Tina Burner is Burnin’ Up the Stage

Tina Burner’s bigger-than-life personality, quick wit, and sailor’s mouth have earned her a place in Drag Race herstory. Tina, as Kristian Seeber, moved to NYC in 2005 to be a musical theater star and, after a chance opportunity to serve as host for karaoke night, was bitten by the drag bug and has been a mainstay in the industry for over a decade.

Based on her album, Maybe This Time Live will travel across the USA and celebrate new orchestrations of Broadway classics, along with her signature stand-up, to present her personal story, beyond the jokes and big hair. “The message of the show is to never forget where you come from, never lose sight of where you’re going, and never give up on your dreams – oh, and world peace,” Tina Burner explains.

“Maybe This Time Live will offer audiences a chance to see so much more of me than what they saw on TV,” Burner continues. “It will give a literal glimpse of the man behind the curtain. There will be laughs, tears; and I hope by sharing my story, the show inspires fans to be the truest version of themselves. To forget fear, live in truth, and celebrate life. Because “What good is sitting alone in your room? Come hear the music play. Life is a Cabaret, old chum. Come to the Cabaret!”

Tina stopped by to play this month’s centerfold and answer our Drag Queen Rapid Fire.

Hometown: Upstate NY

How did you come up with your drag name?

Tina Turner is one of my favorite artists and in the song “Proud Mary,” it keeps on burning! AND who doesn’t want to be a legend with legs?!

What’s your guilty pleasure?

Not having to be in drag! No, but really, I love watching love movies and teen dramas.

Favorite part about doing drag?

I always say the only reason I do what I do is that there is nothing more that I love than making people laugh and being able to change someone’s mood. Also, drag is an amazing platform to be able to touch on subjects like politics and to be able to make actual change in our community.

Least favorite part about doing drag?

Tucking and having my poor feet support the weight of a linebacker in a pantsuit.

Craziest drag story?

Dressing up as Celine Dion and going to her concert in Brooklyn, NY. During the show, she stopped her show and brought me up to talk to her and hi-five me.

Most un-drag thing you do?

I actually run a ton of marathons. I try to do one every few months. I’ve always been a fan of running, and I ran as Elsa in the Disney Princess Marathon.

Strangest hobby or talent?

Besides the teen dramas and running? [Laughs] I would say the most unexpected one is probably tap dancing.

What celebrity most needs a drag makeover?

Since my celebrity crush is John Stamos, I bet he would be SLAMMING as a girl. He’s just so pretty.

Favorite nightlife hotspot?

Industry and Barracuda in NYC. They are my hometown bars and have always been my family.

Favorite non-profit?

The Trevor Project. They provide 24/7 crisis support services to LGBTQ young people and do amazing work.

Favorite binge food?

Macaroni and cheese all day every day.

Go-to cocktail?

Jack neat or a tequila shot.

What would the name of your biography be?

A Kristian Life OR Kristian Mingle.

Favorite song to perform to?

“Not Getting Married Today” from Company.

What is your after-drag ritual?

Go home and immediately get the face off. Nothing like taking a shower and then leaping into bed with Netflix by my side.

One thing you would change from your season of Drag Race?

Hmm. One thing I would change from my season of Drag Race is I would have loved to have done the roast.

What’s your favorite pickup line?

I like to walk up to someone, check the back of their shirt, and when they ask what I’m doing, say “Just checking to see if you were made in Heaven.” [Laughs] No, actually it would be, “Hey… I live by myself.” In NYC, that’s a hot commodity.

Strangest place you’ve had “relations?”

Hmm… in a movie theater. I told you how much I love movies.

Where can we find and follow you?

On IG and Twitter @thetinaburner, Facebook @thetinaburner, www.thetinaburner.com, and never forget Venmo @thetinaburner.