Features Queen: Leoncé Knowles
Leoncé is a young queen from Cardiff, UK who is best known for competing in Jolene's Drag Race, a local competition where drag queens and kings compete for the title of "Cardiff's Next Drag Superstar". Read our interview with Leoncé below.
When did you start doing drag?
I started doing drag a little over a year ago. I'd always had a fascination with drag queens and the artistry behind it, then my friend was having a hippie themed birthday party in one of our local pubs, so i thought, what better opportunity than this to make my debut. Back then I was living with the drag name ' Anastasia ' until i found something more suited to me, then Leoncé came along!
What inspired you to start doing drag?
RuPaul's Drag Race! I'm also part of the generation that has been exposed to drag through social media. Instagram, Twitter and Tumblr have also played a massive part in my decision to start drag. I kept seeing all these fierce girls all over the web and thought to myself, I could do that... So I did!
How does drag make you feel?
As much as i try to stay away from this cliché it's pretty hard to do so, but you honestly feel like a different person! It really is a liberating experience. What ever insecurities I have as Leon completely fade away when it's Leoncé. It's really bizzare.
Who are you inspirations for your drag persona?
Michelle Wiliiams! ...Totally kidding. I am a massive Beyoncé fan, clearly, so performance wise I feel very inspired from her. Her energy and attention to detail is something i could only dream of possessing.
Who are your three all time favourite Queens?
This really is a difficult one. Ru girls aside I would have to say Scarlett Harlett, I've seen her perform before and she has such a great energy and always looks amazing. Mary Mac who is just talent upon more talent, i could watch her perform forever. BlondeBenét is also someone I absolutely LIVE for, she's a queen from Chicago who is a fierce lipsyncer and her look is absolutely to die for.
Do you have a specific look you like to go for, or does your look vastly vary?
I like to think I have a very Fishy look. My sister Polly Amorous calls me Chapstick and Mascara which is actually quite hilarious, I think my greatest talent is being able to wear as much makeup as I do, whilst still looking so natural.
What would be your ultimate ambition you would like to achieve through drag?
I would love to be able to go to Chicago and perform there. The queens in Chicago are some of my favourite, their looks are always flawless, their performances are just as flawless and they have the best energy of any queens i've seen. The majority of queens I follow are from there because I truly look to them for inspiration a lot of the time.
Where are some of your favourite places to perform?
Other than my back garden and in front of my bathroom mirror, Pulse Cardiff! Not only down the the fact I haven't performed anywhere else (YET) but because performance wise, that's where it all started for me! I recently took part in Jolene's Drag Race, which was hosted by Jolene Dover, If you don't know her, follow her Instagram @JoleneDover, she is amazing, and [I] came second. It was honestly the best experience and worth all the blood, sweat, tears and tape that went into it.
What are some of your favourite songs to perform?
Pretty much anything and everything Beyoncé with the occasional sprinkling of Gaga and Missy Elliott.
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?
1) Brooke Candy Lip Gloss from Mac (absolute FAV)
2) Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit
3) Morphe Eyeshadow Pallete
- That was without a doubt the hardest question
What is your one favourite piece of fashion or accessory from your wardrobe?
My thigh high black suede boots, which with a seven inch heel leave me standing at about 6 Foot 10. They go with practically every outfit i own.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
Ask me in five years if I ever expected to be where I am today five years ago.
What's your opinion on the recent increase in popularity of drag, due to things such as RuPaul's Drag Race?
I think it's great. So many young gay youths are now being exposed to the world of drag in a way they would never have been before drag race, both male and female. I'm performing with my Sisters AND Brothers opening for the amazing Delta Work later this month* and I'm sure they would agree with me when I say it has provided such an incredible platform for people to express their creativity and artistry, and more importantly, have it respected as just that, ART.
(*Please Note this article was written before Leoncé performed with Delta Work.)
Thank you to Leoncé for this interview.
Follow Leoncé on social media:
Facebook:/leonce.knowles
Instagram - @LeonceKnowless
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