Interview - Miss Ellie Ganza

Miss Ellie Ganza, welcome to Spill the Tea my dear! To start, how did you get into drag?
Hey! and thank you for having me! Like most drag performers, I started very young dressing in my sisters’ bathing suits haha, but I got into drag properly because of two separate passions for performing and makeup. Drag was never something I was familiar with until my mid-teens when of course I found drag race! When I saw that drag would allow me to combine my passion for makeup and performing, I knew it was for me straight away.

How did you choose your Drag name?
Unlike most drag performers, I don’t have any fun story behind my name relating to anything hah! When I first went out in drag I didn’t have a name so I spent ages sitting there thinking of possible names but I didn’t like them! Then when I was watching drag race, Ru used the word “Eleganza” and I was like yup, I like that. So after a quick Instagram search to make sure it wasn’t taken, Ellie Ganza was born!

How would you describe your Drag style?
I’d describe my drag style as your favourite pop star but on some sexy steroids with a touch of class. She’ll give you the campness and energy of a popstar but with that slightly sexy edge. Throw a little bit of “being a tit” in there and you have... ME!

What emoji describes your Drag?
😜 - the sticky out tongue emoji with a wink. I’d say that emoji embodies me; you have the wink for goofiness and the tongue for the sexiness.

What does being a Drag Queen mean to you?
Drag means the WORLD to me. I found drag during a really dark place in my teenage years and as cliché and stereotypical as it sounds, it really did help me get out of that place. Drag is the one thing I can turn to when I’m having a tough time, to cheer me up. It’s amazing what chucking on a dress and throwing yourself around a stage can do for you, mentally!

“One of the worst parts of lockdown has been that human interaction and actually being able to perform to a crowd”

What is your go to lip sync song?
Anything energetic and upbeat is sure to get me going! Before lockdown, Meghan Trainor – Me Too was a go to for me. It's upbeat and I could work in a comedy element to it which an audience love! There are a few songs that have caught my eye during lockdown and I’m excited to eventually perform them... in 2031!

When on stage what do you love most about it?
Again, as cliché and stereotypical it sounds, it’s the audience reaction and response for me. There is no better feeling than stepping onto a stage and having all eyes on you and people cheering for you. It gives you such a thrill that I just can’t compare to anything else! Also, what drag performer doesn’t love attention!

What is the worst thing about being a Drag Queen?
For me, the worst part of drag is getting out of drag! When I've done a show, I’ve probably been in drag for 7/8 hours at least, and the last thing I want to do is get home and spend another 45 minutes taking it all off! Somebody please create a de-dragging machine so I can just go straight to bed after a gig!!

Covid has changed the drag scene massively, you created and hosted an online drag show. What made you start United Kweens?
Covid has 100% changed the drag scene!! Like most drag performers and drag fans, one of the worst parts of lockdown has been that human interaction and actually being able to perform to a crowd. So, I wanted to do as much as I could to create a platform to allow people to have a slight bit of normality; whether that be performing, or watching a drag show! It was also an amazing way to give a platform to up and coming drag performers who may not have been given the opportunity in the “normal” world.

Jon Andrews Photography

Will you be doing more shows this lockdown?
During the 700 months of lockdown the U.K has had, United Kweens put on 5 digital drag shows, each with AT LEAST 35 drag performers in each. As much as I loved putting on the shows and how proud I am of their successes, I am ready for a break from digital drag shows... for now anyway! With the help of our amazing editor, Joe Saxton, we provided hours of entertainment for those around the U.K and further, but people don’t realise how much work goes in behind the scenes!! For now, it’s going to be a no, but never say never!

RuPaul’s Drag Race has helped catapult Drag into the mainstream, but Drag goes beyond Drag Race, what one other Queen deserves a shout out from you?
Drag Race has provided an amazing platform for so many people, but drag 100% goes beyond drag race. Make sure you support your local drag, especially in times like this!! There are INSANE amounts of drag performers that I would love to shout out but I’d specifically like to shoutout, Chiyo ( @PRINXCHIYO ) for being an amazing king and being such a positive light! Kardi Blac ( @KARDIBLACMUA ) for being incredibly talented with a makeup brush and being a fab friend! And finally Miss Peaches ( @OFFICIALMISSPEACHES ) for being one of THE BEST performers I have ever seen!! There are so many more I could name! The UK has some of the best drag performers EVER!

What does the future hold for you?
I’m keeping my fingers crossed that my future holds a lot! Lots of campery and shenanigans, because god knows after 2020, it is much needed! I would love to continue to elevate my drag to new levels, and show my drag to bigger audiences! Right now, I would just love to be back on stage. I’m definitely manifesting positive vibes for 2021.

Any last shout outs?
Just a general shoutout to the drag community! We pulled together in 2020 and helped to defeat the cheeto and we made sure people were being inclusive, and those that weren’t, were called out and educated. As tough as 2020 was, and how 2021 is going so far, just remember to keep positive! No matter what happens, you are loved, you are special and you are beautiful. Remember Black Lives Matter and Trans Lives Matter. Stay safe, wear a mask and have an amazing 2021!!!

Spill the Tea, Spill the Tea Interviews, Drag Queen InterviewsMichael SweeneyComment