It’s time for a KIKI with Kameron, Play Dance Bar’s reigning Miss Genesis. Well, one of them! This member of Sunday night’s Glam Squad spilled all the “T” about what it’s like to be Play’s poster girl, all around drag queen, animal activist and more. She also reveals how she really feels about the infamous 2015 “Genesis Tie,” and why she took a break from drag! So, sit back and relax as we get untucked and venture into the world of Glam City.
When did you start doing drag?
The first time I did drag was when I was eighteen. Austria Andrews was the host of Sunday Nights, and she asked me to do it. I had asked Angel Electra paint my face, and she did.
Who is your drag mother, and who are your biggest inspirations?
I would say Sapphire Mylan, because she has always helped and mentored me, so she is my drag mother. But recently, Aurora Sexton has helped and taught me a lot, so I would say she’s kind of like a stepmother. I tend to draw inspiration from many different queens. Locally, I take the most after Nichole E Dupree, as far as stage presence and just having your stuff together, especially knowing your words. Makeup-wise I follow Miss Fame and get a lot of inspiration from her looks.
Do you have any drag children?
I don't have any drag children that are performing or "working" that I know of. I have painted a lot of the bartenders at play for turn-about, and some of them joke and call me momma, but I don't think I have any working drag children.
What is your favorite song to perform?
Umm, I don’t know! Currently I love doing “Fancy,” but usually just anything that is high energy, something that makes the crowd react, like Pink. If I go to a bar and I haven’t performed there before, Pink would be on my set list.
A lot of queens are recording albums now. Are you musically inclined at all?
Well I was in band all through high school when i was younger, and I play piano. I used to sing in a choir too, but now it's not really one of my strong points, and I tend to stick to things I'm good at. I make my own mixes if that counts at all!
Why did you take a break from the drag scene?
Well, I took a break because I started to fill out, and things just got busy. I wasn’t able to keep up, plus I had also started a relationship, so I really just didn’t have the time to do it anymore. My boyfriend said I should get rid of it because I wasn’t using it, and I was like “Yeah, you’re right.” He didn’t necessarily dislike drag or anything, but it just so happened that I started doing it again around the time of our breakup.
What is it like for you performing at Play Dance Bar, and how do you feel about the auditioning process?
I love working at Play! It’s such a great opportunity to perform in front of large crowds and meet some of the best drag queens in the business! As far as the auditions, I feel the process can be stressful, but I think that judging based on performance quality and crowd reaction is fair.
What would you say is you biggest accomplishment in your drag career?
Winning Miss Genesis this year! It was my first pageant, and I had just decided that day to do it. I thought, “Well, I have all the stuff so I might as well do it.” Aurora Sexton helped me put everything together, but I was really nervous the whole time, but everyone kept telling me not to worry. It being my first time, I didn’t want to bomb because I like to succeed in everything I do. It turned out I swept every category but talent. Another accomplishment I value is my work with the Humane Association, helping get pets adopted and prevent animal abuse.
What was is like for you to be featured in the "10 Most Common Drag Styles" spread in O&AN and showcase a different side of drag than you usually do?
I loved it! Lets be honest we all know Nashville's favorite drag style is "fish," but I like to still do funny stuff. I don't really change my makeup, though, unless I'm trying to do a character: then I will try to look as much like that character as possible. Nashville is kind of stuck on that "fish" drag, so it was nice to actually expose different types of drag other cities love.
Have you ever auditioned or considered to audition for RuPaul’s Drag Race?
Yes, I actually auditioned last year. I’m probably going to again, because why not? But I’m the type of person if you give me directions I will follow them to a “t” and some of the audition videos I watched of girls who made it didn’t really do that. So, I just think there’s a lot of stuff I will do differently this time.
How do you feel about the RuPaul Girls?
Well, a lot of queens don’t think they deserve to get paid as much as they do. But honestly, I think about the times (Play owner) Joey Brown has called me to do the show last minute. It’s very stressful because you have to pack and get ready and all this. I can’t imagine what it’s like for them flying from city to city having to do all that all the time. So, I feel like they deserve it for all the hard work put into it.
In honor of the recent "Spirit Day," how do you feel about drag bullying, and have you been affected by it?
I honestly haven't ever been bullied, but I'm also never mean to anyone and I am very approachable. I feel like if you send that negativity, then you're more open to receiving it. So I just try to be kind to everyone.
How would you say Kameron’s personality differs from your real-life personality?
Well, I definitely love to keep the two separate. I think there should be a definite line between your male persona and stage persona. Dane is more into fitness, and is more reserved than Kameron. She’s outgoing, high energy, and seems to like the attention more.
Where can our readers keep up with you on social media?
Twitter and Instagram: danetheyoung