August 23rd, West Hollywood was a buzz. Katy Perry was set to take the stage at the newly christened Beaches Tropicana nightclub in the center of the gayborhood. The line to get in continued around the block, even though tickets were sold out. As the lights dimmed and the crowd went wild, it was clear that there was another diva set to take the stage that night. The question was, would she bring the drama? She did. Scarlet Envy took center stage to thunderous applause as she launched into the debut of “Rain in Hollywood,” the title song of her new EP. With textures of Madonna, a mix of synth-pop, and a melody that haunts for days, she gave Katy a run for her money. This is just one more peak for this drag artist, who has had a year in the spotlight. Not only did she compete in her third iteration of Drag Race, but she penned and published her first book of poetry She’s A Poet, debuted her new cabaret “Bad Advice”, released her new EP, and set foot on her 36-city tour…all while looking fabulous and keeping her 500+K followers on social media entertained.
Scarlet, powered by artist Jacob James Grady, was raised in Louisville, Kentucky. After Scarlet’s mom divorced her father, her household changed greatly. Scarlet would come to have two moms.
Louisville is an amazing city, and I enjoy returning as often as possible. The biggest lesson my siblings and I have taken away from Mom and Sheri is the importance of being true to yourself, working hard, and preserving with love in the face of adversity. My parents also instilled in me an appreciation for bourbon. That doesn’t explain all the vodka I drink. In all seriousness though, one of the greatest gifts in my life has been to watch my mom’s example. I think it’s important to remember how queer women have historically lifted up the LQBTQ+ community at large.
Although that sounds like a queertastic and drag fairy tale story, Scarlet’s coming out before that period of time was not without its challenges. In elementary school, she started to realize that her sexuality was different than the other boys. Coming out was bittersweet.
Not many people were surprised when I came out at 18. I was always being myself; I just didn’t hold press conferences. Notably, I went through conversion therapy as an adolescent. It was horrible and religious-based and quickly stopped as my family dynamics shifted with my mom and dad’s divorce and my move to New York for school. Those years of radical conversion therapy were replaced with radically queer brilliance in New York City.
She studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology in Manhattan and received a degree in advertising design. It was during that time, though, that Scarlet was born. Even with a degree in hand, she had found her true calling.
I was doing drag in college to feed myself. After graduation, I went full-time with drag. I loved the freedom and challenge of working for myself. Being a professional drag queen continues to be one of the wildest and most rewarding decisions I’ve ever made. I support further education for those who want it, but for me, it was the dive bars that taught the most valuable lessons. I cannot deny the amazing career opportunities I’ve experienced in heels.
She auditioned for Drag Race four times before being cast on the show’s 11th season. In her final audition tape, she included an unhinged monologue in which she played both Joan Crawford and Bette Davis. If that isn’t the epitome of bringing the drama. Scarlet was eliminated in the sixth episode, but her presence already made its mark on the fans. She appeared on the sixth season of All Stars in 2021 and in the second season of UK vs. the World this year. What did she take away from her time on the show?
In season 11, I learned that I like being on TV. I also learned that being genuine with people and relentlessly myself was an effective way to connect with fans. In my third season, I just tried to stick around the whole time. Luckily, that was achieved! Though still competitive in this most recent stint, I was more secure with my brand and on the heels of being the most viral Drag Race alumni of all time. Working with the BBC was exciting and new!
Taking her stories and skills to the pages, this year she released She’s A Poet, a collection of 42 poems exploring love, show business, and identity. This book also includes never-before-seen photography from Scarlet’s life. Why now? Why a book of poetry?
I have always written poems, but they were never supposed to be published. I was presented with the idea of following my journey for publishing from OutTV. The documentary follows the process and really kickstarted it. I’m happy Indolent Books published it because this collection is special. Drag has a place in the literary world, and it is important that LGBTQ+ writers assume their space. She’s A Poet is a beautiful and intimate way to share my art and further connect with fans.
These poems are curated from five years of writing, journaling, and photography. I highly recommend journaling to everyone! Writing by hand is a good way for me to literally slow my thought process down as I write. Fun fact: I’m left-handed! I’d like to remind readers that poetry is allowed to be funny. There’s a good variety of poems in the book, both silly and serious. The poems are truly from the perspective of a drag queen so not all of them are demure but all of them are mindful. The book celebrates drag. If you don’t like it, you can use it as a coaster or regift it this holiday season.
Scarlet recently debuted her new solo show “Bad Advice” at The Laurie Beechman Theatre in New York City, making this her third cabaret appearance at the venue. The show is a journey of behind-the-scenes Drag Race tea mixed with bigger-than-life stories of what not to do.
I have more than enough bad advice to share. Just from personal experience alone, I had enough material to write a show. I wanted to give people the full show they got a taste of on Drag Race UK Vs The World. A smoky, jazzy New York audience isn’t afraid to tell you what works and what doesn’t. I was excited to perform my pop music in a cabaret show. Blake Allen (musical director) is brilliant and brought the new songs to a cabaret space nicely.
As much as she loves the screen, Scarlet obviously loves the stage. This Halloween season, in addition to continuing Bad Advice, she rejoins Drag Race alum Tina Burner and Alexis Michelle in the popular touring show “Witch Perfect.” The show runs through November 10th.
You can expect to laugh. The show is hilarious and magical. It’s a brilliant parody of Hocus Pocus starring Tina Burner as Winifred, Alexis Michelle as Mary, and myself as Sarah Sanderson. The show has been successful for a few years now. Tina and Alexis are amazing actors, and they are stars. I think the show has been successful because we are having real fun on stage.
At 32, she has already done more than most Queens do in a lifetime. As much as she pummels forward with multiple projects in a variety of genres, she appreciates where she came from and where she wants to go.
Drag has changed my life in every conceivable way… making many of my dreams a reality. Drag was the motivating factor for my move to Los Angeles and is the driving force behind my music. Drag has been an important vehicle for existing in the world as a comedian, designer, actor, and singer. As many wounds as drag has healed for me (many) it has also been the wound. That’s the complicated relationship with my work that I like. I just keep creating. I love working and I appreciate the continued support. May fame be fleeting and impact lasting. I want to continue writing and making pop music.
Scarlet has never felt that her drag persona has overshadowed the artist behind the makeup. She enjoys the duality of life in and out of drag and credits cooking, working out, sex, and taking time to be alone to keep her mental health in check.
And her message to her fans?
Be the drama.
And finally, does Scarlet think that she is the drama?
Maybe I am! Life is what you make it, so take the risks and make it sparkle.
Her EP Rain in Hollywood is streaming wherever you get your music.
Find out where Witch Perfect is coming near you: www.witchperfect.com
Follow Scarlet on IG: @ScarletEnvy
Last modified: October 8, 2024
