Hard to believe that this time last year we were reaching the finale of Season nine, where we saw the final four compete for the crown on ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race.’ Peppermint stole the heart of thousands of fans and has gone onto well-deserved success. Since the show, shes been an inspiration to fans created a fantastic Youtube channel with ‘Pep talks’ and now in the editing stages of her very own documentary. We talk to Peppermint about her journey in drag and her upcoming role in the wonderful Head over Heels, which begins this June in New York.
Dragadventures: Even before RuPaul’s Drag Race, you had a great career appearing in successful TV shows (ANTM, CSI: NY and Ugly Betty) released singles, and starred in music videos. What made you choose to apply for the show?
Peppermint: I think Drag has always been on the outskirts of Pop Culture but I really saw drag race becoming Central. I wanted to enjoy more successes and have a bigger platform and so drag race just seemed like the next step
DA: How was the experience on season nine of Rupaul’s Drag Race and has the show helped develop your drag? What’s the most challenging aspect of competing on a reality TV show that viewers might not be aware of?
P: Oh honey, I’m a pro with white eyeliner and bottom lashes now. Anytime you are surrounded by a bunch of talented Queens, your faces and styles all start to blend. I think one of the toughest things about a reality competition show is the schedule. It’s grueling and you find yourself competing on very little sleep or food.
DA: Drag shows have become so incredibly popular which is great, however now the fans get the chance to meet queens through meet and greets. What’s your meet and greet experience been like and what advice do you have to fans who go to a m&g?
P: I’ve had great meet and greet experiences. I’ve met folks who have very touching stories. My one word of advice; is to keep it moving and have your flash on drag queens need to Sparkle.
DA: Since your appearance on the show, you’ve become a lot of young fans role model and someone they look up to. How do you deal with that outpour of love and admiration?
P: I cherish it, it may not last forever.
DA: ‘Project Peppermint’ has been in the works for several months now. It’s a fantastic and inspiring project, how did the project start and when can fans expect to see it? I don’t know.
P: Hopefully soon. It’s being edited now.
DA: Out of all the encounters you’ve had with fans since the show what has been the funniest- be it through gift or interaction?
P: I once asked them to bring me something to eat at a meet and greet and honey boy did they!
DA: What’s been your most favourite show that you’ve performed to date? And why?
P: I can’t really single anyone out I’ve enjoyed all my experiences but one of the most memorable wives the first time I performed in Dublin Ireland at the Gorge. The crowd was wild and. The staff was so loving.
DA: In June of this year we see you make your Broadway appearance in Head Over Heels. Making you the first trans women to have a huge role in a Broadway show, you must be incredibly excited and proud. How did the process of auditioning begin, and have you done much stage/theatre work before?
P: I moved to New York City to go to Art School and study Broadway musicals. So I feel very at home in the theater. Initially, my first auditions were on tape because I was on tour but eventually I went in for callbacks and I’m happy to say I landed the role!Head over Heels: Musical in New York
DA: Your YouTube channel is not only informative, but also very entertaining. What can your subscribers expect in the future? Do you have any particular queens you would love to feature on Pep talks?
P: I would love to chat with some of the new season 10 girls on pep talks I can’t wait to dish the tea!
DA: You’re from New York City, which is known for its fierce drag performers. Can you give us some queens and/or kings to watch out for that might not necessarily be known through RPDR?
P: I admire a lot of New York City girls Marti Gould Cummings, Brita filter, Joey Arias and of course my gal Sherry Vine!
DA: Can you give us a sneak peek of the what future holds for Peppermint? Will fans get to see you Dragcon NYC?
P: I’m sure I’ll be making a cameo at NYC drag con. As for the future they can catch me in my new Broadway show Head Over Heels opening in June.
Keep up to date with all things Peppermint on the following social media:
Twitter: @Peppermint247
Instagram: @peppermint247
Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5t6alAyno_ehV_XvGSkjAg
Offical site: http://www.peppermintonline.com/
