PRIDE & Equality - PRIDE 2016: Cover Story: Bob the Drag Queen

RuPaul's Drag Race has crowned another queen, but this year’s winner is anything, but ordinary. From the name to her demeanor, Bob The Drag Queen proved she was a force to be reckoned with and gave everyone a run for their money.

Let’s start with the most important question first - why enter a room purse first?
Oh – because it is a known fact that a lady carry an evening bag at dinner time!

What did you want to be when you grew up?
A candy maker, or an accountant. It depends on what point of life, I guess. I wanted to be a wrestler at a point in time.

You are a New York drag. What was drag like in New York in your youth?
I moved here when I was 22, but in Bob’s youth NY drag was very supportive, and not as competitive. You see the same queens on all different nights, and none of you are making any money.

What was it that brought such allure when it came to drag?
I think it was the combination of art forms rolled into one. You can be a makeup artist, dancer, actor, comedian, DJ, sound editor – it’s the ultimate art form.

Why Drag Race? What led to the decision to take it to this platform?
It’s my favorite TV show and, I am a drag queen, so it was the clear and obvious next step.

What was the moment like when you meet the infamous Rupaul?
I met him before Drag Race, at a book signing after the 1st or 2nd season. We were at Borders, which isn’t even there anymore, and I was getting closer and closer. When I got to the front of the line I was beaming ear to ear. I was so excited I can’t even remember what I did or said.

We see what the camera want us to see when it comes to the show. What was the experience like?
Quiet – you don’t do anything off camera and that is the real truth! You really didn’t miss anything.

I have to say in the history of the show that you are one of the most impressive queens. What is your thought process before a performance and where does that confidence come from?
Before a performance I am thinking about what I am gonna do or say…the confidence comes from a past of not having confidence. I taught myself to appreciate myself.

Who are your inspirations when it comes to drag?
Jackie Pete, RuPaul – those have to be my favorites. There are so many, though - Lady Bunny, Bianca Del Rio…

Well, you are now queen and you accepted the crown with pride. What was the moment like?
The moment I found out I was crying. It was a combination of my dreams.

Do you have folks coming out of the woodwork now wanting to be “friends” after the win?
Not really. I mean, I have friends reaching out to me to congratulate me, who I’ve always known. I don’t sense anyone taking advantage of me, though.

We already know you’ve made a name for yourself, but what will you do with this extended fame?
I’m working on a standup comedy documentary called Queen for the People. If you want to help the project, you can go to my Instagram and click the link in the bio. I just came into some money, so I lowered my goal from $70,000 to $20,000.

What piece of advice would you offer today’s youth?
It’s important to learn to love yourself at a young age, and I know that’s the hardest age to love yourself. But you will lay down the foundation for future confidence that will be so important.

What would you like your legacy to be?
I want to give back to the community, to entertain children, and to make people laugh. Charity and hilarity. - Teresa Ewers

To learn more about Bob’s documentary, A Queen for the People and how you can support, visit her Seed & Spark page at https://www.seedandspark.com/studio/a-queen-for-the-people#wishlist

---