DSCENE cover star TAYCE sits down for our exclusive interview with Contributing Writer Marko Ceperkovic to talk about her RuPaul’s Drag Race, Pride Month, and her upcoming show on MTV!
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Can you tell us more about the development of your drag personality? It seems as if you in drag come as your true self, without it being an alternative personality. – My drag personality evolves monthly, weekly, daily, and hourly…. With me, you never know what Tayce you are going to get. On a serious note, I see my drag as an art form and one that changes with the weather, the season, or how I am feeling on that day.
In an interview, you noted that your parents played a key role in allowing you to express your creative freedom. What is your message to other queer kids who do not get the same treatment and support? – I was so lucky my parents were so free-spirited and open-minded. I dread to think what might have happened had they not been. My message to any children that don’t have the fortune that I had, which was to have open-minded and nonjudgmental parents, is—be yourself. As RuPaul says, if you can’t love yourself, how the hell are you gonna love somebody else. I know it’s tough, and I know it’s not easy, but the true you needs to shine through in whatever you do. And although you might have to choose how and when this happens, be yourself at all times and in your heart know that you are doing the right thing at the right time.
I was so lucky my parents were so free-spirited and open-minded. I dread to think what might have happened had they not been. My message to any children that don’t have the fortune that I had, which was to have open-minded and nonjudgmental parents, is—be yourself.
Do you think being called a beauty queen is a compliment or an insult? – An absolute compliment through and through. Who would ever say otherwise? I know a lot of the other queens don’t get called that at times, so for me to be known as that is an honor, a privilege, and something I am proud of.
How did RuPaul’s Drag Race change your life? – Drag Race took me from little old Tayce from Wales into the superstar I am today. I have a lot to thank the show for, but the real work comes when you finish the show and enter into the next phase of your career. I have done some amazing things I am proud of and taken some amazing steps to be the role-model I am today.
To be a young person of color in the public eye is a responsibility and one I take very seriously. I didn’t have many role models like me to look up to, so I am always aware that I need to inspire and lead the way for the next boy from Wales who is different to shine and have their moment.
As the RuPaul franchise keeps expanding, what does it take for a queen to remain relevant? – Remaining relevant is key. My social numbers are jumping by the day, I am being booked for more and more campaigns by the hour, and I am becoming the global icon I want to be, being flown around the world, Australia, America, Norway, and so many other places where the show has taken off. I am really lucky, but I knew this life was meant for me.
Can you tell us more about the responsibility you must take as a role model for young queer people of color? – To be a young person of color in the public eye is a responsibility and one I take very seriously. I didn’t have many role models like me to look up to, so I am always aware that I need to inspire and lead the way for the next boy from Wales who is different to shine and have their moment. Although not too soon as I am enjoying mine currently. That’s a joke, by the way. The more, the merrier!
What was the best piece of advice you received? – The best piece of advice I always remember being told is to be nice to people on the way up as they will look after me on the way down. It’s all go go go for me at the moment, but I do know that as much as you are in favor at the moment, this can change really quickly.
What was your first Pride, and how do you remember it? – Every day for me is Pride! I was born, and Pride began! Seriously, I remember as a small child being aware of Pride, but going to my first proper Pride at the age of 18 when I moved to London. The music, the atmosphere, and the entertainment were all amazing. I love now that I can perform at these events, and I always think about how it’s someone in the audience’s first Pride and the impact that will have on them and their lives moving forward.
How are you celebrating Pride this month? – I have loads of work booked that celebrates Pride as well, as I will be traveling around and performing at events and attending the odd cheeky Pride here and there.
What is the next big project you are working on? – I have just filmed a show for MTV with an inspirationally amazing co-host and some really special guests coming out soon. So I would say that is the next big project. But this year, I’m fortunate enough to be booked and blessed all year long, so there’s a lot more coming through the pipeline. I have also been working on my music. I’d love to have my pop star era and break into the mainstream music industry someday… sooner rather than later! It all comes down to the matter of the mind for me. Once I’m good up here, Tayce will succeed.
Interview by MARKO CEPERKOVIC – @markoceprekovic
Photographer and Creative Director BRYAN TORRES @bryantorres.a
Stylist FRANCISCO UGARTE @franciscougarte_
Art Direction ANDREA GARCIA @andreadel4vega
Makeup Artist SERGIO ANTÓN @makeupbysergio_
Hair Stylist SERGIO SERPIENTE @serpiente.es
Nails PANNKKS @pannkks
Talent TAYCE at The Squad Management – @itstayce @thesquadmanagement
Fashion Producers CHARLIE DOMINGUEZ RAIDI & ENRIQUE BORRÀS @enriqqueb @dominguezraidi
Retouch ALBERTO MARO @alberto__maro
3D Artist GUERRI @akaguerri
Photo assistant AINOA JUAN ETIENNEMARE @ainoa_juan_etiennemare
Assistants ANTHONY JAKOBS @anthonyjakobs
Prod Assistant OLIVER COWEN @olijohnstone
Space @spathios www.spathios.com
Pole Dance VOLANDO VOY DANZANDO VENGO SCHOOL www.vvdv.es/ @vvdvshows – EMILIO FERRO
Axel Hotel Madrid @axelhotels www.axelhotels.com
VIDEO:
Director: BRYAN TORRES
Cinematographer JAVI GARCIA BUREBA @javigbureba
1AC ANDRES G. COELLO @andresito99
Edit IOANA IONUT @ioavids
Color Grading: Ángela Morant Manau @angm0ma
