Sasha Velour
Sasha Velour is currently on tour! After her triumph in season 9 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” her creation of the highly acclaimed and sold-out revue “NightGowns,” her historic self-portrait illustration for The New Yorker cover, and the publication of her debut book, this renowned drag queen is only just beginning. Velour is performing across 27 cities in the US, the UK, and Europe until April 9th, and we had the chance to interview her for an in-depth look into her captivating artistry.
In 2017, Sasha Velour made waves with her iconic finale performance on “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” During her lip sync to Whitney Houston’s “So Emotional,” she famously removed her wig, releasing a cascade of rose petals, a moment that has since been emulated throughout pop culture. But Velour is more than a performer; she seamlessly blends activism and education into her work. Her “NightGowns” revue alone raised over $20,000 for New York organizations supporting the LGBTQ+ community. Her debut book, “The Big Reveal: An Illustrated Manifesto of Drag,” released last spring, is both a memoir and a history of drag, celebrating this historic art form and shedding light on its lesser-known origins and pioneers. Velour’s bold and outspoken nature is evident in her current tour, “The Big Reveal Live Show,” which incorporates significant themes from her book into a 90-minute performance. In this conversation, we explore the glamorous and eccentric world of Sasha Velour and her life behind the scenes of “The Big Reveal.”
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Sasha, thank you for speaking with us! You’re not only a winner of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” but also a writer, cartoonist, activist, and above all, an icon. How have all these roles shaped you as a person today?
At the core, being a drag queen is essential to me. It influences the type of artist, activist, and person I strive to be. Drag welcomes everyone to create art, join political movements, and be part of a community, regardless of their background, style, or preferences. This inclusive approach has shaped everything I do and how I connect with others.
What inspired you to become a drag queen? Was there a defining moment when you knew it was something you wanted to pursue?
As a child, I loved dressing up in drag, unaware of its name or tradition. Watching “Some Like It Hot” introduced me to drag, though I later learned the actors were trained by a renowned drag artist, Barbette. This realization highlights the need to make all cultures, including queer culture, accessible to children. Sylvia Rivera’s words, a leader of STAR and participant in the Stonewall uprising, inspired me. Her pride in being a drag queen showed me that through art and fantasy, we can improve the world for our community and beyond.
You’ve mentioned your supportive family before. How have they influenced you as a drag artist?
My hippie parents worried about my love of drag becoming too materialistic. They even avoided giving me Barbies due to their consumerist nature (laughs). I’m grateful for a family, including my grandparents, who accepted and challenged me. They encouraged me to question everything I did, ensuring my drag was feminist and against materialism and commercialization. Discovering the beauty in materials like velvet and sequins has been a joyful exploration for me.
After winning season 9 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” in 2017, your finale performance gained immense attention. How did you react to that, and what has the journey been like since?
I was surprised by the overwhelming response. My goal was to deliver a great show with my style of drag, focusing on storytelling and entertaining stunts. The cultural impact, including references in Broadway shows and SNL, was unexpected. It proves there’s a desire for the imagination that drag offers. I’ll continue doing what I love, hoping people will keep enjoying it.
You’re currently on tour. How has it been so far? Any standout performances?
My book “The Big Reveal,” released last year, inspired my new show, “The Big Reveal Live Show,” featuring over ten drag lip sync reveal performances. The recent revamp for my European tour, starting in March, went exceptionally well in New York City, my home base. My favorite part is a duet with a different guest each night, showcasing diverse drag styles and creating delightful surprises.
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How does your tour extend your book, and how does it influence your performances?
The book combines personal stories with drag history, using both to illuminate each other. Some performances pay tribute to historic drag acts, while others reflect personal themes. Adapting these stories into drag numbers added humor and depth. Literature captures heavy thoughts, but drag allows us to laugh and appreciate life’s unpredictability.
Your book is both a history of drag and a memoir. What was your main goal in writing it, and how was it received?
I aimed to prove that drag is natural, historic, and deserving of global recognition. Amidst debates about drag’s appropriateness for children and public visibility, my book combines my personal journey and the rich history of drag, emphasizing its cultural significance. The positive reception affirmed that drag is for everyone.
Is your book one of the first to comprehensively document the history of drag?
Several academic books exist, but I believe I’m the first professional drag queen to discuss drag as an art form from an insider’s perspective. While personal stories are intriguing, I offer unique insights into the art itself.
Your book includes your own cartoons. Why did you decide to include them?
Drag is a multimedia art form, incorporating dance, song, animation, and design. My background in comics helped me convey ideas visually, adding humor and a unique perspective to the book’s messages.
Your style is bold and avant-garde. Where do you draw inspiration from?
Inspiration comes from everywhere, especially historical costumes and fantasy. Extreme couture interests me more than ready-to-wear fashion because Sasha Velour thrives in a world of fantasy, not realism. Realism often equates to conformity, while fantasy allows true self-expression.
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Do you have a favorite look from over the years?
It’s hard to choose, but one favorite is from the “NightGowns” adaptation for Roku. A gold lamé dress with woven metal, paired with a giant fan, created a liquid, fluid appearance that resonated with my gender fluid identity.
Although you’re not originally from New York, how has living there influenced your drag journey?
New York City has been a dream since childhood. Being part of The New Yorker was thrilling. I love public life in New York, daily walks with my dog, and conversations with diverse strangers. The subway is a source of inspiration, offering a unique environment for creativity.
What do you think is the most important aspect of drag for people to understand?
Drag transcends gender. It’s about fantasy and self-expression. Drag has been a safe space for many trans and non-binary individuals to explore their identities. It encompasses all genders and even divine spirits beyond human imagination, making it a vital part of the queer community.
How do you stay true to yourself amidst social media, reality TV, and today’s political climate?
Finding space away from these influences is crucial. Online interactions differ greatly from in-person positivity and encouragement in our community. Focus on what feels right and makes sense for you. Staying true to myself, despite constant changes, remains my goal.
Do you have advice for those struggling to be their authentic selves?
Drawing from diverse references helps in understanding oneself. Explore art, reality TV, classic fiction, and history. Through this eclectic mix, you’ll find pieces that resonate with you, helping you discover your unique identity.