Skai Solstice Nova

The Beyoncé’s status as a gay icon was solidified in 2022 with her release of The Renaissance. It served as an explicit celebration of Black queer and trans musical history, specifically honoring house music, disco and ballroom culture. She dedicated the album to her late “Uncle” Jonny, a proud gay man who passed away from AIDS-related complications and introduced her to the music that inspired the record.
Even before that, Beyoncé was widely recognized as a major modern gay icon due to her decades-long advocacy, celebration of ballroom culture and deep connection with the LGBTQ+ community.

Beyoncé has spent her career as a fierce ally. In 2019, she and Jay-Z accepted the Vanguard Award at the GLAAD Media Awards, where she delivered an emotional speech asserting that “LGBTQI rights are human rights.” She was an advocate for marriage equality long before the Supreme Court made it legal.
It should come as no surprise that Beyoncé is frequently mentioned as an influence by the Stars of the Month spotlighted in this column, including Skai Solstice Nova, this month’s featured performer.

Stage name: Skai Solstice Nova.

Your pronoun is?
Baby, call me anything. Just don’t call me ugly.

Where is your hometown?
I’m from Beaumont, Texas.

I’ve heard you described as an “up and coming” performer. How long have you been doing drag and what inspired you to get started?
I’ve been doing drag for six years in September! What got me started was my love for performing and wanting to channel more of my feminine energy in a performance aspect.

Describe your feelings from the first time you did drag.
It was exhilarating and such a rush. I remember I was so nervous that I was shaking literally in my boots, but seeing the crowd in an uproar cheering for me was so satisfying and I just remembered feeling free and accomplished. Now here we are, six years later, still getting nervous and loving every bit of it.

What numbers do you enjoy performing the most? What are your go-to numbers?
I’m known for my Beyoncé and high energy numbers. She is definitely one of my biggest inspirations for my drag, even being one of my illusions. But outside of Beyoncé, my go-to numbers would have be “Fallen’ by Mya, “After Party” by Kehlani, “Bad Girl” by Danity Kane, “That’s Right” by Ciara and “This Boy is Fire” by Jennifer Lopez.

What is the thing you enjoy most about being on stage?
Seeing the crowd be moved by my performances and feeling the energy from them!

What is your pet peeve about being on stage?
I guess I would have to say, introducing me under my old name. My drag name used to be Skai Royale, but I changed it to Skai Nova about two years ago because it felt more fitting.

Are there any titles you hold or aspire to achieve?
I have not won any titles just yet but have come extremely close on several occasions. Right now, I have my eyes set on becoming a Ms. Gay Houston America which I just completed recently for the first time.

Tell us something about yourself that people will be surprised to know.
I am such an introvert off stage! I have to remind myself that, being a performer, you have to have extroverted ways even with strangers. People don’t understand it’s a persona on stage and they automatically assume you are like that off stage, too.

Who are your inspirations, personally and professionally?
I have a number of inspirations. Honestly, I feel like I learn from everyone, even newer up-and-coming performers. Personally, it would definitely be my mom and great grandmother who at a time were all I had out here in Houston! They taught me that hard work will open doors you never thought you could enter. Both are deceased now, but I strive every day to make them proud.

Professionally, the legends such as Kofi, Lana Blake, Tommie Ross, Roxanne Collins, Dessie Blake Lady Shamu, etc. My Drag Family: Alexyeus Paris, Ladarius Mirage Jackson, Leilani, Kemiyah, Miss Majors, Ivanna, Mari Jane, Khem Trailz, Rocki Bradshaw, Padma Azz, etc. Honestly, the list goes on and on. I have so many I could name, but that’s just a few.

What do you feel is most misunderstood thing about drag culture?
Definitely, that we have some sort of agenda that we are pushing on kids and people in general. The only thing we want is to be accepted and to continue to entertain anyone of any age bracket. The only thing we are pushing is to love, be yourself, and love those that are different from who you perceive as normal.

How has performing in drag changed you?
Honestly, it has made me more in touch with who I am as a person, and to definitely pay attention to my mental state. I’ve always been an open-minded person but drag has pushed it more. Also, becoming more empathetic.

What is the most rewarding compliment you’ve ever received?
Being complimented on my professionalism, my work ethic, and just my overall growth as a performer always gets me teary-eyed.

Houston has a host of older, established drag queens. What, if anything, have you learned from watching them?
Consistency and to protect your name and brand to achieve longevity in this industry.

Where can we find you on social media?
Instagram, Skai.S.Nova. Facebook, Skai Solstice Nova. And TikTok, Skai.nova.

Where and when can we catch your act?
Honestly, I’m a little bit of everywhere these days. I don’t really have a home bar, so follow my pages to see the latest updates of where to find me.

Thank y’all for the opportunity of being featured, and please continue to support your local drag queens, kings and everything in between.

Related Posts

About author

Related Posts

Leave a Reply

Do not miss