Over the years, Drag has become an integral part of pop culture known for the dramatics: hair, makeup, outfits, ballroom and if you’re a fan of Rupaul’s Drag Race, sass. However, drag and ballroom have been around for decades and serve as a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community.
For Southern California drag queen Ms. Luna Simply Luna, drag is a place to express herself and show her artistry through various concepts. She’s always had a flair for the dramatics, aspiring to be an entertainer since she was a kid.
“I initially was inspired to begin my career because I wanted to be a Selena Quintanilla impersonator so I can pay tribute to my favorite Latin singer,” Ms. Simply Luna said. “I always loved playing pretend and reenacting shows and telenovelas when I was a kid.”
Coming up with new hair, makeup and looks is part of creating visuals for her shows, the artistic aspect of drag she likes the most. She enjoys telling stories during her shows, portraying characters from movies and television, singers and artists.
Photo via @msluna80 on Instagram
Ms. Simply Luna started her drag journey in 2003, dressing up to go out to clubs, parties and for Halloween. Then in Spring of 2010, she left her nine to five day job and entered a drag competition in West Hollywood.
That night was the official start to her professional drag career and the beginning of a community with other drag queens. She placed second in the competition landing her a paid gig and connected with other queens at the competition leading her to perform at their shows at other clubs.
“I now have produced my own weekly shows and currently have been producing my own production drag show in Southern California based on musical and movie theme shows,” Ms. Simply Luna said.
She’s done shows at Hamburger Mary’s based on Grease, The Wizard of Oz, Disney Princesses and, of course, a tribute to her favorite artist Selena.
With popularity also come critics, however. Being Nicaraguan, Ms. Simply Luna has seen people assume that as a Latino drag queen, she is a one trick pony offering no variety in her artistry.
However, she doesn’t let these stereotypes constrain her. For five years, she co-hosted a Latino night and was known as ‘The Latin Divas of Long Beach’ performing numerous, and various, themes and tribute shows.
“Representation matters,” Ms. Simply Luna said. “I’m proud to not only perform Spanish numbers and imitate Latino artists, but to do it in Anglo owned establishments where Latino customers go to enjoy drag of all kinds.”
Ms. Luna Simply Luna will continue to show her pride during her performance at Be Proud! Fest on September 28. BeProud! Fest is three days of celebration from September 27 – 29 with various queer performers, drag queens, pop-ups, art, music and more, for free!
For more details, and to purchase tickets, visit LBProud.com and @lb.proud on Instagram for updates.
