'Drag Race' Behind the Sequins :: 12 Queens Bare All

Hold on to your stockings ladies, gentlemen and all you Logo fans! "RuPaul's Drag Race" has just begun its eighth glorious season and, as they say, it's with "A court of cut-throat Queens, competing to snatch the crown and strut away with a $100,000 cash prize and the coveted title of America's Next Drag Superstar!" And, baby, we've got the exclusive "behind the sequins" look at each and every one of the 12 queens who are vying for the coveted title!

This year's show is filled with many rhinestones... err... milestones: 2016 brings about "Drag Race"'s 100th episode, and this year's 12 drag divas, sashay down the runway bringing the total queen count for the show's fierce competitors to 100! Let's ponder on that for a moment: 400 faux boobs (includes a spare pair, one assumes), at least 200 hip pads, probably another 200 for bum enhancement, 240 pairs of lashes (a low-ball guess) per season, lord only knows how many sequined, jewel-encrusted gowns, stilettos, feathers, wigs and hose and probably enough body powder, tinted creams, foundation, blush, eye shadows and lipstick to eviscerate every cosmetic counter throughout the greater Los Angeles County! If I were you, dear consumers of such necessities, I'd stock up my supplies quick... Looks like there's gonna be a glam-drought.

Thankfully, there won't be one on your television screen, however. RuPaul's competitive queens are always entertaining, ever-scheming and always ready to pack a punch in their quest for their chance at RuPaul's fabulous crown. Look for magnificent performances, choice commentary, and more than just a bit of cut-throat rivalry, from season eight's "RuPaul's Drag Race" divas: Acid Betty, Bob The Drag Queen, Chi Chi DeVayne, Cynthia Lee Fontaine, Dax ExclamationPoint, Derrick Barry, Kim Chi, Laila McQueen, Naomi Smalls, Naysha Lopez, Robbie Turner and Thorgy Thor. In the immortal words of RuPaul herself, "With hair, heels and attitude, honey, I am through
the roof."

Now on to the Queens and their Q&As: Each was asked the exact same set of questions. The answers, however, are as diverse, funny and sweet, as the lovely ladies who were kind enough to take us "Behind the Sequins."

Nyasha Lopez

First a little introduction: The who, what and where of it all. Paint us a pre-drag portrait of yourself.

I'm originally from Puerto Rico, but I now reside in the Windy City. I'm really close to my family and they're a great support system. My younger sister is one of my closest friends.

What was your first drag moment, adult and/or child? Tell us true now!

Getting into my cousin's purple bridesmaid's dress, as a kid. I snuck into her room and put it on along with the purple shoes. I fell in love with it.

Who was your drag mother?

I'm self-taught -- Taj Mahal would often give me advice, before she passed away.

Are you an off-the-rack girl or a handmade maven?

I'm not a pedestrian looking drag queen and I worried about being off-the-rack...Someone in the audience could be wearing the same thing!

To what do you attribute the success of "RuPaul's Drag Race," and why do you think drag has reached such a zenith in 2016?

I've always thought it's something people really, really enjoyed and it's always been hot and fun. But now is just the time and the TV exposure reaches people who can't go out to clubs.

Favorite RuPaul quote or advice heard given?

"You can surprise yourself." So, I try to put my best foot forward and do anything and everything I can.

What do you consider your "personal best" moments, either in drag or out?

When I won Miss Continental in 2013. I competed a few times and won against all of these beautiful transgender entertainers. A boy had not won in a long time.

Your most hilarious drag moment?

I was in a drag competition and a dancer tugged on my straps of my dress and the dress accidentally came off. My boobs were fastened to the dress and they were flopping with it. I took the dancer's cowboy hat and covered my chest!

What's your secret weapon for RPDR?

My body-ody-ody... And beauty.

What are your plans if you win RPDR?

Keep going forward and keep working. I always want to do more...Bigger and better. After I win, I'll figure out what that means exactly!

Laila McQueen

First a little introduction: The who, what and where of it all. Paint us a pre-drag portrait of yourself.

I'm an only child and was born and raised in Gloucester, MA, a little island at the end of Massachusetts. I didn't like school too much and was bullied, so I wanted to do better things. I've always been an artist, so I thought, "Why not drag?"

What was your first drag moment, adult and/or child? Tell us true now!

For high school graduation, my mom put together a collage of me as a kid. All the photos were of me in feather boas and from Halloween events, when my grandma made me witch costumes...Not wizard costumes. So, it's always been a part of who I am.

Who was your drag mother?

I'm pretty much self-taught. I taught myself to do makeup and sew.

Are you an off-the-rack girl or a handmade maven?

A little bit of both; I've been sewing most of my stuff lately. But, I am by no means a seamstress.

To what do you attribute the success of "RuPaul's Drag Race," and why do you think drag has reached such a zenith?

With every year "Drag Race" happens, the stakes get higher and we get so much more of a following. There are more and more people who like the show. It has such an eclectic group of viewers- kids, adults, trans, queer youth-no surprise it's so successful because of that.

Favorite RuPaul quote or advice heard given?

"Don't f*ck it up."

What do you consider your "personal best" moments, either in drag or out?

I got banned from a university in the northeast, because they didn't like my drag.

Your most hilarious drag moment?

I do drag in New Hampshire, where the jokes are dumb and not too hilarious.

What's your secret weapon for RPDR?

My youthful, poreless skin.

What are your plans if you win RPDR?

Have fun and keep doing what I'm doing. Move out of my parent's house and keep inspiring people and working.

Acid Betty

First a little introduction: The who, what and where of it all. Paint us a pre-drag portrait of yourself.

Currently and previous to Acid Betty, I was a professional interactive designer. Creating videos and websites for fashion, nightlife and entertain- meant.

What was your first drag moment, adult and/or child? Tell us true now!

Being very young and passed around as my sister's cousin from out of town... with cheerleader pom poms, boobs and hair. That's when I knew I was going to be a very passable looking girl when I got older.

Who was your drag mother?

I don't have a drag mother. But, I have always wanted to be a special effects makeup artist, since I can remember. I did start dressing up in the shadows of Sherry Vine's guest list. So, if I had to attribute it to anyone, it would have to be her then.

Are you an off-the-rack girl or a handmade maven?

I try to use off-the-rack pieces but end up hand making everything from jewelry, purses to gowns.

To what do you attribute the success of "RuPaul's Drag Race," and why do you think drag has reached such a zenith in 2016?

Obviously "RuPaul's Drag Race" is a success because the show's first name, RuPaul.

Favorite RuPaul quote or advice heard given?

"Be true to yourself."

What do you consider your personal"best moments," either in drag or out?

Scaring the world as Acid on Project Runway was a huge highlight in my career.

Your most hilarious drag moment?

Me doing drag... That's pretty hilarious in itself.

What's your secret weapon for RPDR?

My creativity and visuals.

What are your plans if you win RPDR?

Pay off my student loans and retire in Greece to raise bunnies and quails, off the grid.

Dax Exclamationpoint

First a little introduction: The who, what and where of it all. Paint us a pre-drag portrait of yourself.

I was born in Washington, D.C. and grew up in Atlanta. I went to college in Savannah at SCAD - the Savannah College of Art & Design.

What was your first drag moment, adult and/or child? Tell us true now!

When I was 16 and in high school. I went to see Rocky Horror with my friends... And my mom. Awkward!

Who was your drag mother?

Bugs Bunny!

Are you an off-the-rack girl or a hand made maven?

A little of both. I don't care where they come from as long as they look cute!

To what do you attribute the success of "RuPaul's Drag Race," and why do you think drag has reached such a zenith?

"Drag Race" was different than anything else on TV and it still is. I think people were looking for something new.

Favorite RuPaul quote or advice heard given?

"You betta work!"

What do you consider your "personal best" moments, either in drag or out?

I love it when I forget that I put my tips in my jewelry bag and then get home later and find them!

Your most hilarious drag moment?

My panties fell off on stage in front of my mother-who was in the front row!

What's your secret weapon for RPDR?

A hand-made shank.

What are your plans if you win RPDR?

To get really drunk. I would drink vodka and anything that wasn't nailed down.

Thorgy Thor

First a little introduction: The who, what and where of it all. Paint us a pre-drag portrait of yourself.

I'm Thorgy Thor, that's orgy with a Th, and I feel incredible! I like vintage clothing, Tchaikovsky and cartwheels. Drag is about having fun, trying out new shapes, looks and ideas.

What was your first drag moment, adult and/or child? Tell us true now!

I used to paint my body red and do slow motion movement for two hours in the street, when I first started experimenting with drag performance. The rest was trial and error. Ha!

Who was your drag mother?

I'm pretty much self-taught. I taught myself to do makeup and sew.

Are you an off-the-rack girl or a hand made maven?

A little bit of both; I've been sewing most of my stuff lately. But, I am by no means a seamstress.

To what do you attribute the success of "RuPaul's Drag Race," and why do you think drag has reached such a zenith?

Drag is an interesting medium, it encompasses so many aspects of artistic expression... Inside and out. You're a walking canvas and the rules are up to you. RPDR helped to bring drag to TV screens across the world. People love something to watch, emulate, copy, hate, criticize and identify with. Now everyone does drag and comes out saying "My name is Poopy Diapers, pay me!"

What do you consider your "personal best" moments," either in drag or out?

Once, when I drank too much, I fell asleep on the L train and woke up at 7 a.m. in Canarsie-in full drag-with people on their way to work. That's why I always carry sunglasses with me now!

Your most hilarious drag moment?

In New York, we have the Glam Awards, at which Bianca wins "Entertainer of the Year..." every year. I was up for the award and decided to print out a ten-foot, Bianca del Rio head, who would assassinate Thorgy during the show to make sure she won that year. I still have folks go on about how funny it was. I'd love to do it again, only this time Thorgy will take out Bianca with a 9mm Magnum. Can I get arrested for saying that? If so, let's film in prison!

What's your secret weapon for RPDR?

I can drink a whole bottle of hot sauce in 90 seconds.

What are your plans if you win RPDR?

Take a long nap, then get to work towards conducting a 40-piece orchestra at Lincoln Center... In drag!

Kim Chi

First a little introduction: The who, what and where of it all. Paint us a pre-drag portrait of yourself.

I was a giant tub of lard with glasses, walking around Chicago wondering what life would be.

What was your first drag moment, adult and/or child? Tell us true now!

I'm not too sure what you mean by "first drag moment?" You're implying that I do drag.

Are you an off-the-rack girl or a hand made maven?

The angels descend from the heaven and wrap glistening, silk fabric, woven out of mermaid hair around my body. Then blonde-haired nymphs appear out of nowhere and sew the whole thing on me. They're only allowed to use rose gold needles and strings made out of the whispers of babies. Then, little gazelles encrust my dress with shining rhinestones they found on the mountain of Himalaya, washed with tears of the flowers. That's how I get my outfits, totally custom. You mad, bro?

To what do you attribute the success of "RuPaul's Drag Race," and why do you think drag has reached such a zenith?

"RuPaul's Drag Race" requires the participants to be jack-of-all-trades: Sewing, comedy, singing and dancing, etc. and having to present the whole package in a polished form. There has never been a talent competition quite like it on television before and people just wanna see more and more with each season.

Favorite RuPaul quote or advice heard given?

"If the bitches ain't paying your bills, pay them no mind."

What do you consider your "personal best" moments, either in drag or out?

When Chipotle forgot to charge me for guac.

Your most hilarious drag moment?

My face. I may not be funny but I sure am funny-looking.

What's your secret weapon for RPDR?

My morning breath.

What are your plans if you win RPDR?

Elope and move to the moon-with Taylor Lautner-where no one can bother us.

Robbie Turner

First a little introduction: The who, what and where of it all. Paint us a pre-drag portrait of yourself.

Robbie Turner, Seattle's Dazzling Darling! Heavily influenced by old Hollywood and vintage.

What was your first drag moment, adult and/or child? Tell us true now!

Drag was never on my radar. Then, a friend of mine needed a drag queen for a benefit show. I needed a job and it promised pay. So, we ran to a dress shop, bought a vintage jumpsuit, shoes and a wig. His friend came over and did my makeup.

After this gig I was offered another, then another and finally cast in a show. How did this happen?!

Who was your drag mother?

Dolly Parton.

Are you an off-the-rack girl or a hand made maven?

I usually have gowns made by local Seattle designers, but I'm an avid, vintage collector.

To what do you attribute the success of "RuPaul's Drag Race," and why do you think drag has reached such a zenith in 2016?

It's fun! Oddly, people like to have fun. Also, I think it's attributed to Ru. She continues to elevate the art form. I won't be surprised if she comes up with a new show soon. Always thinking, that one.

Favorite RuPaul quote or advice heard given?

"Love yourself before you love others."(Love is my religion).

What do you consider your "personal best" moments, either in drag or out?

There's so many! Ha! My best moments have been in my show at The Hard Rock Cafe. I write comedy sketches, sing live and dance heavily. Basically, it's "The Carol Burnett Show" starring me!

Your most hilarious drag moment?

Recently I gave a lap dance to a friend's grandpa, it was a big hit, but after the show he bought me a peach Cosmo, so I think that means we're married.

What's your secret weapon for RPDR?

A dart gun.

What are your plans if you win RPDR?

First, to take my friends out for a steak dinner, then I plan on hitting the pavement. I'd like to write my own television show. I think that would be fun.

Derrick Barry

First a little introduction: The who, what and where of it all. Paint us a pre-drag portrait of yourself.

I grew up in Modesto, California. I was born to entertain and drag gives me the creative outlet to express myself.

What was your first drag moment, adult and/or child? Tell us true now!

My first time in drag was dressing as Britney Spears for Halloween, 2003. I'm an attention whore and I loved having "all eyes on me..." Especially Britney's eyes on me just two weeks later, on "The Tonight Show."

Are you an off-the-rack girl or a hand made maven?

Most of what I wear is made to fit me, but I always enjoy buying a piece and adorning it with crystals to make it show or stage ready.

To what do you attribute the success of "RuPaul's Drag Race," and why do you think drag has reached such a zenith?

Drag is so much more popular now because of "Drag Race." All the cool kids are doing it to be a part of "the in crowd." RuPaul has always been a pioneer, but in 2009, he put it in people's homes. Television is a very powerful and persuasive device.

Favorite RuPaul quote or advice heard given?

I'll never forget being at DragCon for RuPaul's keynote address. I was front row and he was talking about audition videos for the show. He said they see so many and then will come across one and say, "Wait, this is something different."

He pointed right at me when he said it. It filled me with so much passion and drive. It's like the drag god came down from drag heaven and approved of me. I'll always remember that moment.

What do you consider your "personal best" moments, either in drag or out?