By Denny Patterson
Whether she’s working the front door at the Manor or entertaining a crowd at Azucar, Miami-based drag queen Kelly Razzberry knows how to get the party started and make your time with her unforgettable.
Outclique caught up with the proclaimed “Plus Size Diva of Miami” to learn more about her as an artist and performer, how she fell into the crazy world of drag, and what more she hopes to accomplish with her career and platform. In addition to the Manor and Azucar, Razzberry also appears regularly at the Pub and Alibi’s.
Denny Patterson: Can you begin by telling us who Kelly Razzberry is and what she’s all about?
Kelly Razzberry: Kelly Razzberry is very fun, outgoing, and sociable. I call myself Tía Kelly for all the new generations coming in (laughs).
Denny Patterson: How would you describe your drag style and aesthetic?
Kelly Razzberry: To me, my drag style is very old school. I love old school glam and queens. I was thinking about this because I had a feeling you were going to ask me, I started doing drag in 2013, but while I was growing up, I saw all these icons coming into the scene, and I just modeled after them. They inspired me. This newer generation is very much fashion forward, but I like to feel how drag was to me back in the day. That’s what keeps me going.
Denny Patterson: How did you discover your love and passion for drag?
Kelly Razzberry: I was going to school at Miami-Dade for communications, and I used to go to Club Aqua when it was $5 when you were 18. That’s where I met my drag mother, Kimberly Gomez, who worked there as a receptionist. One day, she was like, I want to put you in drag. I was so curious, so I went along with it. When she put me in drag, I was like, oh my God. Something came over me. I saw myself as something else, and I just found love. I competed for Drag Wars at Azucar, and that’s where I got my little training wheels. I wanted to see what this was all about, and it’s been a journey ever since
Denny Patterson: Was that kind of an ‘aha’ moment for you? Like, yes, this is what I was meant to do.
Kelly Razzberry: I don’t know how to describe the feeling. Something just told me that this is what I was meant to do. I rode it until I had to stop myself and figure out life, and then I went back into it about two years ago.
Denny Patterson: What do you enjoy the most about this art form?
Kelly Razzberry: I love the creative process of it. Doing hair, looking at the sketches, and then having everything come together and finally wearing that new piece. That’s why I’m always getting stuff done! I really do love it. Seeing how everything is going to work is the best part for me.
Denny Patterson: I love that you are known as the “Plus Size Diva of Miami.” Is it safe to assume that you advocate for body positivity?
Kelly Razzberry: I do, and I think it’s very important. This year, I hope to compete for Pub at Large, and there’s a new drag queen that recently came into the scene. She’s amazing. Her name is Kris Love, and the way she puts herself in clothes as a plus size girl, it’s such an inspiration to me. If she can do it and turn those outfits like that, anyone can. She truly inspires me.
Denny Patterson: What can one always expect from a Kelly Razzberry performance?
Kelly Razzberry: After I posted something on Facebook, and this is where Facebook gets me in trouble (laughs), somebody said something that implied that I was boring. At the end of the day, doing drag and performing, I do it for the community. I think it’s very important because when we get into drag, we’re supposed to be these warriors and protectors. We may bring this energy, but it’s about having fun. It’s just fun. You can’t take it seriously. I sometimes get wrapped up in my head and think about certain things, but you just have to go on with the performance and have fun.
Denny Patterson: There are hundreds of drag artists in South Florida. How do you stand out above the rest?
Kelly Razzberry: There really are so many when it comes to drag artists, and I’m still trying to find my own way, but I think I stand out by the fact that I’m always creating. I live with my grandmother, and she’s always getting upset and saying, you’re always buying new things! But always creating, always looking different, always evolving your look – that’s who I am. I can’t stay with the same look. If I do, I become bored. It’s like, where am I going? When I see the same outfits over and over again in my closet, I’m like, no, no, no. I need to buy something new. A new wig, new earrings, change up something. So, I think that’s how Kelly Razzberry stands out. She’s always bringing something new.
Denny Patterson: What are your thoughts about drag becoming more and more mainstream?
Kelly Razzberry: Is it too much? Yes, I think it’s too much. It’s great because it opens doors and platforms for us girls, but at the same time, it’s like, when is too much too much? My aunt told me when I first came out of the closet, she said, don’t shove it down people’s throats so much that it becomes disgusting, and that’s the truth. When it comes to this art form, we have to always maintain it in a way that’s tasteful.
Denny Patterson: What are some future goals you hope to accomplish with your drag career and platform?
Kelly Razzberry: Oh, gosh! There’s so much that I want to do. I’d love to win a pageant and have at least one crown. I’d love to open my own drag business, my own entertainment business, a restaurant where I can really be the queen of that venue. So much.
Denny Patterson: Before we wrap up, are there any other upcoming projects or anything else you would like to mention or plug?
Kelly Razzberry: I am doing something very secretive that I’m super excited for. I just got the license for it, and I’m also going to do a photoshoot that I’ve been wanting to have for a very long time. So, stay tuned!
