drag talk
Queens Around The Buckeye State Here are interviews with different drag queens from across the state — celebrating the different styles, approaches and motivations found in the art of drag. By Jeff Skinner a.k.a. Jennifer Lynn Ali
Deja D. Dellataro.
Scarlett Moon. First up is the beautiful Scarlett Moon, from Dayton! Jennifer Lynn: How did you come up with your drag name? Scarlett: When I was little, I loved the color scarlet in the crayon box and decided to add the extra ‘t’ to keep it classy! And my last name comes from me loving the night life and the moon! How long have you been performing? I have been doing drag since July 25, 2016. What is the first song you performed to? The first song I ever performed to was “Back to Black” by Amy Winehouse, in a long black dress that I got online and a long blonde wig. Is there any bar that you want to perform at that you haven’t yet? I would love to perform at Axis in Columbus and Micky’s in California. What is your favorite memory in drag? My favorite memory was when I did the Grinch this past December. Everyone in the bar was watching me and screaming their heads off! Do you have any advice for someone starting drag? My advice for someone starting drag is that you will not be polished off the bat. It takes trial and error. You will have to push yourself to grow and ask others for help. Be true to yourself, and don’t be like everyone else. 26 | MARCH 2019
The next queen is fierce and funny. Deja D. Dellataro is known for being a competitive queen. She’s competed in pageants like Entertainer of the Year, Miss Ohio America and so many more. She is known for her impersonations of Missy Elliot, Madea and Janet Jackson. Deja is from Toledo. Jennifer Lynn: How did you come up with your drag name? Deja: Actually, my original drag name is “Deja Danger” because I wanted to be a “Bond Girl.” Sadly, that path didn’t work out. So, I was adopted and became the ICON known as Deja D. Dellataro. How long have you been performing? This is year 14. What is the first song you performed to? Britney Spears’ “Slave 4 U.” Is there any bar that you want to perform at that you haven’t yet? I would love to perform at any club in New York or Florida. What is your favorite memory in drag? I was a “back-up” dancer for Todrick Hall at four of his tour dates, in Detroit, Ann Arbor, Chicago and West Lafayette (Indiana). I will remember that forever. Such a humbling and blessed moment of my career. Do you have any advice for someone starting drag? Always stay true to yourself. Although you may be influenced by TV shows and other performers, being authentic is key.
Krystal Something-Something. This next queen is the incredible Krystal Something-Something from Columbus! Jennifer Lynn: How did you come up with your drag name? Krystal: I was a little stoned at the time, and I said to my friend, “I want my name to be Krystal… something… something.” They laughed; my face lit up. I said it again, and it stuck. How long have you been performing? 13 years, 2 months, 4 days, 8 hours, 7 minutes (and counting). What is the first song you performed to? “Stick It To The Pimp” by Peaches. Is there any bar that you want to perform at that you haven’t yet? The salad bar at Kroger. What is your favorite memory in drag? Either performing at Roseland Ballroom in NYC, or getting tossed around and eaten out by two beefy dudes during a performance at the Brooklyn Nightlife Awards. Do you have any advice for someone starting drag? Ask everyone for advice, then ignore it. TRUE Q MAGAZINE
