Drag Queen Spotlight: Audrey Phoenix Talks X-Men, Divas, and Clean Tights

July 15, 2023
JORDAN JAYRO

Hello there! It is once again that time of the week! It’s time for another Drag Queen Spotlight! This week’s featured queen is the gorgeous and talented Audrey Phoenix from New York City! Audrey will be performing tonight Saturday, July 15th at Leather and Lace with Derek Kage in Akron, Ohio! There will be hot kinky dancers and appearances by International Adult Entertainers Derek Kage and Ricky Roman!

I’m so glad I got to do this interview with Audrey! Check out her answers below, and be sure to follow her on Instagram!

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How did you get your drag name?

I got my name from my two favorite characters. Audrey, from Little Shop of Horrors (my favorite film!) and Jean Grey from The X-Men.

How long have you been doing drag?

Just about 5 years, although I'm not sure if the COVID years count.

When is your birthday? How old are you?

A lady never reveals her age. But my birthday is in October. Full on lines, here!

Relationship status?

I’m single as all hell. If you know any single folks in the greater New York area, let a girl know!

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What was your first time in drag like?

I just remember being in pain. Honestly, that pain hasn’t gone away.

What made you want to start doing drag?

I was working a 9-5 that I hated, and every Monday after work, I would attend a drag show at Hardware in Hell’s Kitchen. It was sort of my release, and that show, and lots of alcohol, made the start of the week easier. There was one Monday when the host, Sutton Lee Seymour, approached me about doing a drag debut show. I thought I would just do it that one time for fun, and never do it again, but one thing kept leading to another and here I am!

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

Conan O’Brien’s self-deprecation, and Maria Carey’s self-love.

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Favorite song/artist to lip sync to?

Any belting divas! Patti LaBelle might take the cake, or should I say pie?

Have you ever hooked up in drag?

Once, and I will never do it again. It’s just messy, and ruins your sheets!

What’s your favorite thing about drag?

Free alcohol! Just joking, I love the community that drag fosters. The scene in NYC has some of the best people I’ve ever met.

What are your hobbies outside of drag?

Not a hobby, but I’m an illustrator and designer. When I started I was working full time and doing drag on the side. Now I do drag full-time and freelance design on the side.

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

I recently went into a dressing room right after Darienne Lake. She had just left to take the stage, but her belongings were still there. They consisted of a large JanSport backpack that looked at least 20 years old. A pair of 2-inch tan heels, and a saran-wrapped charcuterie plate, the kind you find at a grocery store. It all just let me know, “Mom’s here.”

Biggest pet peeve about working with other drag queens?

As long as your tights are clean, we shouldn’t have a problem.

Biggest pet peeve about audiences in nightclubs?

I don’t think I have one. I love every audience, even the rowdy ones. There’s nothing worse than watching a drag artist be angry at an audience for any reason. It’s a huge turn-off.

Any advice for someone wanting to start drag?

Don’t do it if your only reference is watching RuPaul’s Drag Race. Go out and see a real local drag show in person!