Get to know Toronto’s Drag Queens

Drag name: Carlotta Carlisle

How would you describe your persona?
Larger than life. There’s many aspects to Carlotta Carlisle, just like there’s many different aspects to any human being, but all I really need in life is furs and jewelry and I’ll be happy.

Do you have another job?
This is my main job.

Why did you choose the name Carlotta Carlisle?
It was a pure business decision. Carlotta is a strong enough name that if there’s only room for your first name on a marquee, people still know it’s me.  I chose Carlisle because alliteration is easier to remember and Carlisle is my favourite hotel in New York.

What is your inspiration in and out of drag?
I’m a huge fan of old movies, so if it’s a film that was made between 1920 and 1965 it has probably served as some sort of inspiration. I also love girls like Roxy Andrews, Farra. N. Hyte. Actually, without Farra N. Hyte I probably wouldn’t have the career that I have right now. I’m aware I owe all this to her.

What is your go-to song?
Right now it’s “All About That Bass” by Meghan Trainor, but generally speaking it’s the Nicki French remix of “Total Eclipse of the Heart.”

Facebook: Carlotta Carlisle
Twitter: @carlottaTO

Drag name: Devine Darlin

Why did you choose the name Devine Darlin?
My name was actually Devine Brown, given to me by my drag brother Nicholas Brown. Because of Devine Brown being an actual name of a entertainer I changed my name from Devine Brown to Devine Darlin.

Do you have another job?
I work as a lab technician.

What is your inspiration in and out of drag?
I love to impersonate different individuals. I like to impersonate Whitney Houston because I sort of look like her, and it’s really easy to go back to her, and she’s a diva, I feel like I’m similar.

What is your go-to song?
“Queen of the Night” by Whitney Houston.

Facebook: Devine Darlin

Drag Name: DManda Tension

Why did you choose the name DManda Tension?
The first night I came out in drag, I was like “look at me, look at what I can do!” People were like oh sit down, you are demanding attention. That’s where it came from, it’s evolved from there, but it’s fun.

Do you have another job?
I also work as a travel agent.

What is your inspiration in and out of drag?
What inspires me mostly in drag is other drag people who do it for a career. Also my drag mother, she really pushes me to help and force me forward and encourages me to try new things and step out of my comfort zone.

Advice for someone starting drag?
Don’t take it seriously. Have fun with it, try it out, step out of your comfort zone. You’re already somebody who is putting on a facsimile of something else, a woman, a character, whatever. Just see where it goes. You’re going to find your strengths, you’re going to find your weaknesses and you’re going to find out what’s for you. And that’s what’s going to make you a good drag queen.

What is your go-to song?
“Move in the Right Direction” by Gossip, it’s a fabulous song.

Facebook: DManda Tension

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