Drug counselor by day, and drag queen by night – Aleksa Manila is Seattle’s sweetheart of fundraising and everything fabulous! While her crown collection includes Miss Gay Filipino, Miss Gay Seattle and Empress of Seattle, many recognize her social activism and community leadership. Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan, the Greater Seattle Business Association, Seattle Women’s Pride, and Public Health – Seattle & King County are some few entities to honor Manila.
What can people expect from one of your drag shows?
My “drag” has evolved and continues to shift and grow. Most of my appearances in drag are less about lipsyncing – and they’re now more about hosting/emceeing, speaking/advocating, educating/entertaining. Since my drag was born out of an HIV research study, my platform has continued to include relevant issues around health, politics, etc. I speak on transgender issues, gentrification, cultural competency, LGBTQ herstory, intersectionalities of identities, community organizing, immigration, racism, and so on. I host many fundraisers and benefits that directly impact the LGBTQ communities. But, when I do perform – I generally will choose a song that is popular but sung by a Filipino singer; or perform to music that has a deeper meaning personally and an intentional message for the audience. Lately, I’ve been expanding more into live singing as well.
How did you get started with drag?
Like most folx, I dabbled with dressing up on Halloween. But, the formal concept of being a drag queen was born out of an HIV research study called, YAMS (Young Asian Men’s Study) in the early 2000s in Seattle. The study had a deliverable component to it where social events were produced to create safe space for LGBTQ APIs (Asian and Pacific Islanders); and so with the help of my peers, we performed a choreographed number to Madonna’s Vogue. That opened the door to the public eye. I was then recruited to join my first drag pageant with the Filipino Community of Seattle. So, in 2001, I was crowned Miss Gay Filipino – winning all the categories, except Miss Congeniality. That title pushed me further into various communities. Eventually, while being Miss Gay Seattle and Empress of Seattle, it allowed me to express myself in drag performance.
What were some of the challenges you experienced when launching your drag career, if any? How did you handle these challenges?
Because I started later as a young adult, finding spaces, which were generally 21+ venues for performance, was not too challenging. I’d consider myself very lucky as far as launching a “drag career.” More importantly, I didn’t plan it as a career per se. I was just a young boy who liked to dress up. And the itch to perform just had to be scratched, and I was surrounded by artists who I got to share space with.
Currently, challenges generally include being stereotyped as a drag queen, and not being seen as a unique individual. Sometimes, the situation doesn’t really allow for conversation. So, at times, many folx don’t realize what I actually do for a living, or that I’m a Husky or that I have a Master’s degree, etc. And of course, it gets worse, when racism takes place.
What do you enjoy most about being a drag performer?
The fluidity of gender expression is one of the most fascinating things about drag and drag performance. There is so much magic and power involved, and that you are in control of your body.
What’s the most memorable experience you’ve had as a performer?
There are so many! One would be singing live with Pink Martini as Miss Gay Seattle in front of thousands of people; being a spokesperson/poster child for Public Health; being on the cover of Seattle Child magazine, being recognized by the community with physical awards that look like giant rhinestone jewelry! The most heartwarming and memorable ones are the instances where young people come up to me to say that seeing me perform inspired them to reach their goals. And of course, the most adorable experiences are reading to kids for Drag Queen Storytime with Aleksa Manila!
What does your creative process look like when developing performances?
My creative process can vary drastically – especially when it’s a huge venue or if I have to sing live. Of course, there’s the memorization of the song/music. And then there are the accouterments involved with the presentation and performance. At times, it might involve multiple dancers in addition to the choreography; and working with a costume designer. It can take as simple as just me or an entire village to put this lil ol’ lady together.
What are some things you would like to see in the drag community in Seattle going forward?
We’re seeing a lot of growth and diversity in Seattle’s drag and trans scene already – be it the likes of Ade, Arson Nicki, Cookie Couture, Thadayus Wilson, Atasha Manila, Gaysha Starr to Arnaldo! Drag Chanteuse, Dina Martina, Ben dela Crème and Jinkx Monsoon; and so on. I would just like to see old and new continue to foster beauty inside and out and create a community that is loving and nurturing. Research herstory, respect the pioneers and return kindness. It’s the circle of drag life.
What do you hope people walk away with after seeing you perform?
Mutual gratitude, inspiration and commune.
If you were a taco, what would be your toppings?
I’d rather be a lumpia. No toppings needed, just plain and simple but full of flavor, fried to a golden brown… waiting for that special bite.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
Follow my journey at www.ALEKSAMANILA.com
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