Fans of RuPaul’s Drag Race were shocked when Katya sashayed away in the latest episode. She gave it her all, but her Hello Kitty creation and fla-zay-da runway look sunk the Russian ship. Katya gives Daily Xtra the tea on her post-Drag Race life and upcoming shows in Toronto.

How has your life changed since the show?

Oh my god! It’s insane. I travel around and get paid 10 times to do a fraction of what I used to do. I have big time self-esteem issues and I didn’t know if I would be liked. The fans are a lot of kids and they get it. They get my sense of humor and they are totally on board. It’s so fucking great. They call me mom. They are always saying, “Break my legs mom,” or “Burn down my Bar Mitzvah mom.” I never thought it would happen. It’s so motivating. When you’re a creative person and you want to produce work, you can get lazy. Sometimes you think, what’s the point? If my YouTube videos don’t go up immediately, fans are like “where are the videos mom?” It’s nice.

You’re coming to Toronto for Pride. What are you looking forward to?

I don’t know anything about the city. All I’ve heard repeatedly is that people are really cool so I can’t wait to be there.

Check out our full interview with the faux-Russian.

Katya at Toronto Pride:
From Russia with Love
Friday, June 26
Fly Nightclub, 6 Gloucester St, Toronto
flyyyz.com

Drag On!
Saturday, June 27
Molson Canadian Stage, 1 Dundas St E, Toronto
pridetoronto.com