Meet Lee Carter | Artist & Performer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lee Carter and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lee, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
For me, balance and a positive outlook is the key to success. My artistic expression serves as a therapy & that awareness helps me feel connected.
Mindfulness has helped me remain aligned to my true self despite set backs
and hurdles. Success for me is turning trials into triumphs.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As a kid, I was always attracted to the Arts. I’d sketch & create short stories inspired by my environment. I’d bury my imagination in movies and music.
In the late 90’s my mom became a fashion model in New York. Seeing her in
magazines & television sparked my curiosity for creativity. In the early days I
wanted to be a filmmaker, so naturally I would carry around a camcorder &
make small movies with friends. On movie nights my mom would always ask
me to name the actors in the films. This is a game I still enjoy to this day.
Growing up in South Texas for a gay person can be difficult. I was shy &
introverted, so I didn’t understand what being gay was. I’d self-isolate, doing
all the usual macho things to stay unnoticed.

In 2009 while working as an electrician I discovered Houston’s Montrose
scene. This is where I started experimenting with applying makeup to myself
& others. I started performing on stage, using makeup to become different
characters in Drag. I began experimenting with different styles & illusions,
applying makeup allowed me to hide behind a mask. At first, my style was
androgynous and then slowly evolved toward Drag Art. Drag found me; it can
be many things for different people. For me, it was a creative outlet. In 2012,
I started producing online content on YouTube that included Drag shows &
visual face art. My biggest struggle was accepting that I was gay, &
overcoming self-doubt, in addition to the discrimination and harassment that
comes with being a gay black man. I have lost employment opportunities in
the past in pursuit of my art. I’ve learned rejection is part of the process
while growing, and being receptive to feedback.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Houston’s dynamic & contemporary Art scene is inspiring. The museums & shops spark creative ideas, and there are many idyllic nature spots dotted
around Houston.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’m grateful to God for guiding me and allowing my gifts to inspire others. I wouldn’t be where I am without the support and encouragement of friends
that keep me motivated. This has helped me maintain faith in myself.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Kingleecarter/

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/Kingleecarter

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kingleecarter/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CarterRobinsonMusic

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@1leecarter?lang=en