In the glittering world of drag, where every sequin tells a story and every beat of a fan's applause resonates with validation, few queens have captured the imagination quite like Gigi Goode. From the hallowed halls of "RuPaul's Drag Race" Season 12, this enigmatic artist emerged not just as a finalist but as a beacon of creativity, advocacy, and unapologetic self-expression. As we sit down with Gigi, she graciously invites us into her world, a place where the boundaries of gender blur and the spotlight reveals the true essence of a queen.
Reflecting on Growth and Ongoing Evolution
Gigi speaks of her journey with the wisdom of an old soul, acknowledging that the path of self-discovery is one that stretches far beyond the confines of a TV screen. "I think there’s always room to grow and evolve up until the day you die," she muses, her tone tinged with a quiet determination. "I pride myself on my views of the world and humanity, and my ability to stay out of drama." It's this steadfast commitment to authenticity that has endeared her to fans worldwide, as she continues to advocate tirelessly for transgender rights, one heartfelt conversation at a time.
Discovering Inspiration in Unexpected Places
For Gigi, creativity is not a finite resource but an ever-flowing river that meanders through the landscape of her imagination. "You have to be able to walk away from a project and let your eyes readjust to the real world," she advises, her words a gentle reminder that inspiration often strikes when we least expect it. It's this willingness to embrace the unknown that fuels her artistic journey, propelling her towards new heights of innovation and self-expression.
“You have to be able to walk away from a project and let your eyes readjust to the real world. I promise inspiration will strike when you least expect it.”
Emotional Connection and Artistic Impact
In the hallowed halls of Drag Con, where queens reign supreme and fans flock like pilgrims to a sacred shrine, Gigi had a moment that transcended mere celebrity. "I had my mom and my two brothers working at my booth," she recalls. "I’m not sure what the interaction was, but I saw my brothers crying with a fan of mine." In that fleeting moment, the boundaries between artist and audience melted away, leaving only the raw power of human connection in its wake.
Balancing Advocacy with Personal Journey
As a trailblazer for gender exploration and affirmation, Gigi understands the weight of responsibility that comes with visibility. "I always urge people who may not know where they are in their gender journey to not look to other people for affirmation," she explains, steady and unwavering. "You have to find a way to be comfortable with your own reflection." It's this message of self-empowerment that guides her advocacy, reminding others that true liberation begins from within.
“You have to find a way to be comfortable with your own reflection. To that point, I think the best way to be an advocate for these types of things is to keep living my life in the spotlight, but not make my transition all that I am. Of course it’s a major part of me, but our goal is to be integrated into society and not to feel like outcasts.”
Inner Journey of Self-Discovery Through Drag
In the kaleidoscopic world of drag, where every wig is a crown and every strut is a declaration of sovereignty, Gigi finds solace in the act of creation itself. "My drag is rarely meant to invoke a serious emotion or make a strong statement," she reveals, her words a testament to the transformative power of self-expression. "For me, drag is a gift to my inner child who just wanted to be an adorable popstar on stage." It's this playful spirit that infuses her art with an ineffable charm, inviting audiences to join her on a journey of joy and self-discovery.
Shaping Conversations About Gender and Identity
As she casts her gaze towards the horizon, Gigi envisions a future where drag transcends the boundaries of gender and identity, becoming a mirror that reflects the world around us. "Before 'Drag Race,' no drag queens ever modeled their face and costume after another drag queen," she reflects, her tone tinged with quiet optimism. "That’s what I hope we can get back to." In this brave new world of possibility, drag becomes not just a performance but a profound statement of solidarity, a rallying cry for authenticity in an age of artifice.
Embracing Freedom and Fluidity in Expression
For Gigi, the journey towards self-discovery is a deeply personal one, a voyage of exploration that defies categorization and embraces fluidity. "Actually, gender fluidity was just a place holder for me," she confides with quiet confidence. "It was something I could say to myself and the world that would later ease me into identifying as the woman I am." In this act of self-affirmation, she discovers a sense of freedom that transcends the confines of gender, embracing the boundless possibilities of her own imagination.
“Actually, gender fluidity was just a place holder for me. It was something I could say to myself and the world that would later ease me into identifying as the woman I am. Leaning into the gender that I’ve always known myself to be has provided that sense of freedom.”
Maintaining Authenticity in a Demanding Industry
In an industry where glamour reigns supreme and the spotlight can be unforgiving, Gigi remains steadfast in her commitment to authenticity. "I’m all about self-care," she declares, her words a gentle reminder that true beauty begins from within. "Not so much facemasks and mani-pedis, but more so checking in with myself and reminding myself that it’s all just a game that we’re playing." In this world of smoke and mirrors, she remains a beacon of authenticity, a guiding light for those who dare to dream.
Hinting at Exciting Ventures in Sewing
As our conversation draws to a close, Gigi offers a tantalizing glimpse into the future, a world where creativity knows no bounds and possibilities stretch out like stars in the night sky. "Let’s just say I’ve been doing a lot of sewing lately," she teases. In this moment, the future feels limitless, a blank canvas waiting to be painted with the vibrant hues of possibility. And with Gigi Goode leading the way, the journey promises to be nothing short of extraordinary.
Gigi headlines IAMICONIQA 25th of February 2024
Join us for a night of queer excellence on February 25th at Razzmatazz, where a spectacular night of celebration and expression awaits you. The theme of the evening is LEWKS - a canvas for your creativity and flair, where your most extravagant outfits are heartily encouraged, though not mandatory. Prepare to be enthralled by the stunning performances of Gigi Goode from RuPaul’s Drag Race, Marina from RuPaul’s Drag Race Spain, and an array of spotlight acts including Missla Blank, Lupe, Victoria Banks, Beltran, Yazmina Gasolina, and more. Revel in the presence of gogo’s, dancers, and fashion faggortinas galore, ensuring an evening brimming with glamour and spectacle.
The festivities kick off with doors opening and dancing from 6pm, followed by an exclusive Meet & Greet with Gigi Goode at 7pm. The excitement builds with a Lewk | Runway Contest at 8pm, a dazzling Fashion Show at 9pm, and mesmerizing performances at 10pm and 11pm, with dancing from 11:30pm into the early hours. The beats will be supplied by Banana Laser and Darling Peter, ensuring the dance floor remains electrified throughout the night. Emceed by the charismatic Barry Brandon (The Queer Indigo) and MARINA, this event promises to be an unforgettable celebration of diversity, creativity, and unity.
Don't miss your chance to be part of this unique experience. Meet & Greet tickets are limited and available now, along with Early Bird Tickets, promising an evening filled with awe-inspiring performances, fashion, and dance. Join us for a night that celebrates the essence of the queer community in all its glory.
