Today we’d like to introduce you to Angelique Diamond Doll.
Hi Angelique, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Drag for me has always been about the female illusion and serving a fantasy every time I step on a stage anywhere in the US. My mother has been a huge inspiration for my drag, I enjoyed watching her do her makeup and buying loads of fashion to fill three closets. Starting drag was very difficult for me in a household that didn’t really understand what “drag” was. I began by playing with makeup and just cross-dressing in my closet while my family slept at late hours of the night. When I finally had the courage to get on stage, I realized I knew no entertainers or show directors in my hometown of Memphis, TN. The one bar we had at the time only allowed 21+ entertainers and I was just 18 yrs. old. I began taking 3hr roadtrips to Nashville, TN any weekend I could, that’s where PLAY Dance Bar hosted open stage for 18+ entertainers. I would come back with only $20 in tips but in my mind, I always knew those were the stepping stones to a brighter future. I continued taking those trips until my mom caught on, she investigated, and not long after, she knew everything! Thankfully my mom and sister were very supportive and began cheering me on. Fast forward to months later and many rejections, I was discovered by a show director in my hometown. I was invited to perform at a new 21+ bar called “Atomic Rose”. I was very excited to have been offered that opportunity, scared that I would lose it because of my age, I lied and told the directors that I was 21 years old. She booked me without suspicion and I remember being so so happy! The day of the show came and a few people came to support, I was very nervous to perform but I went out and did my thing. As I was backstage changing into my next costume, the host comes in with an upset look on her face. Without hesitation she demands to know my real age, felling embarrassed I tell her I’m only 18. She tells me not to leave the dressing room because the cops are at the door waiting to escort me out. Someone from another bar tipped off the police and let them know that one of the entertainers (me) was underage. Luckily both the owner and the host liked what I had to offer and decided to hide me from getting escorted out. Weeks went by and I kept getting invited to come back for every show until they made me part of their permanent cast, The Atomic Angels. I was very excited to see my progress but I’m a very ambitious person and I wanted to see how far I can go. Unfortunately, all that ambition began to fade once Covid-19 caused the whole world to stop. Bars were closed, I was stuck with a job I didn’t like and the “Livestream Drag Shows” were not cutting it. In the span of 2 months, I lost my job, totaled my car, had my license suspended, and went $10K into debt. I fell into such deep depression to where I began balding. In May 2021 I made the bold decision to drop everything I had in Memphis and move to Dallas. I’m proud to say I removed myself from what I feel is the lowest point in my life so far. Present-day, I’m doing a lot better mentally, my hair has grown back and I’m blessed to be able to do Drag full time. I joined the Diamond Doll Dynasty, we’re a family of talented queens that share the same ambition to grow as entertainers. We’re not just any “Haus” that only shares a last name. We are a FAMILY! We push each other to explore all sides of our drag, we critique one another to help fix our flaws, and most importantly we are inseparable outside of drag as well. I love my chosen family, I felt right at home since the very first day I moved. We currently have our “Ruby Diamond and her Diamond Dolls” shows at Havana Bar and Grill as well as at The Trove in Bishop Arts. Sometimes we even travel for shows as well. My journey has been long so far but I’m so grateful for everyone I’ve met along the way.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been a smooth road at all but I’m thankful for where it’s gotten me today. Diamonds are created under lots of pressure and THIS Diamond is no exception. Some of the struggles along the way include being kicked off shows minutes before showtime, 6hr road trips to perform for free, and being dragged all over social media for speaking up about it. The drag community can be a very toxic environment where anyone, even your closest friend, can see you as negative competition.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a female impersonator or as many call it, a “Drag Queen”. I’m not like most dancing divas; I like to serve a fantasy when I’m on stage. I’m very seductive, I don’t really consider myself a dancer or a “stunt queen”. Burlesque is also something that I’m very passionate about, I’ve been doing it for about as long as I’ve been doing drag. Something I’m currently working on for the step in my career is “Artist Impersonations”. My goal is to be able to impersonate Latin artists like Thalia and Ninel Conde. What sets me apart from other entertainers is that I’m actively looking for ways to grow, new places to perform, and networking with people who are successful in the career I’m looking to pursue.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I’ve learned along my journey is to always remain humble and treat others the way you want to be treated. You never know who you’re talking to and how they can impact your career. I’ve also learned to know my worth as an entertainer. It’s okay to name your price, ask how much a booking is and say no to “spotlight” gigs. We put a lot of hard work and effort into our craft and, sadly, sometimes that gets overlooked.
Contact Info:
- Email: anthonym6588@gmail.com
- Website: https://story.snapchat.com/p/a316cf6b-72c0-4918-9ed0-56cc93276608/1360262260946944
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/angeliquediamondd?utm_medium=copy_link
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/angelique.monroe.2
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/ZKZB_J7WMKo
Image Credits
David Martinez
Eric Magnussen
