Featured Queen: Aurá-j
When did you start doing drag?
I started doing drag on the 6th of May 2016
What inspired you to start doing drag?
I have always been in the performing arts industry and have done many professional MT show, When I moved back to my hometown (Southampton) I started going out more and watching more and more Cabaret and Burlesque / Drag shows, I have always love performing and being on the stage. So when I saw drag done so fabulously it mad me think its definitely something I have to do.
How does drag make you feel?
Drag for me gives me that extra boost of confidence and makes me feel fierce as F**k
Who are you inspirations for your drag persona?
I have so many different people that inspire me but for for singing it has to be people like Shirley Bassey, Tina Turner, Jennifer Hudson If I'm taking inspiration for clothing it's defo got to be people like Lady GaGa, Madonna and Liza Minnelli in Cabaret and for dance it would have to be Beyoncé, Brian Friedman (People say I look like him out of Drag)
Who are your three all time favourite Queens?
Willam
Shangela
Lilly Savage
Do you have a specific look you like to go for, or does your look vastly vary?
I like to say my look is very versatile but somehow I always managed to make my way back to.. A little black number.. Black Shorts, Black Mash leotard, Black Bra, Black Bow, But always some coloured Killer sequin heels... Just to make it look like I'm not at a funeral for sluts
What would be your ultimate ambition you would like to achieve through drag?
I'd love to go back in to the Musical Theatre world and do a full show in Drag
Where do you perform in drag?
I have performed in
Southampton
Portsmouth
Bournemouth
London
What are some of your favourite songs to perform?
This all depends on where I am and what I'm doing, If I'm performing with a live band then it has to be the one and only Shirley Bassey - Gold Finger or My mash up of Diamond are for ever / Shine Bright like a diamond, Some of my other #GoToSongs are Marry The Night - Lady Gaga, Rock Me Baby - Tina Turner or anything by Queen, Because I know I can smash that shit.
If you could only have 3 makeup products to do your complete drag makeup look for the rest of your life, what would they be?
Purple lipstick
Pink Blusher
Eye shadow because the eyes are the nipples of the face
What is your one favourite piece of fashion or accessory from your wardrobe?
I LOVE MY BOWS
Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
Having my own Cabaret show and touring different venues with it.
What's your opinion on the recent increase in popularity of drag, due to things such as RuPaul's Drag Race?
I think it absolutely amazing, Drag is such an artistic form of expression and some people still don't understand it, which is such a shame. I think RuPaul's Drag Race is a great show for showing off all different types of fabulous Queen's and Performers. I also think it's still very important to look at the History of DragI as this is very moving and inspiring
Anything else we should know about you?
She wants to take over the world....
Thank you to Aurá-j for this interview.
Follow Aurá-j on Social Media:
Twitter: @QueenAuraj
Instagram: @Aurajdragqueen
Facebook: /AurajDragqueen
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