Ivy Winters might be the most underrated queen on RuPaul’s Drag Race. Though she didn’t make the top three of Season 5, girl kicked butt with her costume-making skills and circus-act background. Xtra chatted with her ahead of her Toronto debut.
How was your experience on the show?
From the moment I knew I was on the show, it was completely life-changing. Drag went from a hobby involving making costumes to a full-time job. Before I was doing minimal drag, I had two wigs to my name, and my costumes were so dated. The experience was the most stressful thing ever but also the most enjoyable. I never thought drag could be a career, and now for me it is.
You steered clear of drama and subsequently won Miss Congeniality. Was that a conscious choice?
There was so much bickering and confrontation. I was constantly like, “Are you serious? You guys are fighting about a pageant that happened years ago?” Part of me feels sorry for those girls. I’m not above arguing, but there is a time and place. I felt like I couldn’t get a word in edgewise, and often, I didn’t care to listen.
How has your life changed?
Since the show, I barely have time to sew. I barely have time to watch a movie with my boyfriend. I love travelling. I used to be a flight attendant, but drag is a much better way to see the world.
Any advice for young queens?
Try and be different. Queens who are all the same are not special. Learn to play the violin or juggle.
#Hashtag: Welcome to the Circus is Fri, July 12, 10:30pm, at Buddies, 12 Alexander St. $15. buddiesinbadtimes.com
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