When I imagined my summer study abroad experience, I never thought I’d be able to say that I became best friends with a Scottish drag queen after winning a dance contest that had me death-dropping onto a sticky floor in a basement bar in Edinburgh. Enter Amy L’Amour.
Amy L’Amour, or Mark Reynolds out of drag, is a 27-year-old staple performer in the Edinburgh Drag Scene. When in drag, their pronouns are she/they, and out of drag, their pronouns are he/they and they identify as non-binary. I had the privilege of meeting Amy one night after ending up at a bar playing Boozy Bingo, for which she was the “hostess with the most ass.” Throughout the night, I was charmed by her energy, sass, and humor, and quickly became a dedicated follower, returning weekly for her bingo nights before branching out to attend her other performances at local venues across Edinburgh.
I don’t quite know how to describe it, but if you believe in signs, I believe we were sent into each others’ lives at just the right time.
Amy and I soon became fast friends after discovering that we both have Sagittarius sun and Pisces moon signs and love Lady Gaga. I don’t quite know how to describe it, but if you believe in signs, I believe we were sent into each others’ lives at just the right time. I recently got to reunite with them virtually to catch up and discuss their style in and out of drag, as well as how drag helps them to express their identity. These responses have been edited for length and clarity.
HAILEY:
Okay, let's start with the first question. So, how long have you been doing drag?
MARK:
I've done drag for seven years. I think I started when I was 19 or 20, but I think Amy was born probably in December [of that year]. Around that time [I] went on a night out in drag with a friend, like years ago. And yeah, [Amy] just kind of was born then. And just kind of developed naturally.
H:
I love it. That kind of leads into my second question. How did you get started in the drag scene? Especially since you were young — 19, I feel like that's pretty young to get into the scene, but what led you to get into it? What made you curious about it?
M:
I think drag was always going to be the final goal for me. When I was younger, I always wanted to perform and always loved the typical LGBT things for queer kids growing up like singing, dancing, you know, performing. I liked to be the center of attention. And it was natural. One of my first things that I dressed up as for Halloween was a witch and I went all out with the fake nails, like the little plasticky nails and with the ratty wig and I just was like, “I don't want to do anything like a boy.” I wanted to be [a witch] or I wanted to be Barbie. So drag was kind of [inevitable]. I got to a point [when] I was working in a nightclub and they did a drag competition and I just remember thinking like “oh my god, this is just like — duh!”
H:
We've discussed a little bit about how you got into drag — now let's talk putting it all on. How long does it take you to get in full drag?
I actually take the makeup process as a meditative process because it's good to just sit and just take your time.
M:
I think, for me, every year it's gotten longer. When you first start it can be anywhere from 45 minutes to four hours — just depends on your skill and time constraints at the time. When I first started it was 45 minutes — so quick to get ready. As years went on it took longer because you start doing more, like you start learning about shading, your face shape — also I hate rushing about. I actually take the makeup process as a meditative process because it's good to just sit and just take your time. Currently I take about an hour and a half to two hours to do my makeup — [it] can even be two hours and a half, but getting the breastplate and the padding and the tights and to put on the whole thing takes about three hours to three and a half hours. When I've ordered the taxi, that's when I take my time to wind down before getting to the venue because otherwise I get overwhelmed. It's good to just take time if you have it.
H:
I love hearing that. Your drag makeup and your getting ready [process] — it’s like a form of self care. I think that's so important. Because, yes, self care is sleeping and eating well. But also it's taking time to breathe and do things that are fun for you.
M:
I like buying clothes too. But the thing is, because I've got the two [personas] — I've got Amy and Mark. I'm always out as Amy, like that's the kind of thing where I could have spent money on an outfit for Mark, but I bought one for Amy. I used to think only Amy could wear bright stuff. But now I'm like, fuck it, I'm just gonna wear colorful. So I'm starting it. It's self-care for me to buy things for out of drag, because I feel like you need to find the balance.
I think drag takes — it's hard to separate drag from like who you really are. We don't put on a [fake] voice, we'll just put on drag. I think the older [performers] who've done drag for so long, we’re the elders. We just try and tell people, “just be your fucking self” because yeah, there's, there's no point in burning yourself out and [getting] an identity crisis.
H:
I love that you're starting to [give] yourself the permission to be fabulous — I guess that's the word — out of drag. I think that Amy can be fabulous. But Mark can also be fabulous.
M:
Oh, of course.
H:
How would you describe your personal style? Out of drag?
I find I go through different eras, because I used to be obsessed, like, obsessed with Lady Gaga. I just am a fan now.
M:
It's usually grab whatever is clean. But I'm trying to change that. I have a lot of neutral and monochromatic stuff. I would just say — very like — queer pedestrian. Just generic queer pedestrian. Because especially with the blonde hair, and I'm gonna get my ears pierced. But maybe like, evolving queer pedestrian. I'm trying to find a new style. In the words of Taylor Swift “style.”*
I find I go through different eras, because I used to be obsessed, like, obsessed with Lady Gaga. I just am a fan now.** But I used to be obsessed with her and Madonna and all these people that had eras. Like, certain colors or [vibes]. As I got older, drag took over. And then I would just wear whatever is clean and comfortable outside of drag. But then I wouldn't really feel like myself. Yeah. So I'm trying to be myself.
*Amy/Mark knows me so incredibly well and I started our Zoom call by raving about how Midnights by Taylor Swift had just come out (see my other article in this issue) so this was a little nod to my music taste:)
** This is debatable. Does anyone really ever become ~less~ obsessed with Gaga?
H:
How would you describe your style in drag?
M:
That's even easier. I think in drag I'm very — hmm. What would you say I am?
H:
I feel like you're kind of a pop diva. A lot of bright colors.
M:
Oh, yeah. I agree with that. Because as a pop diva, they're very color blocky and cohesive. And that's what I'm quite like. But then I also wear a lot of jumpsuits. So I would say “disco drag diva” is my style. And then sometimes I'll wear that black dress with gloves and it's more like Lady Gaga [or] Mugler. I just ordered [a jumpsuit] that just came today actually — it's a black velvet one. [I] ordered a gold chain belt as well to go with it — Very Jessie Ware.
H:
What is Amy's personality? And drag style in terms of how you perform?
I don't want to let anyone have a bad time. What I’ll do is while I’m performing and engaging with the audience
M:
I would say Amy is very in line and in tune with who I am as a person out of drag. Very bubbly, vibrant, will chat to anyone. And my performance style's quite the same, quite inviting and warm. I always try [to] engage the room. I don't want to let anyone have a bad time. What I’ll do is while I’m performing and engaging with the audience, occasionally I’ll notice people will want to physically engage with my act. So I’ll allow them because I’m intimate as a person and a performer and I do like the physicality. That is me speaking for myself as a person and a performer and every individual is their own person and should be respected however they wish to be. I'm very inviting. But always, consent is sexy, and mandatory. I think that when you're in drag people think they can just grab you and do what they want to. And I don't like that. I prefer to be the one to invite you to.
H:
Who are some of your style icons in and out of drag?
M:
In drag my style icons are a lot of pop divas. Britney Spears, Lady Gaga. And Madonna — very, very generic — ask any gay or any drag queen, and they'll probably list them as well. But for me, I like comfort these days as well. Especially when you're working nine hours in drag sometimes. It's like, oh my god, it’s crazy. I'm not taking the shoes off till the end of the night. So, yeah, comfort — I'm in my orthopedic era, wearing a lot of comfortable footwear. When I'm in the DJ decks I'll wear a high heeled platform sandal because I need the height but I need the comfort. And then also just inspired by things like Studio 54/Disco and Kylie Minogue, Jessie Ware — all these people that are really glamorous. With the red hair, when I'm ginger. I'm very Florence [Welch]*. I just like vibrant hair.
And also I just love bleached blonde. I love being blonde. Naturally, [I’m] a dark ginger, like auburny. But I don't know why, I've always been drawn to iconic blondes over the years.
Out of drag [my] style icons are David Bowie, just like, androgynous artists. Even if it's not like I'm dressed like them I'm inspired by their androgyny. Like Annie Lennox back in the day from Eurythmics. New York City Underground. Oh, my God — Patricia Field, who does the costuming for Sex and the City — her style is amazing and she has this boutique which is just colorful and vibrant, which [is the style] I'm really starting to edge towards now as I'm getting more into my self-care era. I'm going to wear whatever I want. And not give a fuck what people think anymore because life is too short. I really like rave and queer culture as well. Because when I'm out on a night out, when I'm not in drag, as Mark, I'd like to wear something that I feel sexy in. And it can be like a nice fishnet vest or a loose shirt, but it will be very of the 90s. I'm a 90s baby. So it makes sense. And also I just love bleached blonde. I love being blonde. Naturally, [I’m] a dark ginger, like auburny. But I don't know why, I've always been drawn to iconic blondes over the years.
*Another moment of Mx. Amy/Mark knowing me far too well (see my Florence article from a few issues back).
H:
Getting into more of the identity side of things, how does drag help you to express your identity?
M:
I think drag helps me express the more feminine side of myself. It's always been an internal thing where I've felt that mix of masculine and feminine energy that I try and balance. When I was growing up, I had to still be Mark. Amy wasn't born yet when I was growing up, and when I was a teenager, I would normally kind of be androgynous. I'd wear my school uniform and I'd wear high heels. And that was me kind of starting to take the steps to express [myself] because it was just something I liked. And then you're being told that you can't like that because you're a boy and that's so — not dysphoric but I just wasn't really sure how to express that side of myself for so long. It was just bizarre to me — I just don't understand that negative mindset.
So, I think drag has helped me evolve. And find myself, and be comfortable with myself out of drag as well.
Now that I'm older, I'm grown, I am who I am, I'm an adult — I've got my own place, my own safe space. Drag for me really helped me find the balance [of my gender identity] and helped me also find myself a bit more because when you're in drag, you can just be this — it’s like I'm like an alter ego, like a superhero kind of thing. Out of drag, it's helped me just kind of be comfortable with who I am. There was a lot of repression and a lot of not liking myself. I know there's nothing wrong with [not conforming to gender expectations]. But other people will tell you there's something wrong with you and impart their shit on you. I was still doing drag when I was living at home, and my family are not conservative, but they're very like — They don't want me doing drag. I'd have to go and get ready at a venue and they'd see pictures of me wearing what I wear in drag and they'd be like “that's disgusting.” So, I think drag has helped me evolve. And find myself, and be comfortable with myself out of drag as well.
H:
I love that [drag has helped you find yourself]. That's wonderful. It hurts my heart every time you talk about the people in your life not being accepting. It's ridiculous. A parent should be there to support their child no matter what. And the fact that that hasn't happened in your life makes me really, really angry. But you're in a better place. But I also love what you said about being a superhero. I think that Amy is a superhero in a way because she/you bring joy to so many people. And I think especially what you said earlier on about being bubbly, being vibrant, chatting to everyone, including people in the performance and just really making them feel welcome. I think that that is a superpower and I think that's something you do incredibly well. So I do think Amy is a superhero. Remember that — you're my superhero!
M:
It's hard though. Some days you're like — where Lady Gaga's like, "I want to be a queen for them. And sometimes I don't feel like one." That's kinda how I feel sometimes. You want to be on and [be] your best self in drag all the time but you can't do it. And that's why I've learned just to do your best. Also as Trixxie Mattel said, "They get what they get." It sounds really entitled, but a lot of people, when you do drag, they expect [you] to [always] be on and amazing. And perfect. And it's like, fuck that, I'm not like that.
H:
Final three questions. First, is there a specific clothing item or accessory that makes you feel most confident or helps you express yourself the most when you're in drag? Your breastplate or your padding or [anything] like that?
I do tend to go for like black shoes or animal print or metallics. [With a ] signature shoe you cannot go wrong. It pulls everything together.
M:
I think it's a good high heel. My drag niebling* bought me a pair of zebra statement shoes and I lost my mind because I love animal print. I love a platform heel. I love a statement shoe. I can wear a black dress and a nice bold shoe. And I think that the zebra print shoes are stunning, and I'm gonna wear them tonight actually. I've recently started wearing these knee high, just over the knee thigh high boots that are very Charlie XCX, Rina Sawayama kind of style. They're so comfy. I do tend to go for like black shoes or animal print or metallics. [With a ] signature shoe you cannot go wrong. It pulls everything together.
*It’s me. I am the drag “niebling.” Niebling is a gender-neutral mix of “niece” and “nephew” that acknowledges that Amy is my drag auntie.
M:
To go back to out of drag as well, I think I quite like 80s and 90s vibes currently, a mix of the two to be honest— comfortable and cozy but still colorful and queer!
H:
What is your current favorite drag outfit? Is there a drag out that you've worn recently that you really love?
M:
The one I'm loving right now is my black mini dress. It’s a black mini dress that's got sort of boning, like a corset. And it's got gloves that came with it that are on a Bolero kind of thing that are all attached. I really love that one because I can wear a platform heel with it or a platform boot with it. I love wearing gloves right now and have done for a while because I don't like wearing nails anymore. When I'm DJing or performing they just break off and go missing. [With the dress] It's almost like I'm corseted, or I'm cinched, but I'm not, it's just my tights that pull me in, because I have a little bit of a waist anyway. I think it just accentuates it more. And I just love it, I'm always drawn to it, because you can wear it with any hair, any accessory, and the gloves are built in so I don't need to fanny about putting new gloves on it.
H:
And then the final question. What do you think is the biggest misconception about drag and or drag performers?
There [are] performers who do drag who are trans, who are trans men, trans women, there's performers who are non-binary. There's performers who are women who do drag and present hyper-feminine. There [are] drag performers who identify as women and they perform as drag kings, there's so many.
M:
I think the biggest misconception about drag is that it's taking the piss out of women. And they call it "women fakes" or something like that. For me, I've never done it to insult or mimic women [in a negative way]. Because ultimately, I think for me, and for a lot of drag performers, we're just expressing who we are inside and what our inspirations are. For me, personally, I can't speak for everyone, but I think a lot of people who do drag just want to perform and celebrate femininity, and that comes in so many different forms. But I think that the misconception is that we're taking the piss out of women and that [with] the breastplate, and the accentuated bodies, and the wearing next to no clothes, and the really heavy makeup and all these things. Yeah, that's the biggest one, I think, for me as a performer who is non-binary and presents visibly queer out of drag. There [are] performers who do drag who are trans, who are trans men, trans women, there's performers who are non-binary. There's performers who are women who do drag and present hyper-feminine. There [are] drag performers who identify as women and they perform as drag kings, there's so many. And you know, I think it's just, you're expressing who you are, but in the sort of, like, [provocative way]. It’s asking things like, well, what is a woman? Is it fake nails? Is it long luscious hair? I mean, it's just so interesting in how these things are put forward and how drag can elevate [those questions]. We're just artists, we're just expressionists. We're just having a good time. We're just trying to celebrate ourselves, our community, and celebrate as a whole, because unless you are a cis, white, straight male, then the world is not really built for you. I say we, I can't speak for everybody, of course, I'm just saying most people that I surround myself with in the drag. For me, I just enjoy getting to express that side of myself. And nothing I do comes from a disrespectful place. So I think that that's a misconception.
H:
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
M:
Well I want to add a bit actually to that last point. So let's think about it. Why am I focusing so much on women? I wanted to add to that point as well. I think rather than it being a misconception that we're insulting just women, I think it's we're insulting gender as a whole because people who are drag kings could be seen as insulting men. It's not all just about drag queens. I think a lot of people think drag queens are like the most “elite” form of drag, and really no, I view drag artists [and] performers, [all] the same. I think in drag the misconception is that it's taking the piss out of people and, like taking the piss out of someone's gender and identity, which is very important to a lot of people. But really, it's not, I think it's actually just an elevated version of whatever the stereotype is. And I just want to include that because I think that a lot of people forget about drag kings. And it's really unfortunate.
I think that's a misconception that drag is enjoyable every minute, every second of every day. You could have an off day, and then that really impacts your drag.
Also, drag, it takes a toll on you as well. People think it's the most amazing fun job ever. And it is really fun. But it really takes a toll on you as well. It's still a job, especially when you're self-employed and it's your only job. So physically demanding. It's so mentally challenging sometimes. And like I said earlier, you've got to always be on for people. I think that's a misconception that drag is enjoyable every minute, every second of every day. You could have an off day, and then that really impacts your drag. And it impacts your whole night. And also, it's really hard to piss and shit in drag.
