In 2019, Denver native Yvie Oddly let her freak flag fly all the way to the bank to cash the ceremonial $100,000 check for winning the 11th season of RuPaul's Drag Race. A consistent fan favorite on the show, Oddly is part of a movement that's making "alt-drag" the new normal of mainstream drag culture. Drag artists chasing something other than female impersonation, indulging in SFX makeup and monster-like aesthetics, aren't just one-off performers in a lineup anymore, but they comprise entire local scenes and worldwide stages. Oddly's win is more than just a win for self-identified freaks, then, and more of a clear cultural shift; subversion has taken center stage. — Brendan Wetmore
Related | 50 PAPER People Pushing Culture Forward
Clothing & Accessories: Moschino
What's the biggest misconception about you?
People often refer to me as a "Dragula Queen." I love Halloween and horror themes, but don't really brand myself uniquely around them. I love variety and shock/horror is just another flavor of Yvie.
What's something no one knows about you but you wish people did?
I put a dead squirrel in a girl's locker.
What was the last song you listened to?
"Photograph" by Nickelback.
What's something you wish no one knew about you but everyone does?
I have a "persuasive odor."
What's an interview question you never want to be asked again?
How does it feel? How are you and Silky? Why are you not allowed within 50 feet of that school?
If you weren't doing this, what would you be doing for a career?
I would make a career out of producing queer art through a different channel.
What's your most disgusting habit?
I drink sriracha or any other condiments at the dinner table as an appetizer.
What's the craziest thing you've done in 2019?
Survived all of it! I've gone to many places and met many faces and lost my wig and tuck everywhere.
Do you Google yourself?
I used to.
Where do you want to be when the world ends?
I thought about this a lot. I want to be jumping off a plane while having sex covered in orange glitter.
Photographer: Pavel Denisenko
Glam: Yvie Oddly
From Your Site Articles