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

Hi Viva, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I honestly never really saw myself doing anything else. Performing and designing felt like the most natural thing in the world. When I decided to choose performance and design as a career it felt like I had finally found my place in the world.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My drag performances and design work, like most art is an extension of me. I think what sets me a part from other drag performers is my versatility. In my real life, and so in my art, I can be whatever you need me to be. I found that availability secured work just as well as skill did, so I made sure that I was available and ready for gigs that come my way.

Being a queer, fat & femme gender non confirming person made getting work difficult sometimes, and even when I got work, getting the level of respect I deserved was even tougher. However, instead of letting others views on me bring me down, I kept working and producing, to the point we’re they were forced to respect me.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
First I’d take them to Campesinos coffee Shoppe in Montrose for Horchata iced lattes.

Then we’d drive around memorial city for gas station tacos.

For dinner we’d go to PINSTRIPES For delicious pasta and also a couple rounds of bowling.

Then end the evening at Michaels Outpost bar, having drinks and singing at the piano with Ben Chavez.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to give a shout out to the NYC nightlife scene, who took me in as a young queer artist and saved my life by putting me on a stage.

Thank you to my mom and dad for teaching my the value of harf work.

Instagram: https://Www.instagram.com/vivavidalia

Facebook: https://Www.facebook.com/VivaVidalia

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