Featured Queen: Mary Magnum
Meet Andy Garcia, a 24 year-old drag queen from California who goes by the name of Mary Magnum.
Read all about Mary Magnum in this Q&A below.
When did you start doing drag?
I started doing drag after a friend of mine showed me a video of some guy transforming into a girl. She said " I dare you to try!" So I borrowed a really cheap wig my friend, slapped some eye shadow I had lying around from my Halloween costume the year before and gave it a try! It was in 2013, looking back I can't believe I posted it on instagram #fish. But theres a first for everything and it soon became something I loved.
What inspired you to start doing drag?
I got inspired to do drag after the initial dare, but continued to do it because it allowed me to tap into the Diva in me, that I hid away. I was in a relationship for 7 years (14-21ish) where I was told I should "act less gay" and be "a normal guy". Everything from how I dressed, the way I walked, even which ear I should get pierced, was decided for me.Took me awhile to realize how poisonous that relationship was, but I became a stronger person because of it! Drag allows me to showcase another side of myself, I love to hear people cheer and get a crowd energized! I've had so many deep and meaningful conversations with people in drag, that I probably would have never had as just a little gay boy in a bar.
Who are you inspirations for your drag persona?
One of my major inspirations for drag came from a Japanese rock band called Malice Mizer, specifically the lead guitarist Mana Sama. Growing up I loved everything Japanese and when i discovered the Visual Kei genre of music, which has a strong focus on aesthetics and androgyny, I was hooked. Mana sama is this mysterious man who dresses as a lolita doll but plays gothic rock music as a guitarist. Mana Sama is the creator of 3 of my favorite bands, and i grew up rocking out to his music. Ive always admired his fashion and the delicate beauty he possessed,. Plus, he never talks on camera! He allows his music to speak for itself, although I'm sure he doesn't want to break the fantasy with his deep manly voice! His creativity with in all the music and fashion he produces, along with with his enigmatic aura really appeals to me.
Who are your all time favourite Queens?
I love Duo Raw because their looks are always so detailed, make up and outfits to die for! You can tell they really dedicate time to their craft and I admire that. They have this devilishly sexy vibe that makes my nylons wet.
Peaches Christ because she is a smart business woman and has so many talents! The first time I went to one of her shows at the Castro Theater in San Francisco I thought to myself " I want to be like her one day!" Her shows are essentially drag re-tellings of cult classic movies (like Romy and Michelle, Show girls, and Hocous pocous ) where she pokes fun at some of dialogue, and gets an amazing cast of queens to act out some of best parts of the movies. If she's ever in your area, you definitely want to check her out! She does travel across the world with her shows!
Do you have a specific look you like to go for, or does your look vastly vary?
My looks vary, I like to dabble in all genres of drag. Since I have times where I'm doing 2-3 shows in a week or a whole month with no activity, I try to change it up. Its a way for me to practice and hone in on some skills, and learn others. I do have to admit though, I love myself a black lip and a smokey eye with just a tinge of color on the outsides. Its probably my go to makeup for when I'm short on time. Ultimately my aesthetic is Devilishly Adorable, Dressed to distress.
What would be your ultimate ambition you would like to achieve through drag?
I would love to make a path similar to Peaches Christ. She's known world wide,is extremely talented and savvy, but is also incredibly sweet and approachable. I'd like to travel the world and bring in crowds for plays and shows!
Do you perform in drag? If so, where?
Yes I perform in Drag! I perform at the gay bars in San Francisco, my two main stays are The Edge for the Monster Show and The Stud for (TRY) SOMETHING.
What's your opinion on the recent increase in popularity of drag, due to things such as RuPaul's Drag Race?
With Drag Race becoming so popular, we see it featured in magazines along side other "main stream" reality shows, it has allowed a whole new audience of people into the world of drag. i love it because it creates more interest on a bigger scale,and it makes it more accessible for teens and the straight people we probably wouldn't see at gay bars. Although, I do think there is a population of people who watch and think they know everything about drag. Drag is SO much more than reality TV.
Anything else we should know about our drag persona?
- Mary Magnum is the name of a Vampire in some old movie, I had no idea when coming up with the name!
- My shoulder makes an appearance in an episode of HBOs "Looking"
- I love all things adorable and cute,but also things dark and macabre. Give me Hello Kitty cutting up some bodies and you got me glued
- I was performing a number at a bar and a girl started to lick my boots
- I got asked to perform at a venue the first night I went out in drag ,it was amazing!
- Mary Magnum is from the Church of Later day taints
- Mary Magnum has a haus, Casa De Fruta. With me as the Queen , Chi Chi Dracula who makes amazing costumes out of any and everything and is the Creator of the Drag Art work series @i_heart_queens ,and Mars who is also skilled at the sewing machine and ready to cinch a bitch!
- Mary has no shame and will chow down on a burger in full GEISH at a diner at 2am #bitchesbehop
Follow Mary Magnum on Instagram @marymagnum and YouTube.
Follow @Rest_Is_Drag on Twitter and Instagram.
