Tammy Spénks

I have had the pleasure of getting drunk every week at our Saturday Night Party “Tha Boy,” but it was fun to sober up for a minute and sit down to see what makes Tammy tick! If you’ve ever wondered more about the man behind the makeup, here’s a glimpse at one of nightlife’s fishiest girls.

What got you into drag?
It’s funny to read this question, because I have been dabbling in drag in some manner for a long time. I am an actor, and one of my first jobs out of college was playing Edna Turnblad in the international production of Hairspray the musical. I did that for a while. Cut to years later to NYC drag. I had my first show in the city with my best friend/drag sister Dusty Ray Bottoms. We were both new queens and just kept going down the rabbit hole. The rest is history.

Is there an area of NYC you prefer working in over another?
I am definitely a West Village girl at heart, and love it. That’s where I totally feel at home. But I have enjoyed every borough/neighborhood that I’ve worked in so far. Especially the McDonald’s on 125th.

What’s the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you during a gig?
Lord. Lots of crazy shit has happened. But the worst I think was actually recently on NYE. I was doing a show and pulled my hamstring in the first number. It was terrible and epic. The recovery is going well.

If you could trade places with another queen for a day, who would it be and why?
Beyoncé. Because it’s Beyoncé.

OK, so you serve “fish” on the regular, but what is your favorite kind of actual fish?
Scallops. But I’m picky about them.

What do your family and friends think of your drag persona?
I’m actually very lucky to have a family that is supportive of what I do. I’ve always been a performer, so they know how I am when I’m not performing and are happy that I perform every week. My nana actually sends me care packages with clothes for Tammy that are “show ready” (her words). It’s very cute.

Do you find it difficult to date in your line of work?
Yes. Having the time to date is one aspect of it. The free time I have now is pretty occupied with things to get done. I’m sure when the right person comes along, I will be happy to make the time. [laughs] Also, most of the gay community has a stigma attached to dating drag queens. I don’t know. I don’t get it. Maybe it’s because some of them know you as one thing, and when you try to take the veil off and be yourself, they don’t know what to do.

So I work with you every week at “Tha Boy” at Phoenix. What’s your favorite part of working with me?
Your hair. And your Listerine pocket packs.