An Interview with Shanghiiieee

Jonathan Ng is a 20 year-old drag queen, currently living in San Fransisco. Ng started drag when he was 18, and thus; Shanghiiieee was born; a witty, confident and glamorous queen, whose online presence has made quite an impact; resulting in a large and loyal following of friends and fans.

(Photography by Mia Agraviador)

Was drag something you always knew you wanted to do from a young age or was it something you realised later in life? It’s ironic, I think, that I actually started out not really liking drag and being revolted by it. I was confused as to why men were trying to look like women when they were attracted to men. I think deep down I was always just envious that they could wear makeup and dresses and I couldn’t. Now that I’ve run away to San Francisco, I feel fully comfortable in and out of drag.

How does Jonathan differ from Shanghiiieee?

Jonathan and Shang are becoming more and more alike. At first, Shang and Jonathan differed drastically. Jonathan was shy and mellower. Shang is really in your face and very present, center

of the room. Now, Shang is just an exaggeration of Jonathan. She taught Jonathan how to be himself and how to find his voice. When the makeup, wigs, and costumes go on, Shang is just a caricature of Jonathan.

What would you say your performance style is? Are you a comedy queen, dance queen, lip sync etc

I’m not all that funny and I’m not much of a dancer, so I guess I’m just a bum shit queen…

Do you see drag as someday being your full time career? Or would you prefer to just do it as well as a day job?

For right now drag is a hobby that I juggle with school and a part-time job. After school I can see myself working by day, performing by night. However, if I can make a career out of it, I will.

You lived & performed in Southern California before moving to San Francisco. Do you think anything is different about drag between the two cities?

Drag is significantly different in both places. In Southern California MOST of the queens are out there to look fish. I have to bold most so people don’t take it as a read. I’m not saying that the girls down there don’t appreciate other forms of drag, but being in LA and Hollywood, everyone is just trying to look passable. They are all trying to be supermodels. Whereas in San Francisco, a burly man with a thick beard can throw on some lipstick, eyeliner, and a wig and call himself a queen and San Francisco would give them the time of day. Drag is more fun in San Francisco. It’s not about looks, just having fun. Again, this is all just an opinion and observation… no T.

How long does it usually take you to become Shang?

There are so many different variables that affect the time of me getting ready. I’d like to say I can get into full drag in an hour if I needed to, but I like to take at least 2 and a half to even 3 hours to get ready. It just makes for a better look when you have more time.

What would you say is your ultimate goal you would like to achieve with drag?

My ultimate goal would to be on transformations with James St. James. And if drag could take me around the world, that wouldn’t be so bad either.

Is Shanghiiieee inspired by anyone in particular?

Shang is really just an extension of my personality. She doesn’t really take to anyone in particular, but she does have her pop idols just like any good gay.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?

Honestly, I have no idea where I will be in 5 years. I’m really just trying to find my way and find

my niche still. I’ll just see what feels right and where it’ll take me.

What's the T with you and Marco Marco?

Honestly, there’s no big T with Marco Marco. At DragCon, my cisters, Mona Clara and Sara Phimm, and I stopped Marco Marco outside the show floor and asked for a couple of photos. My drunken ass was so starstruck I walked right into his drink he set down for the picture. I offered to buy him a new drink but he told me not to worry. He was such a great sport and we got some sick ass shots together. The next day I visited his booth and bought some of his merch to try and makeup for what I had done. He called me out as the queen who spilled his drink and we had a laugh. Other queens looked and pointed at me but whatever… he’s probably forgotten about the whole thing already.

--------------------------Thank You To Shanghiiieee For This Q&A--------------------------

Instagram: @Shanghiiieee

Twitter: @Shanghiiieee

Facebook: Shanghiiieee

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