Drag Queen Spotlight: Whitney St. James Chandelier Talks Whitney, Hawaii, And Knowing Your Words

July 8, 2023
JORDAN JAYRO

Oh hello there! Welcome to another edition of Drag Queen Spotlight!! This week we’re getting to know Whitney St. James Chandelier! She currently resides on the island of Oahu in Hawaii, where she is a drag staple! Whitney is a fierce queen! She’s the dancing diva, she’s gorgeous, and she stays booked and blessed! I’m so glad I got to do this interview with Whitney. She and I have been Instagram mutuals forever! So check out her answers below and don’t forget to follow Whitney on Instagram!

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How did you get your drag name?

My first drag mother is named Miriah St. James and so I wanted to play off of the relationship between Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston. Of course, we all know that Ms. Houston came FIRST, but in this situation, it was Miriah. I've had a few other drag mentors, but the other one who took me under her wing when I moved to Honolulu was the fabulous, creative, and insanely outspoken Cocoa Chandelier. I really admire her because she's not afraid to speak her mind and take risks. I tend to be a bit more reserved in that regard when it comes to drag. I know who Whitney is on stage but I am still learning about her personality when she's not performing.

How long have you been doing drag?

The first time I performed was in 2012 at a fundraiser for my undergrad's GSA in Kentucky. Then a few other times at open stage nights, but I didn't really start performing regularly until I moved to Hawaii in 2014… All of that to say about 9 years.

When is your birthday? How old are you?

My birthday is August 9th - Same as Whitney Houston actually - and I am 32.

Relationship status?

I have a boyfriend.

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What was your first time in drag like?

My first time in drag was definitely an experience. I looked quite apologetic shrouded in my dresses thrifted from Goodwill and my makeup was...a choice, but my performance was fierce!

What made you want to start drag?

I watched my first drag mother compete in a local version of Drag Race and I felt so excited that I just had to try it myself! I am a theatre kid, went to a performing arts magnet school, BA in theatre, and MFA in dance. Performing is just something that I've almost always done.

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

Oh dear... so many people inspire me. Drag queens like Miriah St. James, Cocoa Chandelier, Marina Delray, Eden Simon, Princess, (Basically every local queen here in Hawaii). Celebrities like Kelly Rowland and Janet Jackson. Dancers/choreographers, such as Aiesha Francis, Leiomy, Alex Wong, Jose Limon, and Alvin Ailey.

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Favorite song/artist to lip sync to?

That list is extensive, so here are a few:

Almost any song by Nicki Minaj

“Break Free” - Ariana Grande

“Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” - Shania Twain

Have you ever hooked up in drag?

No no, Whitney does not partake in such proclivities—no shame to anyone who does—but I don't put on all that makeup just to have someone smudge it, not to mention the LAYERS of tights and padding. Even if I wanted to, by the time I took everything off, we'd all be over it.

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What’s your favorite thing about drag?

Taking it off! Just kidding, though that is quite satisfying after the gig. I love interacting with the audience, making that eye contact, and giving someone an opportunity to feel seen. We all want to feel special.

What are your hobbies outside of drag?

Who has time for hobbies? Between teaching during the day, lesson planning, rehearsals, and trying to maintain all sorts of relationships, I hardly have time for myself. But that's why I do those things because I love them. Sure, sometimes I get grumpy when I check my schedule and realize I've got a 3-hour rehearsal after teaching all day, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I do enjoy hiking though...is that a hobby?

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

You know what...I've definitely seen some things, but I'll leave that up to your imagination. Feel free to let it run wild though.

Biggest pet peeve about working with other drag queens?

My biggest pet peeve is not knowing your words...you chose the song yourself, how are you not prepared? Other than that I'm pretty easygoing.

Biggest pet peeve about audiences in nightclubs?

When the drunks at bachelorette parties get embarrassingly wasted and start trying to push their way onstage.

Any advice for someone wanting to start doing drag?

It's not enough to have beautiful makeup, you NEED stage presence and that doesn't always equal dancing. Some queens I know couldn't find the beat with a magnifying glass if they tried, but they make you feel something. They can captivate you with a subtle glance. That's power. Also, be kind. Be the kind of person that brightens the room when you enter it, not when you leave.