Smashlyn Monroe has been well and truly smashing it out of the park this year (hits tiny cymbal and scuttles off) and giving us all the feels along the way.
A self-described ‘cunt of all trades’, proficient in circus and burlesque, recently she has been setting her sights firmly on drag – entering both Pride’s Got Talent and Drag Idol UK, and receiving glowing praise from judges across the board.
This week Jason Reid got to know more about super Smashlyn…
Who is Smashlyn Monroe?
Smashlyn is a 36-year-old queer, fierce, flabulous creature. A cunt of all trades!
What drives you as an artist?
Being able to create a piece of art that will evoke an emotion and a reaction. Showing that there are no limits to what you can do. And to keep surprising myself with where this journey takes me.
Describe your performance style in three words.
Evocative. Emotive. Genderfuck
Tell us something about yourself that not many people know.
My mum passed away when I was 14 so I grew up in foster care. It was a time in my life when so much was taken away, but since then it’s given me the strength to keep fighting for what I want.
You recently took part in Pride’s Got Talent and finished as runner up in the grand final. What was that experience like?
So overwhelming! The whole process was phenomenal and as I progressed through the heat stages I realised how hard I work for what I love. It felt amazing to get to that point as a fat, pierced, tattooed, shaven-headed queerdo. The level of skill and talent was a breath of fresh air to the community. I didn’t expect it but I’m so proud, and just you wait to see what I do next.
Who are your fave new artists right now?
I love some amazing vocals, so Miss Ava Cardo, who I met during Drag Idol, is one I will be watching. Oedipussi gives me major beard envy and is kinging like no-one else. This is what our community needs to see: that there are no rules in Drag.
What are you tired of hearing about?
That as a biological woman, I shouldn’t be performing as a drag queen. Seriously, get over yourselves. My gender or my sexuality or even my favourite Britney Spears song will not stop me performing as a king, queen, prince, princess or any kind of drag artist I want to be.
Who are your drag idols?
Spikey Von Dykey, Lily Snatchdragon, Benjamin Butch, Rubyyy Jones – so many people that I get to work with and call friends and family. Don’t get me wrong, I have a lot of love for performers such as Divine and Sasha Velour, those that pave the way, but so much more love and respect for people that do this alongside a muggle job to pay the bills. It’s the passion that I admire and respect.
What makes you happy?
Feeling alive and so lucky to be here at this point in my life. Oh and cheesy wotsits!
For you, what is Drag in 2018?
A revolution of performers not being bound by rules but embracing all elements of drag.
What’s been your proudest achievement as an artist to date?
The moment I finished my act at the Pride’s Got Talent final and saw people clapping and whooping, not just for the act but for me. I laid myself emotionally bare to the audience and judges. And I was pretty naked too!
What’s the drag dream?
A massive wig! But on a serous note, right now it’s to have more opportunities to perform and create. The big drag dream is still in progress, I will keep you updated…
What’s your life motto/ethos?
“We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars” – Oscar Wilde.
I will never forget where I have come from but my mum always told me to keep looking up at those stars
Finally, you’re hosting a dream dinner party and can invite five people that have heavily influenced you over the years, who are they?
Marilyn Monroe, Divine, David Bowie, Freddie Mercury and my mum. Those people have greatly influenced my life and me as a person. I know they’re all dead but I can see my living idols anytime.
