Catching up with Olympia , Frida Cox, Lanye Armon & Vampy Von Thickums on the rise to their success
INTERVIEW BY LORI LU >>>
What inspired you to form the Big GirlZ Drag Girl Group, and how did you all come together?
Lanye Armon was the visionary who brought us all together and founded the Big GirlZ. She recognized that representation for larger performers in the city was limited and often unfairly labeled as “lazy” or unmarketable by others in the industry. Lanye united us to prove that people of all sizes can do it all—and do it with style, energy, and undeniable talent!
How do you define the group’s unique style and aesthetic, and how does each member contribute to it?
Our unique style and aesthetic can be summed up as “sugar, spice, and everything nice—extra large!” Each of us brings something different to the table, and that diversity drives us to challenge ourselves, experiment, and step outside our comfort zones. It’s this blend that makes our numbers so fun, entertaining, and mesmerizing.
Frida Cox, from Brooklyn, has a theater and musical background that adds a captivating, emotionally moving and spiritually invigorating element to our performances. Her experience helps us create characters and stories that resonate deeply with our audience.
Lanye Armon, hailing from the Bronx, infuses our group with her love of fashion, hip-hop dance, and Afro-Caribbean culture. Known as the “Ghetto Glamorous Diva of NYC,” she brings a bold mix of pop culture and style, helping us tackle challenging topics while staying true to our roots as an all P.O.C. group. A special thank you to Playhouse Bar for giving us our first platform!
Olympia, from Astoria, Queens, is the grace and beauty of the group, coordinating our outfits, themes and choreography. She constantly pushes us to elevate our movements, creating the dynamic works you see today.
And then there’s Vampy Von Thickums Galore, our spooky enchantress from Brooklyn, who brings a wealth of creativity and social engagement. Thanks to her, our social media thrives, keeping us connected with our community and ensuring we stay true to our values of diversity, inclusivity, and representation.
Together, we prove that big girls can do it all—and more!
What challenges have you faced as a plus-size drag group in the NYC drag scene, and how have you overcome them?
As a plus-size drag girl group in NYC, we often face challenges finding venues and designers that can accommodate us. Due to our size, when we are asked to perform in some venues, our performances usually have to be minimized or adapted to fit. One of us is often as big as two skinny drag queens, so all four of us can’t always fit on a stage together. To overcome this, we have weekly rehearsals where we discuss important matters and adjust our numbers for smaller venues. Most of our choreography and performances have different versions, allowing them to be performed in multiple spaces.
What message do you hope to convey through your performances and presence in the drag community?
We hope to show non-plus-size performers, bar patrons, venue organizers and more that plus-size performers are not limited by their bodies. All four of the Big GirlZ consistently showcase more than just lip-syncing abilities. We are a group full of trained dancers, actors and singers. By existing in the drag community and other spaces, the Big GirlZ demonstrate to both plus-size and non-plus-size people that beauty isn’t just for the skinny girls. Every Big Girl is gorgeous and dresses in ways that celebrate and accentuate their curves. People do not always see a plus-size performer in sexy and revealing outfits, but the Big GirlZ prove that we can wear and do anything just as well as any thin performer.
Can you share a memorable performance experience that has shaped the group or strengthened your bond?
We certainly have three performances that have transformed us as a group and have held a special place in our hearts since their creation:
1. Our Opening Night/Debut
Our opening night at Playhouse (which is about to hit its one-year mark) was the undeniable beginning of something bigger. We were able to give a grand showcase/introduction to the Big GirlZ. We spent two months creating two group numbers that allowed us to show who we were, what we love and what we represent.
2. “Eat Up NYC” at Julie J’s “STAND UP NYC @ 3 Dollar Bill”
We all agree that this number was a concert-style production, brought to one of Brooklyn’s biggest stages for one of its most important events. Between our debut and this performance (which were only four or five months apart), we grew so much—our bond strengthened and our works became even fiercer. Stand Up NYC was incredibly important to us; it was for charity and our community. We weren’t just performing for ourselves, but for our entire community.
3. Bushwig at the Knockdown Center
Bushwig was a significant milestone for us. Performing on one of the biggest stages in drag history, amongst our community, was a dream come true. We created the concept of “plus-size superheroes” saving the world from “skinny girl drag,” showing that Big GirlZ can do that too. Of course, we had to include a nod to the Powerpuff Girls—more like the “Powerpuff Big GirlZ!” This number proved to be challenging but so much fun to create, with moves and tricks that no big girl, boy or they/them had ever done or thought of—unless it was as a joke. It was a huge accomplishment that we hold dear to our hearts.
How do you see the role of body diversity in drag evolving, and what impact do you hope Big GirlZ will have on that movement?
We see body diversity in drag evolving towards greater acceptance and, ultimately, the celebration of all body types. Big GirlZ aims to break stereotypes, challenge norms, and inspire confidence, proving that talent and charisma come in every size. We hope our presence serves as representation that inspires others and as a living, breathing example of what is truly possible! No one else is doing it quite like us, and we hope to change that by opening more doors.
What advice would you give to aspiring plus-size queens looking to break into the drag scene?
Our advice to any plus-size performers trying to break into the drag scene is to jump in headfirst and dedicate time and resources to your art. It’s unfortunately no secret that plus-size performers, along with some other demographics, face more challenges in getting booked. Have a clear point of view: Who are you? What are you trying to achieve? What do you have to offer? Who’s your audience? The good news is you don’t have to have it all figured out on day one—it will evolve over time and through experiences. Remember, nightlife is fun, but it’s also a job; be professional and proud of how you carry yourself.
The key advice for plus-size performers is to own and love the skin you’re in. Present your body in a way that makes you feel comfortable, but don’t make your size a novelty—this could inadvertently give others permission to exploit or exclude you for it. Be the representation you wanted to see but didn’t have. Your size is just one of the many things that make you unique!
What’s next for the Big GirlZ Drag Girl Group? Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations we should look out for?
We are a collective of four powerhouse entertainers with big goals and even bigger dreams. We’ve achieved so much in just under a year of being together! We hope to continue delivering consistent, entertaining and fresh shows all over NYC. In the near future, we have our sights set on traveling across the U.S. and bringing bigger productions to larger stages and venues here at home. We’re also aiming to win a few trophies at this year’s Glam Awards in NYC as a group. We hope our nightlife family will consider us for Best Group and Breakthrough Artist(s). All we can say is, WATCH OUT FOR THE BIG GIRLZ!
