CONCLUSION
LIVING FIERCELY EVERY DAY
“Pretend you’re the best—point blank. When I’m in drag, I always say, ‘They live in my world. I don’t live in theirs.’ ”1
—Drag superstar Yara Sofia
We love this quote from Yara about others living in her world—a world where she is the star and everyone knows it. In this book, we call that world the Queendom, where we see ourselves as fabulous and fierce as seasoned drag queens, or better yet, we are queens. We know that it’s not always easy to see ourselves this way. That is precisely why this idea of imaging oneself as one’s fierce alter ego, who lives in a world of sequins and glitter, works. The campy, comedy queens I interviewed were especially insightful in this regard. Brian McCook is known around the world for his kooky drag alter ego, Katya Zamolodchikova, a self-described “average run-of-the-mill Russian bisexual transvestite hooker.” He told me that in order to have the confidence to get on stage and pull off some of the zanier things he has done, he has to “say goodbye to any objective grip on reality and then just know that you’re amazing. . . . You need that grip when you’re [backstage] getting ready because you need to make sure that it looks all great and everything. You can’t be delusional. But then [when you hit the stage], [you’ve] got to be delusional.”2 We just have to convince ourselves or, to use Katya’s word, delude ourselves into believing that everyone is living in our world where we are freaking amazing. And they know it.
In this book, we’ve learned the Keys to Fierce: how to create a drag alter ego, how to dress and pose for power, how to shake off criticism, and how to take action outside our comfort zone. It’s up to us to apply these lessons every day, no matter our profession or station in life. Laganja Estranja, a talented dancer, celebrity choreographer, and professional drag queen, told me, “I think a bank teller can be just as fierce as a drag queen. I really do believe that. In the way that they fold the dollars, in the way that they count it. Whatever it is, there’s got to be a way to live your life fierce.”3
Becoming Fiercely You
It’s up to you now. We’ve invited you into the Queendom and we hope you will join us. Get out that Drag Diary and keep track of how you’re doing, every step of the way, to become fiercely you. Share with us on social media your aha moments and your triumphs with the hashtag #FiercelyYou. Get information on Fiercely You drag transformation workshops, seminars, coaching, and makeovers at our HQ, EnterTheQueendom.com.
And for Pete’s sake, go out and see some drag! Find the drag shows in your area and support your local queens. They’d love to see you, and your tips. Don’t forget your dollar bills!