Tatianna | Photos: Robert Mercer
Tell us about your upcoming London shows…
I’m performing at the Drag Ball, which is a kick off party for DragWorld UK! I’ll be alongside JujuBee, PhiPhi, Alaska, and Violet Chachki. It should be a great start to an amazing weekend.
Have you ever traveled with any other famous queens? Tell us some stories…
My first first time leaving the country was with Yara Sofia! We were touring Brazil and it was amazing! Me and Yara would go out bar-hopping on the nights we weren’t performing. She knew a little Portuguese which helped. We made friends with some locals that I still talk to to this day!
How many countries have you been to?
Oh god, let me count. I think it’s 12 or 13. I might be off by a few.
How many continents, and which?
North America, South American, Europe and Australia.
What’s your favourite destination you’ve visited and why?
I think my favorite destination is Brazil. Beautiful culture, food, scenery, and people! There is so much to do and see in all the cities that I’ve visited but I think my favorite is São Paulo. The food, shopping, and night life was amazing! Can’t wait to go back.
What has been your biggest vacation disaster?
Haven’t really had a vacation disaster but there was one time I had a show in Denver, Colorado and my luggage never showed up. I had to borrow costumes and hair from other girls in the show. It was stressful but I made it through!
Where was your most romantic trip and why?
Haven’t had one of those! Hopefully soon though!
Which country has the hottest people?
I would have to say anywhere in the UK! A good mix of cultures and that accent gets me every time!
Where did you typically go on holiday as a kid?
As a kid my family didn’t ever do destination holidays. We all lived in the same area so we just got together at my grandmother’s or my aunts house. We kept it local.
Have you ever experienced homophobia or discrimination abroad?
To be honest I haven’t! At least if someone was being homophonic it wasn’t in English, so I wouldn’t have understood it. I’m very lucky in that regard.
Would you avoid a certain country because of the laws there?
Yeah I don’t think I’ll be going to Russia anytime soon. Their treatment of LGBTQ people is disgusting and horrific.
Do you ever hope to get married, and if so, would you consider a destination wedding?
I would love to get married someday! I would probably prefer to have a wedding at home in Washington, D.C. There are so many beautiful places to have it and all of my family lives there.
Where would you go on your honeymoon?
I would love to honeymoon in Mykonos! The water there looks so beautiful!
Where were you going the last time you stepped on a plane, apart from home?
The last time I stepped on a plane I was going to Honolulu, Hawaii. It was great because I had a show on a Saturday night, but got to stay until Wednesday. I really got to take in the island and make some new friends.
What is your top tip for making it through a long haul flight?
Don’t sleep the night before and take a gentle sleeping pill like Tylenol Pm. Does the trick on the 15-hour flights to Australia.
Where do you hope to visit this year and why?
I would love to go to Italy. I’m half-Italian so it would be a great experience to visit there. Plus I love food!
What is the best thing about traveling with your partner?
I don’t have one so I wouldn’t know. I would assume the companionship and being able to share the experience with someone else!
Who did you want to win the last series of Drag Race and were you glad Aquaria won?
I was rooting for Asia, and thought she brought amazing looks, performed well, and really pushed to become family with the other girls and was always there for them. I loved that. I’m very happy for Aquaria though! She really deserved the win. She was immaculate the whole season and really grew as a person.
Do you think trans women should be allowed to compete on Drag Race?
Absolutely! Drag is about expression, not gender. I understand the argument that maybe a trans woman may have an easier time getting ready compared to a cis man dressing as a woman, but the show really isn’t even about that. The show is about showing who you are through the challenges. You can look amazing but completely flop in an acting, singing, or comedy challenge. That’s really what the show is about. I’m all for trans women competing on the show.
Catch Tatianna at the Drag Ball and DragWorld UK.
Violet Chachki’s life in travel: ‘I was the first Ru girl in India and Beirut’
