Gen Z cis man goes drag

DRAG serves many purposes. It could be a form of art, a protest, or a political statement.

Regardless of its function, drag stems from a singular objective — to provide an avenue for various people to express themselves through fashion, cosmetics, aesthetics, and prosthetics.

According to the National Center for Trasgender Equality, drag equates to a type of entertainment where people dress up and perform, often in highly stylized ways. Drag’s history can be traced back to the 19th century when the term was first used to describe men wearing women’s clothing.

Drag has been popularized by the LGBTQIA+ community as a form of self-expression, where they often dress to show the world their loud, vibrant colors.

In the roaring 20s, drag was used for ​​female impersonation, combining burlesque, comedy, music, and dancing.

While the majority of drag queens belong to the gay and transgender community, this genre of art and entertainment has also reached the heterosexual scene, with cis or straight individuals influenced to go bold and drag.

One of these cis drag queens is Jamel Ordaveza, who goes by the drag name Crystaleigh Gem Nicole.

Meet Crystaleigh Gem Nicole!

This 19-year-old Gen Z started his journey as a cis-gendered drag queen about seven to eight months ago, after he watched the American television series RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 11.

“I started [doing] drag when I watched RuPaul’s Drag Race season 11. So idol ko na si Yvie Oddly kasi gusto ko ‘yung mga scary stuff,” Crystaleigh told republicasia.

He also shared that he started by practicing how to apply prosthetics because of his interest in horror and gore movies.

While it initially began as a pandemic hobby, he soon joined online competitions to develop his skills.

“Noong una, hobby ko lang siya.Natutunan ko siya nung pandemic tapos, tinry ko lang siya sa bahay, mag-prosthetics,” he recalled. “Hanggang sumali na ako ng mga contest online then nag-improve nang nag-improve ‘yung pagme-makeup ko.”

Drag as expression and escape

According to Crystaleigh, drag was initially done by the LGBTQIA+ community, but because of diversity, many heterogeneous people like him have also established their drag career.

Originally, mga gays talaga ‘yung nagda-drag pero ngayon, nagiging diverse na tayo. So ang drag is a form of art wherein you can create another persona of yourself”

Crystaleigh Gem Nicole

While most drag queens use drag to express themselves, Crystaleigh said being a drag queen helps him escape the world’s cruelty.

“Para sa akin, yung drag kasi ito ‘yung escape ko — escape ko sa mundo, escape ko sa nakakapagod na reality sa mundo,” he added.

His drag branding

At a very young age, Crystaleigh said he was very inclined to watch movies that depict supernatural beings and violence like Jaws (1975) and The Black Cat (1934). Because of this, his drag is mainly influenced by a woman-from-hell theme.

“‘Yung costume ko, inspired siya sa priest. Dark priest. ‘Yung drag ko kasi more on hell, priestess. Parang a woman from hell, na bumangon, lumabas sa lupa,” he said.

This male drag queen also shared that his ability to hear and see spirits inspired most of his fashion style and performances. He even mimics their voices to spice up his performances.

Crystaleigh said his drag performances improved because of his mentor and “drag mother,” Precious Paula Nicole, the winner of DragRace Philippines’ Season 1.

According to him, his drag mother taught him not only the basics of drag performances, but also how to get along with his peers and colleagues. He said people’s ability to socialize or get along with others is the secret to receiving love and affection.

“Yung attitude and ‘yung pakikisama sa ibang tao, iyon ‘yung dapat na isinasaalang-alang ng isang drag queen. Kasi dapat marunong tayong makisama sa ibang tao kasi paano nila tayo mamahalin, ‘di ba?” he said.

Drag and his romantic relationship

Lucky for Crystaleigh, he not only has the chance to freely express his art, but he also has someone who supports his drag queen career.

Although his girlfriend once asked him if he was really straight, Crystaleigh said she did not think anything bad about his decision to be a drag queen.

‘Yung girlfriend ko po kasi sobrang supportive. So kahit anong gawin ko, kahit maging monster ako na itsura orr kahit maging drag queen ako or maging gaano ka-feminine, nandiyan lang siya to support me.”

Crystaleigh Gem Nicole

His message to those who want to explore drag

It takes guts to put on heavy and pronounced make-up looks and costumes. But according to Crystaleigh, individuals who want to also become drag queens shouldn’t be scared of exploring their style and branding.

One piece of advice that he can give is for drag queen wanna-bes is to unleash their creativity. 

“Maging creative kayo. Magtahi kayo ng costume niyo or mag-craft kayo or what, kung ano mang style ang gusto niyo. Tumingin tingin ka lang sa paligid,” he said.

It is also vital to invest in drag staples like cosmetics and other costume needs, he added. 

It is likewise crucial to remember that practice makes perfect. Crystaleigh said that the secret to being a fabulous-looking drag queen are the countless practice sessions done to perfect the look. 

Lastly, he recommends continuing to do the things that you love and which provide you with joy. 

Ang advise ko sa inyo, sundin niyo lang kung ano ang nagpapasaya sa inyo, Katulad nga ng sabi ng nanay ko, puso, puso, puso”

Crystaleigh Gem Nicole

Watch the full episode of this Gen Z drag queen on rebublicasia studio.