Today we’d like to introduce you to Jimmy Linares.
Hi Jimmy, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Our first meeting at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., in 2010 marked the beginning of our journey towards discovering and sharing our passion for art. As Deaf individuals, we faced unique challenges but were determined to use our experiences to create something positive. In 2015, we started making comedy videos on social media that combined humor with education, and this proved to be a turning point for us. Our efforts eventually culminated in a stage performance. Today, we take pride in having performed across the United States and internationally, and we hope that our journey inspires others to pursue their passions with equal determination and joy.
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?
As Deaf individuals, our journey has been full of ups and downs, like a roller coaster ride. We have constantly faced additional obstacles due to the misconceptions held by many hearing people, who believe that our disability limits us. However, we remain determined to debunk this myth and demonstrate that we can achieve anything we set our minds to. We are fortunate to have the unwavering support of our Deaf community, which has helped us to pursue our passions and overcome any hurdles that come our way.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Deafies in Drag is a team of two individuals who create and perform their skits. They handle everything from writing and makeup to sewing outfits, filming, and editing their videos. In addition, they produce their shows on stage and are proud of their impact on the deaf community worldwide.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
Business shutdowns can happen at any time, affecting everyone. The COVID-19 pandemic has taught us this lesson. In response, many artists have turned to digital means, such as live streams and social media videos, to continue their performances. Fortunately, we had already been creating videos before the pandemic hit, giving us a distinct advantage.
Contact Info:
- Website: deafiesindrag.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deafiesindrag
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deafiesindrag
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/deafiesindrag
Image Credits
David Wicks for some photos
