Tallahassee Drag

The drag community in the city of Tallahassee, Florida is often overlooked by citizens of the area. However, this community is thriving. The following interview with Gabriel Perez, a FSU student by day and the fabulous Cerulea by night.

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Interview

SR: How were you first exposed to/come in contact with the drag queen community?

GP: My first exposure was a friend showing me RuPaul’s Drag Race. Not long after I went to Mint Lounge here in Tallahassee, and saw my first drag show!

SR: When did you start performing in drag?

GP: My very first performance was at the FSU Amateur Drag Show. I looked a hot mess but I was in the top 2! I lost the lip sync to my drag mother so it was bittersweet.

SR: How do you prepare for your drag performances?

GP: I prepare by looking in the mirror and lip syncing to myself. Making sure I get all the expressions and words out. I also practice some loose choreo, so I have an idea of what I want to do on stage. I’m never formally choreographed all the way though!

SR: What is the typical reaction that you get from others when you reveal your drag persona?

GP: Always a “WOW.” I usually only reveal it to people I know will react positively. Don’t have time for people who disapprove of it or are ignorant about what drag is.

SR: Do you feel that your experiences with performing in drag have been primarily positive or negative and why?

GP: Absolutely positive. Drag has been a sort of therapy for me. I’m able to let all my demons out on stage, it’s very cathartic. I receive positive reactions from people as well, which validated what I do.

SR: What are the biggest differences between your everyday identity and Cerulea?

GP: Gabe is an introvert, and Cerulea is a flamboyant extrovert. Cerulea is the most outgoing version of Gabe. But it’s essentially the same person.

SR: What do you believe are the biggest misconceptions about drag queens or the drag community in general?

GP: The biggest misconception is that we’re all just men in a wig. It’s a lot more than that. There are so many components that go into drag, it’s very complex. People try to simplify it and dumb it down. Also the misconception that only cis men can do drag. Drag is open to everyone, regardless of gender, sexuality, and other identity factors. Ru said it best, we’re all born naked and the rest is drag. Everyday we choose a sort of “drag” for ourselves, or how we want the world to perceive us.

SR: What can you tell me about the drag community specifically in the Tallahassee area?

GP: The drag community here is very pageant oriented. Meaning big hair, jewels, extravagant gowns, and “fishy” makeup.

SR: How is performing on-campus different from performing off-campus?

GP: Performing on campus is such a rush because you get to perform in a very formal environment with a big stage and lights. You’re always going to get a good reaction performing on campus. Most of the attendees have never even seen a drag show so their expectations are low. But off campus in club venues is much more variable. You never know how big the crowd will be, what their reaction will be, if they’ll tip, etc.

SR: What has been your most memorable experience when performing as Cerulea?

GP: My most memorable experience as Cerulea I believe is yet to come. I’m flying to Utah this weekend for a paid gig as a judge in a drag competition. So that’ll be a first for me. But as of now, my most memorable experience was when I went to the Lady Gaga concert in Miami with my family, in drag. It was the first time they had seen me in person like that, and it was an incredibly bonding experience.

Where to See Drag in Tallahassee

Many clubs across Tallahassee host drag events, including Florida State's own Club Down Under. Another incredible opportunity to experience all that the drag community has to offer is at this year's Tallahassee Pridefest on April 21, 2018. You can find a countdown to this event as well as highlights by visiting the Instagram account linked to the blog @tallypridefest18.