Laganja Estranja

One of the exciting new performers on the drag scene is Laganja Estranja. She’s made a name for herself in Southern California as a favorite at The Abbey, Hamburger Mary’s, Rage, Toucan’s Tiki Lounge and as a regular at Micky’s ‘Showgirls’. But hold on to your wigs! As a contestant on the upcoming Season 6 of the wildly popular RuPaul’s Drag Race, Laganja’s about to take her act to the international stage.

GED: Did your name come from a favorite pastime?

LE: Pastime, current time and future time! While I was going to school for dance and choreography at California Institute of the Arts, I was dropped during a routine and injured my back. During my treatment the doctor recommended I smoke marijuana. I had always been against smoking but I was in so much pain I was willing to try anything. It worked. Now it’s the plant for me. It’s a cure-all for anxiety, eating issues, sleeping issues, pain – you name it. So when I chose my drag name…

GED: So you’re paying homage to the herb?

LE: I’m an advocate. In fact, just today I was filming a promotional piece for a marijuana collective talking about hemp and discussing different ways we can use it. I have a makeup line, a song, a music video, a jewelry line and lots more. I’m taking this and running with it! I have a merchandise store at laganjaestranja.com.

GED: What can our readers expect from a Laganja Estranja performance?

LE: Splits, death drops, a professionally choreographed routine and a lot of body-oddy-oddy.

GED: Tell us about the audition for RuPaul’s Drag Race.

LE: I made a 30 second clip of my talents and people voted. It was popular and I went really far. I also sent an audition tape. I’m a perfectionist so we spent many, many hours creating, filming and editing. I wanted them to see how dedicated I was to this craft. It worked! It was an honor to be selected.

GED: Tell us about your experience on the set of RuPaul’s Drag Race.

LE: It was stressful, exciting, nerve wracking. You never knew what was going to happen next and there are eyes on you all the time. It’s exhilarating but also exhausting. As a perfectionist who likes to control their environment and this was a very different experience!

We filmed from 9 am until 11 pm some days. It was intense and awesome. We were walking around in heels for 7 hours at a time. It was like the gay Olympics. I’m so thankful I had the opportunity.

GED: What are you hoping comes from the RuPaul’s Drag Race publicity?

LE: I want to continue to share my art. I hope it opens up choreographic opportunities. I’d like to have a dance company someday where I can choreograph and tour the world. Maybe even another reality show and a fashion line. There are many things I’d like to do with my life. The show is an incredible launch pad and I’m excited for the future.

Find Laganja at: www.laganjaestranja.com and on Facebook and Twitter @ LaganjaEstranja.

Photos by Davide Laffe