Drag superstars Sahara Davenport and Manila Luzon are best buddies and a romantic couple of more than five years. The RuPaul’s Drag Race alumni have turned it out in New York venues and in social media and have represented companies such as AOL, Macy’s, Orbitz, Gilead, and DKNY — all while in drag. After reading countless interviews with the same redundant questions and answers, we gave Sahara and Manila the opportunity to answer the questions that you haven’t heard (asked by none other than the ladies themselves).
ML: What was it like watching the last season of RuPaul’s Drag race after you had already been on it?
SD: It was exciting to sit back and watch the new group of girls. I was really interested in seeing the different approaches to the competition. Obviously, I couldn’t watch with as much abandon as I desired because you were competing. I kinda felt like a stage parent, cheerleader and Stepford Wife.
ML: Thanks baby for rooting for me!
SD: Obviously, I am your favorite contestant from any season of RDR. Aside from me, who else did you enjoy watching on any other season? Did any of the other girls reach out and lend words of wisdom regarding life post-show?
ML: I really loved watching Nina Flowers from the first season of RDR, because she was such a unique and artistic creature. I had never really been exposed to the kind of drag she does before, and I also admire the fact that she has still remained extremely successful since her season ended. Sonique from your season was very encouraging to me even before I had even considered applying to be on the show. I had only met her once, but she said that she believed I had what it took to do well.
SD: And I guess she was right!
ML: Was there anything you wish you or I did differently on our respective seasons of Drag Race?
SD: Aside from winning, I would not do anything differently. As far as you are concerned, I don’t think that there was or is anything more that you could have done. It was unnerving watching you, my boyfriend, and Shangela, friend of many years, bicker and fight so much. I wish you guys had gotten along better then. Other than that, you were exceptional, and I can’t tell you enough how proud I am of you. You will always be “my” number one.
ML: Shangela and I did seem to get into it, huh?
SD: You were quite ballsy on the show. After watching, were there any moments in which you think you went too far?
ML: Nope! Sure, I may have been considered offensive to Asians by using a stereotypical Asian accent in one of the challenges. Sure, I may have perpetuated a seemingly cliquey friendship with other contestants by forming “The Heathers.” But I’m a drag queen. I can’t help but be ballsy when my balls are jammed back into a fierce tuck!
SD: Touché! What is the biggest difference between you and me?
ML: You are a diva! And you’ve earned the title. You are extremely talented, beautiful and you’ve worked your ass off for your success. Therefore, you are much more pulled-up when you are seen out in public. And people see how you enter a room and they act accordingly to a diva entering a room. I, on the other hand, am a goofball who doesn’t really care if I get a little too drunk and fall down the stairs in a club!
SD: What is the biggest misconception about Manila?
ML: That I’m short. I’m a 6-foot-tall dude. And when I’m wearing 6-inch pumps and a foot-tall wig, I’m a giant. It seems like everyone I meet says that I’m much taller than they thought I was on the show. I tell them it’s because they must have a really short TV.
SD: What doesn’t the world know about Sahara but should?
ML: You expect me to buy you expensive designer perfume all the time. And you go through perfume like crazy! You drench yourself in perfume. And when I don’t buy you perfume you go to Chinatown and buy a knock-off Elizabeth Taylor White Diamonds because you know I HATE the smell, so I’ll have to go buy you some $150-an-ounce perfume from Saks!
SD: Which reminds me, I’m running low. Do I need to PUMP down to Canal Street?
ML: LOL! Since your season of RuPaul’s Drag Race, you’ve put out a hot dance song, “Pump With Me” (available on iTunes). I even made an appearance in your music video as your video ho. If you and I were to record a cover to a song, what should we sing?
SD: Haha! It would definitely be “I Got You Babe” by Sonny and Cher, because in this business of show and world of craziness you seem to always be there. If not that song, then “Push It” by Salt-N-Pepa, for obvious reasons.
ML: Dibs on Cher! I am cast on the upcoming season of RuPaul’s Drag U, where drag professors make over biological women into drag queens. Do you have any personal drag tips you think I should give to my students?
SD: I was not cast on that show, so I am not giving out drag tips until I receive the same check that you did! I ain’t driving you no more Miss Daisy!
ML: Gurrl, you don’t even have a license! Any other questions?
SD: Yes! Why must I beg you to take out the trash?
ML: Because that’s a job for the man of the house…and I’m too busy during the day trying to transform into a woman!
SD: Well, good luck!
ML: OK. Last question. I let you borrow my pair of Monolo Blahniks for a gig in Miami recently. Can I please get them back?
SD: Manolo who? I love you, but don’t get it twisted. Everybody knows that you’re more of a BOGO type!
WATCH MANILA LUZON ON RUPAUL’S DRAG U, MONDAY JUNE 20 ON LOGO.
