LIFE LESSONS
Drag queen
Trinity The Tuck
Serving plenty of body-ody-ody, Trinity Taylor reached the finale of season 9 of RuPaul’s Drag Race in 2017. The fan favourite went one step further when she returned – complete with a name change to Trinity The Tuck – on All Stars season 4, going on to share the crown and sceptre with fellow queen, Monét X Change. Known for having the best tuck in the business, Trinity, 34, happily shares her top tips online. “Well, I can’t tell you all my secrets,” she teases, “but I do have an educational tucking tutorial on my YouTube.” Trinity, aka Ryan Taylor, grew up in Alabama, and currently lives with her beloved fiancé,
Leo, and their five dogs. Trinity hosts the Love for the Arts digital drag contest on @ trinitythetuckofficial every Tuesday My first time in drag was a dare. I did a local talent contest and just fell in love with the stage.
TRINITY HAS TAUGHT ME
TO BE MORE CONFIDENT IN MYSELF AND ALSO TO BE A BUSINESSMAN. I DON’T THINK I WOULD BE THE SAME PERSON I AM TODAY WITHOUT HER.
The best thing about drag is having an outlet for my creativity – the sky’s the limit. The worst part is taking the makeup off!
My top tips for a budding drag queen are: buy three wigs, three sets of shoes and three costumes. I grew up in a small town in Alabama and being gay is definitely not accepted there. I was obviously bullied; I never fitted in with the popular kids and I didn’t feel safe there. Eventually, I moved to the biggest city in Alabama, which is Birmingham, and [that’s where] I gained my confidence.
MY LIFE MOTTO IS: EVERYTHING HAPPENS FOR A REASON.
The first time I really felt at home was when I started doing drag. Not being extremely close to a lot of people in my biological family, close friends who I claimed as my [chosen] family, who accepted me, made me feel comfortable with myself.
WHEN I CAME OUT [AT 16], IT WAS AROUND THE SAME TIME THAT MY GRANDMOTHER, WHO RAISED ME, BECAME VERY ILL WITH CANCER. I HAD TO QUIT HIGH SCHOOL AND HOMESCHOOL MYSELF SO THAT I COULD TAKE CARE OF HER UNTIL SHE PASSED. IT WAS A VERY DIFFICULT TIME IN MY LIFE AND I HAD TO GROW UP IMMEDIATELY. IT HAS SHAPED ME INTO WHO I AM AND HOW I HANDLE SITUATIONS NOW.
My most treasured possessions are my five dogs. I have a rescue [dog] named Emily and she is half chihuahua/rat terrier; a chocolate min pin [miniature pinscher], Snookie; my boxer, Maggie; a bully dog named Ludo, and a Yorkie, Gizmo. They have [their own] Instagram: @furbabygang
My favourite item in my wardrobe is my finale gown from All Stars 4. It was created by Anthony Canney, who also created my finale dress from season 9. He made it very last-minute, in just over a week. I keep it in a garment bag in my drag room.
My most cherished memory is winning National Entertainer Of the Year, a pageant. I competed for it six times over a 10-year span. I put in so much hard work to win.
MY BIGGEST STRENGTH IS MY HEART AND DETERMINATION.
My biggest weakness is my anxiety. I’m a worry wart, which I get from my grandmother. I try to stay busy to not think about it and [also] do breathing exercises.
My biggest pet peeve is when someone tears down another to make themselves, or someone they’re rooting for, look better.
MY BIGGEST VICE IS COFFEE!
The best piece of advice I’ve received is to be yourself and be kind.