving, but always comedic in some form.  I take on whatever look fits best for the numbers I perform.  I like to think of myself as a blank canvas to be taken over by an assortment of characters.

How long does it take you to get ready in drag? I like to give myself 2 hours, because then I can take my time, relax, get into character, take a nap in the middle if I feel like it.  But my all time record for doing my face, hair, and getting dressed is 23 minutes. 

Do you have a favorite number you perform?  I have a whole list of favorites!  “Addicted” by Kelly Clarkson where I struggle with my food addictions.  “It’s Not Right, But It’s Ok” by Whitney Houston, where I struggle with my cocaine addictions.  “It’s Oh So Quiet” by Bjork where I struggle with my love addictions.  Wait a minute…..I’m beginning to sense a pattern in my life…

Where can we see you perform?  Currently you can see me regularly the 1^st Wednesday of every month at Success @ The Red Cap Garage, the 2^nd Wednesday of every month at Miss Thing @ The Fezz Ballroom, and the 4^th Saturday of every month at Blow Pony @ Rotture!  I also try to make guest appearances at a variety of other shows whenever my schedule permits and am working on a number of out of town tour dates with Blow Pony this year!

How did you first get into drag? When I was 18 I used to go to the little underage club here in Portland and all the queens there told me what a pretty girl I would make.  So I gave it a try and absolutely loved the treatment I got at the club when I would go out in drag!  But it wasn’t until a few years later, after moving to New York City, that I began performing on stage.  And that is when Artemis was truly born and the journey that has led me to this point began.

Who have been your biggest inspirations? Lypsinka is my biggest drag idol!  Sweetie and Linda Simpson from NYC were the most influential in helping me when I was a young new performer.  Heklina of Trannyshack fame in San Francisco was a big inspiration in a business sense.  Other queens that have provided great inspiration to me over the years have been Hedda Lettuce, Varla Jean Merman, Jackie Beat, Justin Bond, Charles Busch, Sherry Vine, Peaches Christ, and my most recent inspiration, Pandora Boxx.  And anyone who treats drag as pure comedic entertainment can be added to this list for me! 

What would be your three biggest tips for a new drag queen? 

1. Don’t take yourself too seriously!  We are men in women’s clothing.  Lighten up a bit and laugh at yourself.  

2. Work HARD!  If you want to succeed as a professional drag queen it takes a lot of hard work and practice practice practice!  You don’t become a truly fabulous entertainer overnight.  

3. Remember that it takes far more than a gorgeous look to be a true queen!  Make sure you develop a fun personality, practice your hosting skills, learn how to successfully promote and organize events, and most importantly in my book…make sure you can entertain a crowd all by yourself, whatever it is that you do!

If you could perform anywhere in the world where would it be and why?  I have a nightclub that I have built in my mind.  It has a massive stage with every lighting effect I could ever want, trap doors in the stage floor, swings that descend from the ceiling, and an audience so enraptured by the show that nobody wants to move.   Basically every little thing I need for every fantastic over the top number I’ve conjured up in my head over the years.  Building and performing on THAT stage would be the ultimate dream of a lifetime!

What is something that might surprise us all about you?  When I am not out tearing up stages around Portland, I am actually a totally domestic housewife.  I kid you not.  I cook dinner almost every night and am a goddess of baking!  If you ever get the chance to come by and try a slice of one of my pies you will experience a little piece of heaven.

What makeup items could you not live without?  Kryolan TV Paint Stick (there is no better foundation in my opinion), MAC eyeshadow in “electric eel” and “black tide”, and Loreal true match color blush.  But even more important than any of my makeup items are my makeup remover pads, so that I can get my face off before driving home after a show!

Do you design any of your clothes, create any of your wigs, etc? About a year ago I set out on a mission to become a fully self sufficient queen.  I bought a sewing maching and have begun learning to sew and I have started styling some of my own wigs.  I still have many things to learn, but I am headed in the right direction.  I also mix all of my own music tracks when I want things changed and edit all of my own video footage.

What has been your all time greatest moment in drag?  Oh wow…that’s a really hard question I’ve been making all these queens answer.  I’ve had so many amazing moments over the years it’s nearly impossible to pick just one.  But I am going to say the one and only time that I won Starsearch @ Barracuda in NYC by cutting all my real hair off on stage.  It was not my greatest performance by any means, nor was it a fabulous look.  To be honest, at that point I was still a pretty tragic little queen.  But it was the defining moment for me that my ideas as an entertainer had some validity.  I truly realized at that moment, that if I worked hard enough, I could become someone amazing!  I had so many hopes and dreams back then and it is an absolutely incredible feeling to look back now and realize how many of them have come true!  I can guarantee that nobody in that bar that night would have guessed I would go on to become the queen that I am today.  So it just goes to show that if you believe in yourself enough and are willing to put in the time, energy, and hard work, you can become whoever you want to be!

What else should we know about you? Aside from all the fun parties and fabulous events I get to be a part of, I have a genuine wish to use the influence I have gained as an entertainer to help others!  I have a passion for working with organizations that help disadvantaged youth/runaways/street kids as well as a variety of HIV/AIDS related charities.  I plan on volunteering with Camp Starlight beginning this year, which is an incredible summer camp for children infected and affected by HIV.  I believe that when you have been blessed in life that it is incredibly important to give back to others in whatever way you can!  

Queen of the Week - Bebe Sweetbriar

Name: BeBe Sweetbriar

Age: Older Than Some, but Wiser Than Most

Location: San Francisco

Single or taken? So single, but definitely not lonely

What is your drag style like? That's a tough question, because I think of drag as a expression of self that can't be duplicated. I have embodied a lot of different personas, I think, in my drag presentation that I perfer to label it BeBe's style.



How long does it take you to get ready in drag? That depends on how much time I have. Lol. Honey, I have gotten ready enroute to a gig on Muni...LOL. No, it is an hour and half process most nights.

Do you have a favorite number you perform? Well, I am a live singing queen, so my numbers are more directed to the songs I can sing rather than the ones I most definitely would love to dramatically interrupt. But, I think my favorite song to sing for an audience is "And I Am Telling You" from Dreamgirls. I have been told seeing a skinny bitch sang a big girl song in the way I do has made them a little aww struck.

Where can we see you perform? Well, I am in San Francisco and regularly perform at the Mix, Marlena's, Divas and Lookout. With a dance single out called "Save Me", I have booked all over for dance/club parties, including Gay Days and Southern Decadence. Then I reguarly host weekly events at Club Trigger and Harvey's. Monday nights are my only free night to myself generally.



How did you first get into drag? It all began in my church....really! A fundraising musical production at my church where I played a drag character.

Who have been your biggest inspirations? Well, RuPaul has been the inspiration of most drag queens with aspirations, me included. But I also have been inspired by the philanthropy of Sister Roma of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, the artistry of Juanita More and the House of More, and the business sense of Heklina of Trannyshack.

What would be your three biggest tips for a new drag queen?
1. Be You
2. Be Fearless
3. Be Committed

If you could perform anywhere in the world where would it be and why?  Well, I am on my way to London this Spring and it has definitely been one of my places on my wish list, but, i think Sydney Australia is my number one place. Primarily because drag as a performance art there definitely fits what I do. Female impersonation is very widely accepted and appreciated there.

What is something that might surprise us all about you?  I am a natural parent of two daughters! My two most proudest accomplishments.



What makeup items could you not live without?  Liquid eyeliner and mousse foundation

Do you design any of your clothes, create any of your wigs, etc?  No, I do not. I am pretty much a costume store and off the rack girl. I am a size 4 which makes short dresses easy to find, but with my long legs, full-length gowns can be a bitch to find.

What has been your all time greatest moment in drag?  I have had several, and none around perfroming. Meeting and interviewing the likes of RuPaul, Lady Gaga, Sean Puffy Combs, Jennifer Holliday, and Dustin Lance Black have been highlights that have set me on my course to host my own talk show, which I kick-off soon on webtv channel the Rainbow Channel.

What else should we know about you?  I am all about community, and the drag community is a great one, a sorority, that has been great to be apart of. But I reach out to my sisters to say that energy is by far better spent sharing with your fellow queens and growing with them, than trying to tear them down.

Queen of the Week - Sherry Vine

Name: Sherry Vine

Age: Blonde

Location: NYC

Single or taken? Taken

What is your drag style like?  Las Vegas Barbie on crack!

How long does it take you to get ready in drag? I like to have 90 minutes, no rushing, but if it's a photo shoot or special event 2-3 hours.  Girl that's a lot of paint!

Do you have a favorite number you perform? For comedy Sherrylicious (to the tune of Fergilicious) and for drama - Kiss Of The Spiderwoman.

Where can we see you perform?  Sunday "The Sherry Vine Show" at Barracuda; Monday DJing at "Big SexyLand" @ eastern bloc and Wednesday "The Blonde Leading The Blonde" with Epiphany at Vlada.  I also perform all over the States and Europe so check my schedule at www.SherryVine.com

How did you first get into drag?  It was for a school project when I was studying theatre and something clicked.  It turned into a career and I have been blessed!

Who have been your biggest inspirations? So many... I draw inspiration from so many different people and things... but Debbie Harry for sure!  Joey Arias, Jackie Beat, Justin Bond to name a few.

What would be your three biggest tips for a new drag queen? 1. Find your own style!  2. Develop a talent that sets you apart from everyone else - be special!   3. get the money first!

If you could perform anywhere in the world where would it be and why? I've been so lucky to have performed all over the world but I would love to do a big old school gorgeous show with costumes and dancers at Carnegie Hall.

What is something that might surprise us all about you?  Total fx nerd!  Live for big splashy fx movies!  I read a lot.  And I'm actually a nice person who works hard staying normal and down to earth.  

What makeup items could you not live without?  Big eyelashes and ultra bright lip gloss!

Do you design any of your clothes, create any of your wigs, etc?  I am not artsy craftsy at all!!  Thank goddess I have friends who do my outfits and wigs.  I am always tearing pages out of magazines with ideas and then we make it "sherry vine".  lol

What has been your all time greatest moment in drag? Girl, I wouldn't know where to start!!  Performing with Madonna on MTV was a highlight for sure.  

What else should we know about you? I'll tell you anything you want - just ask!!  MEOW!!

Queen of the Week - Ginger Sexton

Name: Ginger Sexton or Briceson Ducharme

Age: 28

Location: D-town baby ( Denver, CO)

Single or taken? Engaged, so I guess that means taken. Sorry Boys!

What is your drag style like? Depends on what mood I'm in. My favorite is a very classic Veronica Lake style. I adore old Hollywood, and glad to see it in current day and time!

How long does it take you to get ready in drag? Again depends on my mood. If I'm doing Celine Dion for a character it usually takes me and hour and a half, or if I'm going crazy with the makeup it can take me up to 4 hours. 

Do you have a favorite number you perform?  I have a few, but most times I pick a song for its lyrics and memories that I have had with the song. I really love to perform Bad Romance right now, as it speaks to my soul and to others. I also LOVE to perform Vogue in my replica Madonna dress. And then again I LOVE LOVE LOVE any Pink song on earth. She and Gaga are my inspirations!

Where can we see you perform? I perform every Sunday at Charlies Denver in a cast called VIVID. I also perform at Hamburger Marys in a cast called CIRCUS, and I perform at Tracks Denver in Drama Drag with Nina Flowers. 

How did you first get into drag? Well it was my 14th birthday. My best friend Emily had been "gay-dumacting" me, you know like education for a non knowing gay boy, and shown me movies such as Priscilla, and Too Wong Foo. I was astounded. So on my 14th b-day she dressed me up in camp drag and I loved it. I later got kicked out of the house and then moved in with my then bf. He took me to Tracks 2000 where I saw my first "live" drag queens. I was so excited and nervous I almost wet my tights. I then was told I was beautiful and should run for a pageant, so that's what I did, and thankfully won.

Who have been your biggest inspirations? Madonna, Lady Gaga, Pink, Carrie Underwood, Mariah Carey, Fergie, Britney Spears, Christina Aguliera, RuPaul. 

What would be your three biggest tips for a new drag queen?
1. You don't need someones last name to make you more fabulous. Houses in drag are awesome to be in, but remember you create your own destiny, and your own character.
2. Make sure you go to MAC and get color matched, a girl with the wrong color foundation is not a pretty sight.
3. Just because you are fierce doesn't mean you can be a bitch to everyone on earth. The most loved people on earth have a heart, and are confident, not raging bitches. Be true to who you are no matter what things happen in your career. 


If you could perform anywhere in the world where would it be and why? The White House. I want to perform there because then you know you have made your setting stone in life. To perform for the man in charge is an honor no matter who you are, or where you come from, and to be the first queen to do so, would be an amazing history breaking moment!

What is something that might surprise us all about you? That I am deathly afraid of birds!!! So NO you will NEVER see me in a Ginger meets Big Bird take on drag! :)

What makeup items could you not live without? Everything MAC!



Do you design any of your clothes, create any of your wigs, etc? I am trying to learn more of the thing you call sewing, and making more of my costumes, but I have already killed two sewing machines, so I need a mentor on that one... As far as wigs, I love making my look with hair, so I always custom my hair to fit my mood/character. 


What has been your all time greatest moment in drag? My Step down from being Miss Gay Pride Colorado. My mother had not been to any shows, or any of the pageants that I had participated in. She had just gotten out of the hospital after getting in a motorcycle accident, and she surprised me on my step down song by showing up and walking on crutches down the isle to tip me for my final performance. That is priceless and one thing I will never forget.

What else should we know about you?  I am a strong minded person who will fight for things I believe in. I am part of the Colorado edition of the NOH8 campaign, and will fight until it is legal for me to marry the man that I love. I also am an advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness, and as a positive person myself I have and will continue to create shows that will raise money for those who are less fortunate than I.

Queen of the Week - Sabel Scities

Name: Timothy Byars AKA Sabel Scities

Age: 22

Location: Portland, Or/Vancouver, Wa

Single or taken? Single

What is your drag style like? Eclectic, i guess haha. You never know what to expect, one minute I am dancing the house down, then I may come out in a Broadway number, switch to Country, and maybe a drag staple or torch song. I'm the kinda girl who likes to find a way to reach everyone present and make sure they at least have one moment of, "OMG, I LOVE this song!" My friend Vegas says, "Dancing diva riding on the fuzzy line between MGA and USofA"

How long does it take you to get ready in drag? It really depends, I try to always allow myself no less than an hour and a half, but we all have our days where a 20 min face has gotta do.

Do you have a favorite number you perform? Currently one of my faves is "When Love Takes Over" but I'm such a music fanatic that I couldn't really pick just one song. But any mix I make with Sweet Pussy Pauline makes me very happy, lol.

Where can we see you perform? I am currently performing Thurs-Sat at The Embers Ave here in Portland. I try to get out as often as possible to other events to mingle with different types of people and crowds. I'm a little bit addicted to the social aspect of what I do, haha.



How did you first get into drag? I have been on stage as long as I can remember. Any chance to sing, dance, or act draws me in . . . I began performing at Embers as a guy, which at the time was like a karaoke break between the queens, and one weekend I decided I wanted to give face a try. My first song was supposed to be "Take It Back" by Reba, to my horror, the wrong track played and I did "Poses" by Rufus Wainwright. Thank heavens it is my favorite song in the world so I pulled it off well enough for my experience at the time haha. The early memories are very tragic memories of Sabel. I owe so much to the queens here who have inspired me and drove me to never settle for 'good' or 'well done' . . . she was only here a short time, but Dakota St James was a huge part in my discovery of drag outside of Portland and into international pageantry.

Who have been your biggest inspirations? Locally: my drag mother Jersey, Vegas Platinum, Topaz Crawford, Poison Waters, and Bolivia Charmichaels. Around the country: Aurora Sexton, Catia Lee Love, Jackie Beat, Layla Larue, Nova Starr, Alyssa Edwards, India Ferrah, Porsche . . . the list goes on, but those are the first ones to mind.



What would be your three biggest tips for a new drag queen? 1) Open your mind!!! Find ways to constantly surprise everyone, including yourself. 2) Never forget, we do this because we LOVE it. When it becomes a pain or a thorn in your side instead of something you look forward to every time, take a break! 3) Never refuse advice. Take what you like and apply it and gently set the rest aside in case you need it later! . . . and if I may ad a 4th? 4) Remember who you are and where you come from. You may be more talented in one area, but you are "better" than no one. Stay grounded and show love to everyone everywhere you go. Be the life of the party and make sure you say hi to everyone in the room. You never know if you might be the one to make their night!

If you could perform anywhere in the world where would it be and why? I'm dying to move to New York. My plan is to go in April!

What is something that might surprise us all about you? Tim is very very shy, and hates going to gay bars lol. If I ever do go, I generally find a friend or hide in a corner with my drink and people watch. Anyone who has seen Sabel out, knows she is quite the opposite. She may not know anyone, but it won't stop her from meeting everyone she sees and making new friends. Tim just enjoys the natural flow.

What makeup items could you not live without? Lashes, clown white cream, pretty pink, my brushes, and black, white, and brown . . . maybe some pink or red lol . . . and yellow . . . and orange lol



Do you design any of your clothes, create any of your wigs, etc? Lately I've had some time to come to an understanding with my sewing machine and made a few things I'm very happy with. Wigs, i generally stay away from when it comes to styling. I have very talented friends who know exactly what to do. I have a lot of fun making the mixes I use. Still learning!

What has been your all time greatest moment in drag? So far I have to say winning the Portland version of RuPauls drag race and winning the trip to NY . . . if I hadn't won the contest and the trip, I wouldn't have the passion to up and move myself to the other side of the country and take on a new adventure! It was a huge blessing.

What else should we know about you? I am an open book. I love meeting new people and learning about different walks of life. I love living . . .not just existing, but LIVING. Making every day and every experience count for something. And you should also know, since I was 5 all I have wanted to be is famous . . . I've finished everything I have started to do, this will be no different!