The Glam Winning BigGirlz co-founder has shows all over the city this summer… including Fire Island!
BY Jim Silvestri
Best description of my drag: The Ghetto Glamorous Diva of NYC—Afro-Latina excellence served with soul, sass and a side of sequins. I’m what happens when high fashion meets the block party.
How many years I’ve been at it: Five years and counting—still evolving, still elevating. Forever the student.
Original hometown: Bronx, New York—the birthplace of hip-hop and the blueprint of my boldness.
Favorite number to do: If you know me well, you know anytime I put on “Disco Inferno” (Burn, Baby, Burn!)–Amber Riley version–it’s time to BUCK!!
A number I will NEVER do: Anything where I gotta pretend to be basic, meek or quiet—that ain’t in my spirit.
Favorite cosmetic product: Black Radiance True Complexion Contour Palette—because the cheekbones must cut like betrayal.
Reason I started drag: To show little Black and Brown girls (and myself) that our voices, our stories and our magic are center stage—not the side act.
Most important diva ever: Beyonce. Raw. Revolutionary. Real. A voice and vision that made me believe artistry could be a weapon and a healing.
A drag performer I admire: I admire a multitude of drag performers, but the one I’m obsessed with right now is Lushious Massacr! She is hilarious and a great makeup artist.
The man (or etc.) of my dreams: Tall, hood-smart, emotionally intelligent, knows how to pray and throw it down. Bonus points if he knows how to steam a wig.
Drink of choice: A BigGirlz! Yes, we have a drink named after us, lol, but it’s a tequila with lime pineapple and orange juice.
Best thing about drag: It’s the freest, fiercest, most fearless version of me. A world where I write the rules and break ‘em just as fast.
Worst thing about drag: How much we give and how little we’re sometimes respected for it. But baby, we still show up and show out.
Proudest drag moment I’ve had: Creating the Big Girlz and winning a Glam Award for Best Group with my sisters, all in the first year of our career as a girl group. We are thankful and grateful.
Weirdest drag moment I’ve had: A guy walked on stage during my number and was standing directly in front of me and said nothing.
Best advice to a new queen: Find your why, protect your peace and never forget that your drag is your power—don’t water it down for nobody. I love telling people that “Everybody gets the same five minutes on stage, so make it count. “
Where to find me: On stage at Cherry’s on the Bay (Tuesday 8pm), Playhouse (Thursday 8pm), The Ritz (Friday 8pm), Hardware (Saturday 8pm) and turning the party anywhere glam meets grit. Follow me @LanyeArmon on everything.