Drag Performer of the Month: Boxa Crayonz

> BY Jim Silvestri

Boxa’s rocking stages across the boroughs as both king AND queen

Best description of my drag: Energetic, unserious and nerdy as hell. Sometimes I’m Mario, sometimes I’m Princess Peach! Either way, I love to dance and make an audience laugh.

How many years I’ve been at it: Three years.

Original hometown: Darien, CT.

Favorite number to do: This is an impossible question, ugh!! Recently, I’ve been really loving doing “Zombieboy” off the new Lady Gaga album, but I’m happy to do my Fergie or Table Mix if ever requested. If you really love me, you’ll ask me to do “Linger” by The Cranberries.

A number I will NEVER do: Anything that will get me cancelled, haha. Otherwise, I’m always game to be stupid. I LOVE a roulette.

Favorite cosmetic product: BLUSH. I love a good coral blush. I also swear by NYX liquid liner.

Reason I started drag: Someone once said “Make the art you want to see in the world”, and I swear by that. It wasn’t till seeing Gottmik on TV that I was aware I could do drag. 

Everyone always says drag has no rules, yet people are constantly critiquing the validity of each other’s drag. 

I want to show the community that drag is expansive, whether I’m a king, queen or something in the middle.

Most important diva ever: Beyoncé.

A drag performer I admire: Kizha Carr is one of my all-time favorite drag artists. She is a master class in performance and hosting. I am also grateful for the times I stayed late after a Star Search at Barracuda and just listened to her talk about drag/art/etc. I’m someone who really doesn’t want to meet their heroes, but I’m endlessly glad that I know Kizha.

The man (or etc.) of my dreams: I would give my left arm for a threesome with Doechii and Damiano David.

Drink of choice: Always always alwayssss tequila soda, splash of cranberry.

Best thing about drag: Making somebody’s day better. If I can make anyone laugh, smile or just be glad they came to my show instead of all the different ways they could have spent their night, then I’ve done my job.

Worst thing about drag: Handsy audience members and people that care way too much about what’s in my tights. One bad egg can ruin the vibe of a whole crowd, so don’t be that egg!

Proudest drag moment I’ve had: When I found out my hometown was holding their first ever Pride event, I begged them to let me do a performance. I was literally like, “I’ll do this for free, just let me do a number!” I was certain there would be no drag present, and I wanted to make sure there was representation. Additionally, I thought of how my life would’ve changed had drag been more accessible at a young age rather than highly stigmatized and something I could only find on the Internet. The organizer graciously let me twirl, and now I perform there every year!

Weirdest drag moment I’ve had: I’ve definitely had several weird private gig experiences/requests. I once was asked to surprise someone for their birthday, but they said last minute that the restaurant wouldn’t allow it. So instead, I filmed a video and sent it to the person organizing the surprise. I later found out the person celebrating his birthday was a transphobic influencer with millions of followers. Little did he know–he gave a trans drag artist money to film a 30 second cameo. A few months later, I saw him bike past me in K-Town and couldn’t help but laugh.

Best advice to a new queen: Put yourself out there! Be fearless. Go to as many new spaces/bars as you can. Every show is an opportunity to try new things and meet new people. Lastly, don’t let popular media control how you create your own drag. Be your own reference.

Where to find me: I am at Icon Bar every second Wednesday with Harriet Tugsmen and Fresco’s Grand Cantina every third Thursday for bingo (hosted by Angelique Stevens) and the annual competition Mx Cantina (hosted by Inita D).

INSTAGRAM: @boxa.crayonz