We promise to put the spotlight on fierce and fabulous entertainers – whether they’re one mile away or a thousand and well, it’s about time we get started!
Our first entertainer is a wonderful Drag King. Yes we’re starting with a king cos it’s 2020 people – they exist, they’re amazing and they know how to serve you some quality entertainment.
This lovely creature is one we actually know for real (not just online vibes) and honestly, what a delightful person both in and out of drag. Anyway, here’s a little interview for ya’ll!
BDW: First things first; introductions, who the hell are ya?
Baron: “Some tell that he fell from grace before Lucifer, some say he’s fathered so many children that he demands to be known to all as Daddy, and there are those who swear they have known him to wear a colour surpassing the darkness of black. I just know him as ‘The Baron LaVey’”- Catey Young. I’m Newcastle’s Premier Drag King! Glamdrogynous nipple-less gothic aesthetic, Bizarre pop-culture references and over the top characterisation is my thing!
GURL: Can 100% confirm that you’re a premier performer and we totally love your lack of nipples, your perfect weirdo!
GURL: How long have you been performing?
Baron: I started performing in drag in 2007, when I entered (as a joke!) Drag Idol Newcastle 2007 as a Bio Queen, which wasn’t a ‘thing’ back then. I managed a few weeks without the judges realising I was a woman and then when they discovered I’m AFAB and female identifying I was asked to continue the competition as a king. I assumed that as a king I wouldn’t have gotten any further than the following week, but I ended up in the final with Ruby Reynolds (then Sushe Buffet). I lost to a very talented performer but I developed a love of Male impersonation I didn’t think could have been there!
GURL: What’s been your favourite performance so far?
Baron: I’ve had a few I’ve particularly enjoyed but possibly my favourite would be my Pumpkin Spice Latte King performance that I debuted at the Shady Halloween Ball Bank Bar 2018. On the surface it seems like a campy-crazy Jack Skellington performance, but at its core it’s a social commentary on the attitudes of the paying public to those in the service industry and unspoken mental health.
GURL: Yaaaas Nightmare Before Christmas with a twist, serving you performance with a message!
GURL: Show us one of your most fabulous looks?
Baron: My two favourite looks have both been during a recent genesis of my character, I changed my face and discovered a beautiful glamdrogynous creature! One is my Jesus look for the SNL Pride 2019 performance, and the other is my Mad Hatter look.
GURL: We aren’t sure if we’re rather come to your tea party or join your religion, the struggle is real.
GURL: Who are your biggest idols?
Baron: My biggest influences are: Landon Cider (Winner of Dragula, which is a huge deal to the king community!) who is aesthetically incredible, artistic, and talented whilst their work ethic is also undeniable.
Hugo Grrrl is an Australian King with an insane wardrobe and fascinating aesthetic. Their performances never fail to make me belly-laugh and what a sweet and supportive person they are!
I couldn’t talk about idols and inspiration without mentioning Stormé DeLarverie. As a Male impersonator in New York in 1969, she is rumoured to have thrown one of the first (she claimed the first) punches to have sparked the Stonewall riot. You can’t get more inspirational than that, especially in the current climate of hate crimes.
GURL: Omg were so impressed with S3 of Dragula – especially with Landon Cider repping the world of kings. It’s great that you have such strong examples of idols, more of that!
GURL: Tell us something absolutely random about yourself?
Baron: I’m hugely into Serial Killers, True Crime, Conspiracy Theories and the Paranormal!
GURL: Any advice for someone wanting to embrace the art of drag?
Baron: Remember that all drag is valid. If you want to be a drag creature, you do that, and don’t let Ru Paul or anyone else tell you otherwise. We’ve become obsessed with the commercial side of drag and we’re forgetting that Drag is inherently underground. Ru Paul once said the reason females/female identifying persons couldn’t enter Drag Race was because ‘it loses its sense of danger when it’s not men doing it’….. but I say to Mr Charles, did it not lose its sense of danger when you commercialised the artistry of Drag for the masses? Don’t let anyone tell you you’re not beautiful, because whatever you are and whatever you choose to perform as, you’re far more beautiful than some of the misogynistic men who have come before you.
GURL: Amen to that, we love a bit of drag race but there are SO many fantastic performers slaving away in local bars, working their asses off for a gig that don’t get such commercial spotlight. Believe in yourselves, let everyone learn about your talent and beauty the hard way (make em eat it!).
GURL: One song to be your anthem, go!
Baron: 2 Nuts and a weiner- Albert Kick
GURL: If you had to recommend us a fellow fierce entertainer, who should we hit up?
Baron: I am of course going to recommend my brothers Rex Gladius and Faux King Dik, but also my nephews (Birmingham) Dylan Doe, Christian Gay and Victor Velvet.
GURL: Finally, what’s your fave design from our collection?
Baron: All products with ‘DADDY’ on them!
GURL: An outstanding choice, who doesn’t love a bit of Daddy?
Massive thanks for the interview, keep being absolutely incredible!
We heavily encourage you to check out Baron LaVey on all the socials below, show some love and support the drag king community!
