Meet: Shaunna Rai

You're probably thinking, "Wait, you're dating Shaunna Rai, how come she's the third Meet: Insert Drag Queen Name Here installment?"

That, my friends, is because Shaunna Rai didn't answer any of the questions until after Bunny Wonderland, and Vanila Honey-Bush.  And, I'm going in order of how I received them.

How did you get your start in drag?
I was 20 years old, my roommate, one night, said, "You would make a pretty queen." So, we had a painting party, and Shaunna Rai was born.  I got into a bar, Metro, in Lewiston, at the time, and stayed 20 minutes, and left.  I felt weird.




How did Shaunna Rai get her name?
My roomie, who painted my face, his name was Kevin, named me.

What is your favorite part of doing drag?
The painting.  I love becoming a work of art.
 I have to say, that's my favorite part of watching Shaunna get into character, too. Between the smells of the makeup, and just watching the work that goes into the look, it's just amazing to watch.

Queens tend to get categorized (ie. Comedy, Club Kid, Pageant Queen, etc.) What category do you consider yourself to be?
I am not sure. I have done pageants, but would say show girl queen, fishy queen (real looking).
After getting multiple answers on more than one of this question, I realize that drag queens don't necessarily just fit into one category.  

Have you ever experienced stage fright while performing? How did you overcome it?
No, as Shaunna Rai, never. I love it. It's like a drug for me. As Shaunna, I am never scared. It's weird.  I guess, I feel she can do anything Dan can't. 

Have you ever won any titles or awards?
Yes, First Runner Up at PJ's for Miss Newcomers 1997, Queen of Southern Maine Pride. I was Miss LA (Lewiston/Auburn) Pride 2004 and Miss Androscoggan, as well. 

Tell me about some of your (good or bad) backstage experiences with other queens.
Stealing queens are shady,  but I am known as one to not fuck with 'cause I will not let anyone leave til I check a bitch.  Also, you learn about the girls backstage. It's small talk. The day we had. Things going on in life. Not at all what you think the talk would be.

Do you do your own hair, makeup, costuming? Or do you have help with some or all of the above?
Hair and makeup, yes, I do my own. Costumes are by BGB. Miss E'on if you're nasty....lol. But, I am teaching myself to sew, with help.

Tell me about a memorable adventure that you've had that you would not have had, if not for drag.

Traveling of any kind. I think food runs to Denny's at night.  The most fun, was the First Friday Art Walk shows that I did with Vanila.  Also, all the fun queens I meet and have met. It's kind of like a family. We are dysfunctional, but we are a family.

When you're out of drag, what do you do? (ie. Work, fun, etc.)

I am a hair stylist/makeup artist. For fun, no drag things. I love cars, the beach, road trips, adventures.

Tell me anything else that you think might be important for me to know, to get inside the head of a drag queen.

I think most do it as an escape. To be something they aren't in everyday life. Drag doesn't make me less of a man, and I don't want to be alone for the rest of my life, because of drag.

That last sentence, is probably the most powerful thing that I've come across, so far in my exploration of drag.  I've never believed that drag would make anyone less of a man.  As far as I'm concerned, it takes more balls, to put on a dress, and put yourself out there as someone of the opposite gender, than it does to be a "real man."  

And, maybe, I'm just open minded, or something, but I can't see anyone not being able to deal with someone because they do drag.  Why would you get over a relationship, over something that makes the other person happy?  So what if it means that he puts on makeup and a dress? A happy relationship comes about, when all parties involved are happy.