Today we’d like to introduce you to Maxine LaQueene.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’ve been here in Austin, Texas for almost three years! I’m originally from Saint Petersburg, Russia. Before you ask, no I do not condone what Putin is doing in Ukraine. I stand with Ukraine! I was adopted at two years old, grew up in Saint Louis Missouri, got tired of the Midwest, and moved to ATX!
I moved with my partner in August 2019 and first lived in San Marcos when we got her. Moved to the city of Austin amidst the pandemic (which I don’t recommend) and have been around south Austin since!
I came out as trans/non-binary right after graduating high school but hadn’t started medically transitioning til last year. I actually just celebrated one year on HRT last month! I’m currently saving up to get a pair of beautiful margaritatas someday! Hoping to get a GoFundMe set up soon.
I’ve been a drag entertainer since 2014. Started in Saint Louis, MO, lived in Chicago for a year, then moved here! It’s definitely been a journey with getting my name out in this city. Austin is such a tight-knit community of amazing queer entertainers and I’m so happy to be a part of it.
With Covid limitations lifting some, I’ve been able to travel all across Texas to perform and bring trans representation to other drag communities. With everything us Texans are going through politically and socially, I’m here to be loud and proud, standing at 6’4 WITHOUT heels on.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Whether it’s drag or transitioning, it definitely hasn’t been an easy road. The biggest struggles I deal with is my own insecurities and mental stability. I’m full time self employed. Drag and my side hustles are how I pay the bills. With that comes the stress of worrying about where each paycheck comes from and how I can afford to live basically.
I always try to count my blessings before complaining about what I don’t have or what I think I should have. While drag is becoming more mainstream, there are still so many underrepresented parts of the community that I try to bring light to. Whether you’re trans, poc, queer, or even a part of the leather community here in Austin, baby the struggle is REAL.
But so is the hustle. The reason I’m here today is because of the support I have from those around me.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Alright y’all, I do a bit of everything. Here we go! I’m a certified cosmetologist first and foremost. I went to cosmetology school in 2014 right after graduating high school and paralleled with starting drag.
I don’t currently work in a hair salon though, instead I run my own wig business and style wigs for other drag performers and queer people in the community.
I’m also a full-time drag performer (obviously). You can find me twirling everywhere around the city! If you follow my social medias you’ll see where I’m at next! I’m also blessed to perform around Texas as will in different cities from time to time.
Lastly, and it’s a bit controversial, but I’m a sex worker. I film xxx content through OnlyFans and other media outlets. Currently, that pays the main bills and allows me to do drag and run my wig business. There’s a bit of a stigma with sex work still, and as a trans woman in the industry, I try to help educate and inform the legitimate work that goes into sex work. It’s not easy lemme tell ya!
What’s next?
I look forward to each and every day. Long as I’m alive and breathing, I’m grateful. I recently moved into a house and now have the space to really expand my wig business! Hoping to get my LLC licensing this year too!
Besides that, I’m just wanting to perform as much as possible (with limitations to the pandemic because we are still obviously going through it and PLEASE get vaccinated and boosted). Maybe soon, I’ll be hosting my own show that y’all can come and support!
If you haven’t been to a drag show in ATX, you’re missing out! We have such a diverse community that tries its hardest to be inclusive!
Contact Info:
- Email: maxinelaqueene@yahoo.com
- Website: https://linktr.ee/MaxineLaQueene
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/theonlymaxine
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maxim.herndon
- Twitter: http://twitter.com/queenemaxine
