SHEA COULEÉ


Tell us a favorite childhood story. One of my Mom’s favorite stories is the time that she tried to take me to see Barney when I was four. The employee announces that Barney is coming out soon and all the kids got super-excited, myself included. But when “Barney” came out, I naturally clocked every inch of him before I was gonna give into the illusion and allow myself to believe that this was the Barney. This bargain basement Barney had the nerve to not only get a costume that wasn’t the proper shade of purple, he looked like a crown royal bag, but on his feet were these hideous black combat boots. He was serving cadet Barney realness…And I wanted none of it. The other kids were rushing to get their moment with Barney, but not me. I just sat there eating my hot dog in silence. My mother, who hadn’t even glanced at his feet, asked, “Jaren, why aren’t you going to play with Barney?” To which I quickly replied, “That’s not Barney mom, just look at his shoes.” It was then that my mother knew that I was not to be fooled by poor illusions. I can spot a fake purse, just as easy as I can spot a fake, television dinosaur. Who or what were the biggest influences for you growing up? I have always been fasci- nated by television, film, music, and entertainment in general. We are all storytellers, and I love seeing how different visions are com- municated. Ever since I was a child, I was obsessed with Hollywood. Entertainment has been my biggest influence. I love to entertain and bring people joy and even if not joy, I love being given the power to affect another individual’s emotions. I always want you to feel something when you experience my work. The first time you put on a dress? May 1989. I was three months old, it was my christening. I wore all white and all eyes were on me. How about the first time you did it professionally? In 2011. The summer after I graduated from Art School. Favorite song to lip sync to? Beyoncé, “Grown Woman.”


What does drag mean to you, really? Drag is my deepest and most heart- felt worship and exaltation of the black woman. They are the mothers of humankind and yet are one of the most marginalized and oppressed peoples on this earth. Yet, in spite of it all, they still manage to carry on


with grace, poise, and humility. They are magic and I would not even exist if it weren’t for them. They are my ultimate inspiration. So for me, drag is my ability to experience some of the magic I witness whenever I am around them. Most common misconceptions people have about drag artists? That it’s fine to touch us. Don’t touch us…Seriously, don’t touch me… I’m not kidding. So much of what we do hinges on our illusions. I am held together by a hidden set of strings and pulleys. If you disrupt something, it could all fall apart. So don’t touch us. Everyone can relate to spending time getting ready, and then you’re enjoying your night and some drunk asshole messes up your hair, spills on you, or rips a part of your outfit. It can really mess up someone’s vibe. I know I’m harping right now. But this is in hopes that people read this and respect our boundaries more. What do you hope people get from your performances? Performing is such a vulnerable experience for me, it is where I am my most authentic self. When people see me perform, I want them to see themselves in me…Even if it’s in the smallest of ways. Because that means we connected and that’s a feeling I love. When I’m performing and the vibration in the room is in sync, I can feel God and it’s intoxicat- ing. I hope that when people see me perform, they feel God, too.


TRINITY TAYLOR


Who or what were the biggest influences for you growing up? Fantasy movies and TV shows. My all-time favorite movie as a kid, and even still today, isLabyrinth with David Bowie! I love anything creative, fun, and imaginative! I started drag as a dare when I was 18 and Alabama has no resources to learn drag, so I had to teach myself how to sew, make mixes, and do hair and makeup. Anything I needed for drag, I had to do it myself! The first time you put on a dress? When I was younger, my grand- mother would let me wear her silk nightgown to bed sometimes. It’s her fault I’m a cross-dresser! How about the first time you did it professionally? I don’t know if doing a talent show is considered professional, but I did it full out... Wig, full makeup and costume, I was 18. I was a hot mess but it quickly escalated to a life changing hobby and career! Did you have a drag mother? If so, please describe your experience. Yes, and she is incredible! She doesn’t do drag full-time anymore, but she is best described as: Club kid meets show girl! I’ve never met anyone more innovative, original and creative! She would slayDrag Race! Favorite song to lip sync to? I don’t have just one because it often changes to anything I can dance to and shimmy my booty with! Best or funniest “I fucked it up” moment? One time, my tape popped on stage in the middle of the song. I’m sure the look on my face was pure shock, as I clenched my thighs and shuffled off stage! I bowed before my hasty exit, of course. What or who inspires you? Fashion! Movies! Other queens! I gather inspiration from everything! What does drag mean to you, really? It’s my career, so it means paying the bills! Drag has afforded me


As to her drag


name, Valentina said: “It sounded like a character out of a Pedro


Almodóvar film. It sounded like a protagonist


from a telenovela. There’s actu-


ally a salsa called “Valentina.”


travel all over the world. So far, I’ve traveled to 19 countries and all over the USA. Drag has helped me grow into the person I am and it has taught me many business skills. Drag is my creative outlet to bring my imagination to life! Tell us the story of when you found out you’d made it inRPDR? I was sitting in my living room and had opened up a picture on my phone to show my roommate. As soon as I showed him my phone screen, he says, “Drag Race is calling you” and both of our faces were stunned. My roommate ended up having to sign an NDA (non- disclosure agreement), because the surprise for others would have been ruined. Most common misconceptions people have about drag artists? I think a lot of people think all drag queens want to be women. That is not true. There is a large section who are Trans, but just because we dress up in women’s clothes for artistic expression, doesn’t mean we all want to be women. I also think there’s a big stigma for nightclub performers: That we are all shady, promiscuous, do drugs and are alcoholics. This just simply is not true. Drag is just another hobby for some and a career for others.


When describing her aesthetic,


Nina offered this: “I can give you glam. I can give you sexy. I can give you crazy.


I can give you a character. I just


don’t want to be a one-note Queen.”


Sadly, at the time of press we had not received Valentina & Nina Bo’Nina’s answers...Good luck, Ladies!


MARCH 2017 | RAGE monthly 25


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