Today we’d like to introduce you to Willie Touchya
Willie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Willie touchya started as a drag king April of 2022. I never knew kings were a thing, I was actually helping a friend become a queen so we were going to tons of shows. At a show I saw Kory Edgewood and Madazon Can-Can on stage and went, OH MY GOD that’s a thing?! I talked to kory after the show, who introduced me to Liam manchesthair, and a month later I hit the stage. Now 2 years into the game, I have bar residencies, and produce my own two shows at brewvies and Hopkins. What once started as art and expression has slowly turned into identity and activism. I’m so happy where I’m at in my drag career; and with that I will always use my platform to speak out against injustices in our community and in the world.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Honestly I haven’t made a post about this yet, but my biggest obstacle/challenge is building a connective community. There are so many people that know me; but don’t really KNOW me. And with that, my dream is to strengthen and solidify the community. There’s so much abuse and injustice that happens within and to the drag community; and my biggest challenge is getting everyone on the same page, so we can not only fight for a better future for ourselves, but for our future queer kiddos hitting the scene for the first time.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a hairstylist by day, and a drag king by night. My work is an artist in every form. Self employed, I’m thankful I have expression to support me.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
My biggest supports have been my close friends, and from there it bled out to my drag king brothers Liam Manchesthair and Madazon can can, and I’m lucky to have a big support from the king community in general. And also a shout out to the queens who have said my name in a room when there are no kings in said room. Thank you to the collectives I’m a part of which is a huge support as well. And thank you to my two home bars I produce at for letting me come to my thang! I’m always down for a colab if the vision matches, dm me on socials and let’s get to rockin!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/willie_touchya?igsh=ZGdiMDY5eTZ5cHNl&utm_source=qr
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@cosmolemon?_t=8pnvxb9PTsl&_r=1
