Drag Queen Spotlight: Glitteress Talks Finding Her Drag Persona, Rocking Iconic Hair, & Tips for New Queens

December 24, 2022
JORDAN JAYRO

Hi gorgeous!! My newest drag queen spotlight features my LA sis Glitteress!! She’s sparkly, fashionable, funny, and stunning! I’m so glad I got to interview her! Be sure to follow her and check her out at her gigs across Southern California!! And who knows, you might see another familiar face… me! I’m just manifesting doing more shows with Glitteress in the future. Enjoy!

How did you get your drag name?

I actually was debating between three names. I know I didn't want a last name, like Madonna. I debated between Pynkee, Violence, and Glitteress. The glitz and fun of the name ultimately won out. My first drag name ever was Holly Revolver… changed because she's not me and never will be.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Glitteress (@the_glitteress)

How long have you been doing drag?

5 years! I'd say 4 more seriously. An expensive expression turned to obsession.

When is your birthday? How old are you?

My birthday is March 8th, 1992. I'm 30. Let me say that turning 30 was the best thing that ever happened to me. There's some sort of power in simply saying "I'm 30 I'm not doing that." REFRESHING.

Relationship status?

Partnered for 6 years.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Glitteress (@the_glitteress)

What was your first time in drag like?

A good girlfriend of mine put me in drag with many glasses of wine for a holiday party. It was truly magical. I felt like a doll. That night a monster or lady was born. You decide.

What made you want to start drag?

I moved to LA for performance art/acting in the first place. I was always a feminine person and having the creative control of drag, it made sense. Being a director, writer, seamstress, makeup artist, producer, performer, and editor is overwhelming but I wouldn't have it any other way. Except hair, I'll always pay for that done.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Glitteress (@the_glitteress)

Who inspires your drag (celebrities, other queens, etc.)?

Obsessed with Anya Taylor Joy and Charlize Theron. As far as queens, Alaska Thunderfuck helped me pick out my first wig. I doubt she even knows my name or remembers that but it meant a lot to me. Her wit is inspirational.

Favorite song/artist to lip sync to?

This changes constantly, BUT I definitely like finding a song and making it my own. SOPHIE, Kim Petras, and Madonna definitely deserves some mentions though.

Have you ever hooked up in drag?

A lady never tells...

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Glitteress (@the_glitteress)

What’s your favorite thing about drag?

SO many things, I've got to travel internationally, meet incredible people, hear their stories. Creating a look from a sketch to completion is so rewarding. I love art form through and through.

What are your hobbies outside of drag?

I'm a writer, read a lot, creating a board game, travel, sewing, (I guess that could count as part of drag), tennis, concerts, and Dungeons and Dragons (I don't sleep, it's gonna eventually lead to me dissolving).

What’s the craziest thing you’ve witnessed in a dressing room?

Someone talking about me specifically not knowing it was me. It. was. AWFUL. I don't love fighting with other artists. I'd like to think I'm the Scandinavia of drag, NEUTRAL.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Glitteress (@the_glitteress)

Biggest pet peeve about working with other drag queens?

"What song should I do tonight?" - HOW DO YOU NOT KNOW?!

Biggest pet peeve about audiences in nightclubs?

The always present person who is going to decide to incorporate themselves in your number....Sit down.

Any advice for someone wanting to start drag?

Take your time, dig in why you like this art form, be respectful of your peers, and do your BEST work because if you do amazing things will happen. You never know who is in the audience on even the slowest night.