PHOTOS: Drag in rural Virginia

You can’t talk about legendary drag queens without mentioning Gottmik and Violet Chachki.

Audiences first encountered these iconic performers on “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” Violet caused ripples throughout the fandom with her hard-fought victory in the show’s seventh episode, and her innovative style instantly cemented her as a truly historic “Queen of Fashion.” Gottmik had been making waves in Los Angeles as a makeup artist for years before being cast, but she was a fan-favorite finalist in Season 13, and later returned to raise money for Trans Lifeline during All Stars 9. Both queens made headlines during their time on the show, but most of their loyal fans know them for the amazing projects they’ve worked on, often in collaboration with each other, since then. One of today’s most famous “drag duos,” these performers remain constant collaborators among each other’s many individual ventures, whether it’s their upbeat podcasts or high-energy songs. Their careers are full of legendary feats, but none as ambitious as their latest international endeavor, the ‘Knockout Tour’.

Gottmik made time to speak with the Los Angeles Blade during a precious break before heading to the next stop on his tour. He delves into his life on the road with his best friends, the life-threatening stunts he pulls off at each show, and what it means to bring such unique artistry to one of the nation’s most conservative counties. Gottmik spoke about his ongoing mission to use this platform to inspire others to live as their most authentic selves. Of course, it looks completely immaculate.

“The second I was on ‘Drag Race.’,“We started touring together…and it just clicked!” Gottmik said, talking about how easily he and Violet became best friends after “Drag Race.” Fans have come to admire their dynamic over the years, and the duo’s podcast No Gorge highlights how their respective acerbic fashion sense and deep understanding of the most niche gay slang make them the perfect friendship match. That’s why there was no question they would do this tour together, even though many people had warned them not to take on such a big professional opportunity with their friends. “[‘The Knockout Tour’] Because no matter how we get there, we all have the same end goal. It’s about moving the needle forward in the drug space, breaking barriers and bringing them down together. ”

“This is a very high level of drag,” Gottmik gushed when explaining what fans can expect at the “Knockouts” show. “We have multiple antennas [stunts]climbing on top of these crazy props, and it’s really wild! It’s theatrical burlesque, rock and roll style drag you have. [never seen]” In many ways, this aesthetic is the perfect fusion of the pair. Violet is a top-notch burlesque performer specializing in aerials, and Gottmik has always epitomized grungy perfection with his trademark drag style. These queens are bombastic and dramatic in the best sense of the word, unashamedly showcasing the unique talents that make them some of the most unique performers working today. This combination inspires not only awe, but also effortless confidence, which Gottmik knows many fans need right now.

Hate speech has steadily increased across the country in recent years, with certain areas becoming hotbeds for the conservative discrimination Gottmik has always faced as a transgender man (performers use he/him pronouns when not in drag and she/her pronouns when in drag). Nevertheless, Gottmik emphasized that it was never a problem for the tour to be canceled in these regions, and in fact they claimed it was. “We’re two queer entertainers with a platform, and it’s important that we visit.” [those places] And share our stories and inspire people in the city who don’t get to see shows like this to be themselves. ”

Gottmik is especially passionate about using his platform for good because he knows how much of his large fan base are young transgender kids, just like he once was. “Growing up and understanding yourself, watching TV, [seeing] Their government calls them lunatics… It’s important for me to use my platform to show them that [representation] It’s something you couldn’t see in the media. ”Sure, audiences will come to the show and see a confident punk rock ‘n’ roll goddess on stage, but it wasn’t easy being like that, he clarified. It took years of self-discovery for Gottmik to realize he was transgender, but it was through the love and support of his found queer family that he became the creative force that audiences know him as today. each The “Knockout Tour” show takes audiences on this intimate journey, showcasing the incredible authenticity that Gottmik has developed over the years, while reminding participants that all of this is possible in their own lives.

Throughout the interview, Gottmik painted a fascinating picture of the “knockout tour.” — the show itself, and the queer community that made it all possible. He spoke at length about the shocking stunts fans will see on stage, the amazing music he and Violet perform at each show, and the years of hard work that have made these two performers beloved by so many fans. But at its core, it is expression.

Not only are Violet and Gottmik’s many talents represented, but of course the immense expertise of these queens is the foundation of this entire tour. But an important image of two queer figures who refuse to dull themselves just because others say they should. The story of a transgender artist who stands proud in the face of discrimination and uses her art to inspire others to do the same. “was [showing] “We told the whole world that we’re not going anywhere, and they can’t change us. We’re creating an amazing queer safe space that’s really special to so many people…and that’s really cool,” Gottmik explained as the interview came to a close. [we get] To create that space for everyone. [show]”This is a space that is hard to come by these days. And with this tour, Gottmik and Violet Chachki are determined to reach thousands of queer artists like them around the world.

Click here for more information about The Knockout Tour.