In lieu of traditional physical performances, drag artists are going digital, performing in virtual spaces — through Zoom, Instagram Live, and more — that enable them to connect with fans around the world.
Ahead, read on to discover how queens like Shea Couleé and Kim Chi are keeping the spirit of drag alive, and how they'll be spending a dream night out in the future.
Merrie Cherry
How have you been keeping up with your drag performances while practicing social distancing?
I have been lucky enough to be part of different shows in the US and in London. I've done so many different performances, and I've filmed so many. Depending on the project, I've tried to do something new, but it's been difficult with things starting to reopen, getting busy with protesting, and other Pride events.
What's included in your getting ready routine?
Meditation, listening to my favorite songs, and being in my room away from everyone else that I live with.
What is your dream drag night out makeup routine?
It would be someone else doing it, all I'd have to do is have a tap of alcohol going through my vein.
Kim Chi
How have you been keeping up with your drag performances while practicing social distancing?
I've been doing Werq the world shows digitally, and frankly I’m kind of loving it! It's easier to reach a wider audience with more control over what I can do.
What's included in your getting ready routine?
The holy trinity I call 3 S’s. SH*T, SHOWER, and SHAVE.
What’s your official getting ready song?
At the moment, "Stay Tonight" by Chungha.
What is your dream drag night out makeup routine?
Just being in drag outside safely is a dream enough.
What’s the first thing you want to do when nights out with friends become the norm?
Very simple, actually. I want to go to a dinner, movie and maybe a escape room! I’m a simple nerdy person.
Princess Jafar
How have you been keeping up with drag performances while social distancing?
I was lucky to be quarantined in my studio residency at Bunker Projects in Pittsburgh, so my studio was one floor below my bedroom. I got into drag a lot. For the last months, I've been hopping around until I nanny for a few months this summer so I’ve been getting into face less, but I'm still finding a way to host shows on Saturdays. The family I’m working for this summer is excited to have a drag queen nanny!
What's your official getting ready song?
I love getting ready to the two part Alf Christmas special, or "Gummi Grrrl" by Snugglzs.
What's included in your dream drag night out makeup routine?
A run followed by a shave, shower, brush my teeth, bowl, beer, then brows, eyes, foundation, contour, clothes, accessories, and a bald cap or fancy hair hat.
What’s the first thing you want to do when nights out with friends become the norm?
I want to get back to hosting my live talk show: The Princess Jafar Show in Pittsburgh! I’m so sad everything was shut down before our last game show night that promised a trip to Walt Disney World, with me as your guest and tour guide.
Shea Couleé
How have you been keeping up with your drag performances while practicing social distancing?
It's been an interesting change, because drag is an art that's mostly consumed in person, with performance. There's been a shift to more digitally-based shows, which I've had the pleasure to be part of.
What's the getting ready process like for at-home drag routines?
It's a lot more fun, because I get to be at home, in my comfort zone, as opposed to being on the road or at a hotel, where you may open up your suitcase to realize you forgot something.
What’s your official getting ready song?
"Collide" by Shea Couleé is a really amazing song, and it always gets me really amped.
What is your dream drag night out makeup routine?
I'm fond of Fenty Beauty, Pat McGrath, Smashbox Studios, and Urban Decay. One brand that I've been using for years, and its price point is lower and more accessible, is NYX Cosmetics. I love Fenty Beauty's Killiwat Highlighter — I use Sangria Sunset, and I mix it with Poolside, Urban Decay's All Nighter Foundation and Setting Spray, and NYX Liquid White Liner.