Zara Matrix is a performance artist who expresses herself in the art form of Drag! If I was meeting with Zara Matrix in her Creating Space, or at her mom’s home near Liverpool, perhaps she would have painted me up in a fabulous drag look. We would have done a photo shoot and I would have shared it with you.  Sadly it was not to be this time due to our current pandemic circumstances.  Instead, we pivoted and met via Zoom. She looked gorgeous.  I wore a little lipstick.

Drag performers like Zara Matrix put forth enormous amounts of effort and expense to create their art.  Establishing a wardrobe of makeup, outfits and wigs and acquiring the skills to use them. Also, there is a requirement to spend a great deal of time to develop their talents for performing, lip-syncing, comedy, dancing, emceeing and singing.    

Starting out I was definitely spending more on drag than I was making!  Wigs can be expensive but they are a necessary expense.  A good wig is a key part of a drag look.  They have to be well taken care of and each helps create a personality. 

Zara Matrix is meticulous and experimental with her creative process.  Particularly with the amazing makeup!   Some of it is quite expensive and specialized.  Similar to full coverage theatre makeup.  She hasn’t always been good at it.  Zara smiles as she explains

I didn’t look like this when I first started at all!!!!  There was so much to learn and tons of trial and error! I remember my friends and I practicing to YouTube tutorials. A lot of them! Yup there I was thinking… I was looking right good. (laughing)   It took me time to learn. You have to understand that drag makeup doesn’t look good until the end of the process. It can look quite weird part way there! You have to be patient.  Also you need the right makeup because, as the saying goes.* Cover Girl doesn’t cover boy!  

Zara is always striving for new ideas and looks. Each look is unique from the fashion, makeup,  and wigs, to the performance.

In my performances, all of it is a process of expression to me!  My grandmother and mother are both seamstresses. They are a tremendous support  in so many ways!  They have sewed beautiful things for me and taught me to sew!  As a drag queen, I am happy to have that skill.   It helps me to take my artistic vision, from concept or idea, to performance-ready creation of my looks.  

Zara and I talked about icon RuPaul Charles.  Arguably the most successful drag queen of all time and well known for his work as an advocate in the queer community.  It is interesting to consider that the timing of the rise in popularity of his show RuPauls Drag Race (RPDR) seems to coincide with an important attitudinal shift in our society.  The broadening of our awareness, tolerance, and understanding of LGBTQ+ lifestyles, gender identity, and expression.  

For sure RuPauls Drag Race has a huge part in bringing Drag, and more,  to the mainstream. It is a popular reality show. But this one is more.  Beauty, acceptance, fun, fashion, personal stories and comedy.  It is so much more than the drag!

Zara and I nerded out over our shared love of the show chatting about the drag transformations, the acting, singing, and the Pit Crew of handsome men!   The fangirl in me perked up when I learned that she has met and/or performed in shows with some RPDR alumni.  Monet Exchange, Bob The Drag Queen, Alyssa Edwards and Monique Heart and others.   I wondered whether she would spill the tea when I asked and if any of them were Divas. She became very thoughtful and diplomatic when I asked what they were like.

Watching them perform and being a part of those shows was inspiring! Some of the queens are very down to earth. They are so supportive and very humble. Some are not. But they are All Divas in their own way. Strong and confident.

Drag artists are faced with many personal, financial, physical, and mental challenges as they do their work. There can be a lot of anxiety for queer people when first deciding to do drag in public.  Many experience discrimination and bullying.  Sometimes from within their own community.  

Yes, it does happen. Feminine gay men and drag queens are sometimes discriminated against in the LGBTQ+ community for a lot of reasons that can be hard to understand.  I think it’s best to avoid drama. I mean, we probably all have dealt with sh&*ty egos, catty people, and now we have a pandemic.  Fortunately most drag queens are very supportive people.  Being open about doing drag can be like another coming out.  When people ask me I always say letting it out and letting go of fear is best feeling. But it is super important to respect that people have to do it when it is right for them. 

A lot of people suffer from mental health struggles these days.  It is nothing to be ashamed of.  But it is hard for all people. Not only queer people.  In school I was bullied a lot for being a figure skater, called all the names, it was really hard. I do wish I could go back and tell my little self it will be ok.  It does get better.

I work on my mental health issues and have a good support network. To me Drag is like a super hero suit or armour. When I am in drag  I am confident, happy, and open.  Im happy to say in the last three or four years I have learned that underneath all the drag, I am the same person at heart.  It is so freeing!  I am capable of a lot more confidence than I believed and it is good for me to surround myself with positivity whenever I can.

Zara is warm, open and generous of her time and feelings. I feel like we have been friends for a long time.  The topic of friendships and being supportive and positive came up often during our chat. So  I asked her about her friends.

Cynthia Stilts is my best friend. In and out of drag. She is an incredibly creative makeup artist.  We have performed together and collaboratively produced drag shows. We are proud of our Sissy Shows.   She is super passionate about using her platform (@cynthiastilts)  for change, acceptance and positivity in our community.   I admire her so much!  Also, I work with an amazing dance group  @thewoodshiphop they are so professional,  hard-working and talented!

When friends want to try drag I am happy to help them out.  It is an interesting experience all around and so fun!  Every time I put someone up in drag they come out of their shell. You can see their confidence blossom when they  Get up in their gigs!  I have drag daughters too!

Yes, drag families are a thing.  Drag mothers support their daughters as they learn to do drag and beyond.  The family connections are long-lasting.  Usually, the daughter will take the name and some common trait to have a family resemblance.  But not always.  We had a good laugh when Zara told me that she has been popping out kids like crazy this year!

My figure is still fantastic after three kids!  I support my daughters.  I am not concerned if they don’t take the Matrix name, it is not about me.  How they want to look and what is right for them is their journey.  I do have three beautiful daughters who have taken my name.  Saturn Matrix, Uranus Matrix and Toyota Matrix.

A drag artist needs somewhere to perform. Covid has changed that a lot!  Pre Covid, in Halifax, there were more places and events at which to perform.  Pride events, private events, Atlantic Drag Star,  Menz and Mollyz Bar and Reflections to name a few.  Things are very different now.

Covid has been hard on the drag scene.  Online shows just aren’t the same.  Everything closed down at first, so that was what we were doing.  But nothing compares to an audience!  When things opened up a bit I reached out to a venue, The Garden Food Bar and Lounge, with an idea I had to do a Covid safe live show.  Lots of things to consider but they were   Great people to work with.  It was a lot of work.  I wouldn’t think of myself as a Type A person.  But Covid has made me realize that I like things structured and organized.  Lists and everything!  We made it happen and it was a great success!

Zara is thankful for how her career is progressing in spite of the challenges of Covid.  Performing,  producing, photoshoots and experimenting with photo editing.  She is also thankful to have a non-drag, full-time job that allows for flexibility to be able to work on her art.  Before we signed off of Zoom I had three remaining questions to ask her.

1. What advice do you have for someone who wants to experiment with drag?

My best drag advice is to watch RuPauls Drag Race and check out tutorials online.  Try different things. Everyone teaches something different. Make a plan. Thrift stores are awesome to get stuff in! Remember Drag is an art. There is no wrong way it is all how you want to do it!

2. Tucking (look it up) is a technique a drag queen must master.  I was a bit shy to ask this one but Zara was not shy with her response

Tucking is definitely something you have to get used to.  Why don’t I just say that you have to be comfortable with being uncomfortable.

3. Wrapping up what else do you want people to know about you?

100% of my drag is art. A surprising thing I have learned is when I am in drag, some people feel like they can treat you like an object. Thing they can touch my face or hair without my consent.  It is wrong.  This is something that women experience all too often.  It really opened my eyes because out of drag that has never happened to me!  Fortunately those kind of people aren’t common.   I love what I do and I do it because it is the best thing!  Looking ahead I hope that positivity and love always comes through in my performances. Also that things settle down with Covid soon! Take care and be safe! 

Eventually,  things will open up to a new normal and Zara Matrix will be ready!

A huge thanks to Zara Matrix for sharing her story and kindly allowing me all access to her photo collection.  I loved sharing them with all of you.  Lucky me!!!!! 

Which is your favourite?

Follow her @zaramatrix – Instagram or Zara Matrix on Facebook