Newly crowned “Miss Campy ” 2013, Kashi Golean travels four hours from her home in Albany to do a quick Long Island show, all equipt with makeup, wigs and handmade costumes, which make the audience laugh before she even reaches the stage to perform . “Watch out queens,” she has stolen the hearts of Long Island and NYC, as fellow queens now “live for her.” Her “downstate” followi ng is rapidly continuing to grow at enormous speed, and for those who do not yet know her, the time has come for her introduction.
So Kashi Golean, how did you get that name, which actually scared contestants trying for Miss Campy into picking another category!
Well, I’ve had many. Originally it was Kasha, and all my close friends nicknamed me Kashi. There was a cereal slogan “Go Lean,” and I thought that would be hilarious for me.
You traveled from Albany to be a contestant in “Miss Long Island,” the Campy category, and won hands-down. How does it feel to be Miss Campy 2013?
It is amazing. It really pushed my shows into turbo gear. I feel amazing and truly, truly blessed.
When you’re not in drag and making the world laugh, how do you spend your time?
I’m preparing for shows.
So you’re a full-time drag queen?
Yes, when I’m not doing shows, I’m sewing, preparing my makeup and doing my networking.
You make your own clothes?
I do.
Kashi, how old are you and how long have you been doing drag?
I’m 27 and I’ve been doing drag since I think.
What made you decide to do drag?
I actually didn’t know that it was something I wanted to do until I actually saw a drag show. I was always into performing arts in high school. I was in all of the drama productions, all of the plays. When I moved to Albany, it was suggested I see a drag show. I went and saw it… the feeling that I got when I saw “girls” on stage was incredible. I decided to give it a shot. To be honest, the first time I was terrible. The feeling that you get when you’re onstage…you put your stuff aside that you go through on a daily basis and the adrenaline kicks in and the applause…it’s incredible.
Where are you from originally?
I’m originally from Hobart, NY
Upstate?
It’s very upstate. It’s so small I don’t even think its on the map.
What was it like growing up in such a small town being gay?
Well, I was always in plays in high school, my family was always supportive. I have the greatest and most supportive mother in the world.
So you relocated to the big city of Albany, and is it where you intend on remaining?
I plan to move downstate, probably to the NYC area. I don’t plan on staying in Albany – it’s kind of a dead end as far as drag goes.
You’ve tried out for “RuPaul’s Drag Race”?
That’s my dream!
And what are you doing about the dream?
I’ve actually auditioned three seasons in a row so far, and I’ve entered the video voting contest.
You are one of the funniest queens I’ve ever experienced. Any “Campy” advice you can share with your fellow queens?
Makeup tutorials and put them on YouTube and always push forward. Remember you can always do better.
Are you single?
Single and ready for any sugar daddy I can find.
And she’s also ready to come down to New York and perform at our big gay fall festival on Friday, September 27, at Off Key Tikki (31 Baker Place, Patchogue).
Watch out for this queen, everyone, she’s going to become a household name!
