Drag Queen Spotlight: Volta Charge Talks X-Men, Vintage, And Dressing Room Drama

July 22, 2023
JORDAN JAYRO

Hi there! Welcome to Drag Queen Spotlight! This is where I feature a drag performer who I think you should know! This week we're getting to know the fabulous Volta Charge from Los Angeles! Volta is a fierce host and performer. You can catch Volta hosting bingo at Bullet Bar in North Hollywood and Our Place in Lake Forest! She's booked and busy, and slaying stages all over LA and Palm Springs! This interview was so much fun! Check out Volta's answers below, and be sure to follow her on Instagram!

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How did you get your drag name?

I’ve always loved Storm from the X-Men so I thesaurus’d electricity and voltage popped up and Volta Charge was born.

How long have you been doing drag?

11 years and hopefully many more.

When is your birthday? How old are you?

My birthday is April 18th and I am 32.

Relationship status?

9 years single and going strong.

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What was your first time in drag like?

Of course, it was a Pride weekend in Denver Colorado and I did what every baby drag does. I grabbed a corset and black leggings and a blonde bob and thought I was everything!!!! We went to Tracks Night Club and had a blast. It stuck and started trying to find a show.

What made you want to start doing drag?

I grew up as a dancer so performing is in my bones and I always was so jealous of the beautiful costumes the girls got to wear and I’d get stuck with a shirt out of the same material and black pants. So with drag, I get the thrill of performing and entertaining people while wearing beautiful costumes.

Who inspires your drag (celebrities, other queens, etc.)?

My inspiration usually comes from music. I don’t really have a singular person who inspires me, but music that tickles my ears and brain gets my creative wheels turning.

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Favorite song/artist to lip sync to?

I’ve always loved doing any Postmodern Jukebox because I’ve always loved vintage styles and felt beautiful in those looks.

Have you ever hooked up in drag?

Yup.

What’s your favorite thing about drag?

I love the energy transference between people. While I perform or host I love the feeling when the audience is really connected whether laughing or applauding or really feeling my performance. That thrill of giving your energy and feeling it being thrown right back is amazing.

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What are your hobbies outside of drag?

I love to eat. I wanna try new things all day every day. And I love going to the movies.

What’s the craziest thing you’ve witnessed in a dressing room?

I’ve seen full-on fights, sabotage of costumes and wigs, theft, and drug use. But the craziest may have been seeing roaches in a queen's wig. That scarred me for life.

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Biggest pet peeve about working with other drag queens?

When they bring their entire group of friends backstage, like girl it’s hot back here, it’s a small space, and I have a ton of expensive $hit here. If anything goes missing I’m blaming your friends.

Biggest pet peeve about audiences in nightclubs?

People trying to touch or upstage me while performing. Don’t touch me inappropriately and don’t try and take over my number.

Any advice for someone wanting to start doing drag?

Try to meet as many queens as you can. Make connections and friends. Find a drag family that is supportive and loving. I am a part of the Sexton Family and they are the most amazing drag family. Supportive, helpful, and loving but will put you in your place if you’re acting a fool. Having a solid support system in drag is always helpful.