Interview: Sasha Velour
All Image Credits: Wade Muir
Interview: Sasha Velour
Sasha Velour, the charismatic and groundbreaking drag queen who rose to fame on RuPaul’s Drag Race, is more than just a performer. She’s a storyteller, an artist, and an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community.
Her new book, “The Big Reveal,” delves into the history of drag and its evolution, while also sharing her own personal journey of self-discovery and acceptance.
In an exclusive interview, I had the opportunity to chat with Sasha about her book, her upcoming live show, and the current state of the LGBTQ+ community in the United States.
Delving into the World of Drag
Sasha’s passion for drag is evident in her every word and gesture. She describes it as “the art of a queer imagination,” a way of exploring and expressing gender identity in a creative and transformative way.
“I think drag is really about using gender as a tool for telling stories,” she explains. “And I think what could be more human than that?”
Sasha’s own drag persona, Sasha Velour, is a bold and unapologetic embodiment of her true self. She’s not afraid to push boundaries and challenge expectations, which is what makes her performances so captivating.
A Life in Drag: From Childhood to the Stage
Sasha’s journey into drag began at a young age, when she would put on makeshift gowns and perform for her family. She recalls the joy and freedom she felt when she was able to express herself through drag.
“There’s definitely always been a diva inside me. I dunno how it happened, but as soon as I was able to talk and was able to walk, I was for laying in gowns of my own creation, made of towels, made of sheets and blankets and trying to get my grandparents and my parents to watch my performances that I made up, which mostly they encouraged, which is something I’m really, really grateful for.”
“Finding out about drag was like a revelation,” she says. “It was like, oh, this is a real thing that people do. And it’s a way for me to express myself in a way that I’ve never been able to before.”
Sasha’s drag has evolved over the years, reflecting her own personal growth and development. She’s constantly experimenting with new ideas and pushing herself creatively.
A New Live Show: Stories, Music, and Glitter
Sasha’s upcoming live show, “The Big Reveal” promises to be an unforgettable spectacle. She describes it as a “musical journey through the history of drag,” featuring a mix of stories, music, and glitter.
“I want people to leave the show feeling inspired and empowered,” she says. “I want them to see the power of drag to transform lives.”
“I try to challenge myself to have it work on all the levels for the people who want just the feather boa and the glamor and the beauty. I wanted to deliver on that level too. And then also tell a story that surprises you.”
“I like for people watching to have to do a little bit of the work of deciphering like, okay, what could the deeper meaning, what could this be a metaphor for? And have story elements like I did in my rose petal performance that give you room to interpret like, okay, this gesture is grows, builds on the last one and it means something beyond just the effect. There’s the beauty and the glitter, and then the stories that are told by the performances that are really heartfelt and emotional.”
“There’s a lot of surprising music choices. My last show, I did Whitney Houston, Barbara Streisand, Celine Dion. This time we’ve got deep purple, we’ve got some metal, we’ve got Stevie Wonder, there is some Whitney Houston.”
“I can’t help myself by revealing some of my taste, some of my unique tastes in music as well as tastes and costumes and style.”
The LGBTQ+ Community in America: Challenges and Hope
Sasha is an outspoken advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. She’s aware of the challenges that the community faces, but she’s also hopeful for the future.
“I think there’s a lot of progress being made,” she says. “But there’s still a lot of work to be done.”
“I’m always in spaces with queer people from all over the world who live in all kinds of areas, and there’s more people than ever. There are families that are supportive of the gay and trans people in their family. There are older people coming out for the first time because of new freedoms. And I think that is definitely a change from when I was a teenager.”
Sasha believes that drag can be a powerful tool for change. It can help to break down stereotypes and promote understanding.
“Drag is a way for people to see themselves in a new light,” she explains. “It can help people to be more accepting of themselves and others.”
A Final Thought: The Power of Self-Expression
Sasha’s message is clear: be yourself, express yourself, and don’t let anyone tell you who you can be. Drag is a powerful reminder that there is no one right way to be human.
“I think the most important thing is to be true to yourself,” she says. “And that’s what drag is all about.”
Sasha Velour is a true inspiration, a trailblazer who is using her platform to make the world a more inclusive and accepting place. Her work is a reminder that we all have the power to be ourselves and to make a difference in the world.
There are 7 dates in UK leg of a larger Eurpean and US tour
LONDON, UK – March 8 2024
BRIGHTON, UK – March 9 2024
BIRMINGHAM, UK – March 12 2024
MANCHESTER, UK – March 13 2024
NEWCASTLE, UK – March 14 2024
GLASGOW, UK – March 15 2024
CARDIFF, UK – March 17 2024
You can find out more about Sasha’s “The Big Reveal Live Show” at –
Website: https://www.sashavelour.com/tour
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sashavelour1
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/sashavelour
