Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Velasquez.
Hi Ryan, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I am a transgender woman, and I attend UT as a student. I’m currently enrolled as a senior majoring in Studio Art. Throughout high school, I was interested in the arts and theatre. I developed theatrical makeup skills and stumbled upon the show Rupauls Drag Race. From then on, I grew a love for drag and always secretly hoped to perform. As a queer person, it was the first time I felt free to express myself when I arrived at college. Fortunately, my friends at the time informed me of a UT student drag show that was happening at Dobie Student Apartments. I introduced myself to the hostess, Celia Light, and asked her if I could participate in a spotlight performance at the student drag show. That would lead to me meeting so many other students’ drag queens and becoming a part of a drag family. Thankfully because of this and for Celia taking a chance on me, I’ve had many wonderful opportunities to perform at many more venues, meet many amazing performers, create a social media following and use my drag to connect with new people. I love to make people happy with entertainment, especially at this challenging time in our state. Drag is special to me and has helped me realize the trans woman I am today. I want to take it further and make a fun career out of it.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t been a smooth road, but that’s okay because nothing in life is easy. I’ve been doing drag for about 3 years, and I still have a long way to go. It was difficult for me to go through, realizing what I wanted to do with my life. For the longest time, I thought I wanted to be an artist, which is fine, but it’s more of what my parents wanted me to do. Understanding how I felt about drag and queer people took me a while. I had so much denial and internal homophobia. I was ashamed of who I thought I was and told myself I would never do drag. It wasn’t until I got to college that something flipped a switch. I had felt so free and not restricted by anything or anyone.
I realized that drag doesn’t hurt anyone, and in fact, it is empowering. When I perform in drag, I feel like I can do anything. I love to put on a show; it gives me confidence and joy. I also love the impact a performance can have on people. I hope to start performing in more venues soon and possibly travel. Drag is great now, but I understand that at some point, I might have to find another career choice that could take me even further. I don’t want to get tired of drag, so it’s important to change things up. I want to have a successful job that I love; that way, I can prove to people that trans people are like everyone else. Trans people can be successful. I hope that someday trans people like me can live peacefully in this world. Of course, that can’t happen until we force our government and legislators to change. We must use our voices and spread awareness about the anti-trans legislation and policies that plague our country. Trans people are not going anywhere.
Thanks for sharing that. So, you could tell us a bit more about your work.
I’m an artist overall. I’m an artist in thinking, conceptualizing, performing, etc. I’ve always had a very creative mind ever since I was young. I enjoy performing in drag, painting/drawing, dancing, singing, executing personal photo shoots, designing my looks, and doing makeup for others. I love to explore different makeup looks and drag styles. I also love the art of illusion/celebrity impersonation. I can transform into your favorite celebrity female diva. I like to be versatile and have a variety of acts. I can be liza minnelli one night and then an NYC club kid the next day! Anything I do, I make sure to put my all into it. I’m a hard worker.
Let’s end by discussing what matters most to you and why.
What matters the most to me is having fun and being happy while doing it. All I care about is staying true to myself and doing something that makes me happy. Knowing that whatever I choose to do will have nothing but a positive impact on people.
Pricing:
- $100 – drag private event booking
- $50/1hr – makeup services
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/ryan____x?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085876865238&mibextid=LQQJ4d
Image Credits
Alyssa Olvera, Preston R Photo Jay Ybarra
