Fy’a Colby-Valentino : The Queen of Buffalo NY
Ever wonder how much work goes into becoming a drag queen and getting on that stage? Believe it or not it’s not just slapping on some make-up, putting on some glittering jewelry, and lip-syncing to some lyrics. Let’s take a closer look into drag queens and drag shows with Buffalo New York’s very own Angel-Luis Cordero. Or better known to his fans as Fy’a Colby-Valentino.
What made you want to get started doing drag?
“Actually it is a funny story, or at least I think it is. I was unaware of what a Drag Queen or Female Illusionist was. I was taken to my first taste of a Gay Club, where I saw my first show, of what I thought were talented women. I then was told with the people I went with that each of them were men. I disliked the thought of that, as do so many “straight acting” GAY men. However, approximately two weeks later those same friends and I were playing truth or dare, and I chose dare. These ‘friends’ dared me to either run around the Westside of Buffalo naked or do drag. Needless to say I chose drag.”
How long have you been doing drag?
“Approximately 13 years.”
Were you ever embarrassed when you first started doing it?
“Absolutely. I was so scared being in front of so many people that I forgot words and steps. I have fallen on stage, lost my wig, and a number of other things.”
Does your family know you are a drag queen?
“Absolutely.”
Are they supportive or did it take some getting use to for them?
“For the most part my entire family is very supportive. I am extremely blessed to have such a supportive family.”
Are there any drag queens that inspire you or that you look up to?
“Absolutely. There are so many of them. I will throw some names at you. Sasha Valentino, Sasha Colby, Monica Munro, T.P. Lords, Armani, Keke Valasquez-Lord, Chanelle Jacobs, V’ta Valentino, Samantha Sulay, Samantha Vega, and many many more. Each of these entertainers possesses something that I love and have used to move forward in my career.”
Have you won a lot of crowns in competitions?
“As a matter of fact, yes.”
How many crowns have you won?
“Approximately 27 or so. I know that may not be a large number to many, but I only go after titles that I really want. I am in no way a title hungry queen. I built my persona known as Fy’a not on pageants, but on the feedback that I am blessed to get whether good or bad.”
What are some of the titles you won?
“Currently I am Miss Gay Rochester. To name a few more off the top of my head: Miss Hott International 2009, Miss Gay Oneida County 2009, Miss Western New York Entertainer of the Year 2008, 2nd Alternate Miss Canada Continental 2007, Miss Northeast Entertainer 2007, Most Beautiful Drag Performer 2007, 1st Alternate Canada Continental 2006, Miss Club Marcella 2005, Miss Gay Buffalo 2005, 1st Alternate WNY Latina Continental 2002”
Have you ever dated anyone that had an issue with being a drag queen?
“Yes I have. All names will remain a secret”
Have you ever had any malfunctions with your outfit, hair, shoes on stage when performing at the clubs/pageants?
“Yes I have. I have fallen on stage, I have lost my wig while dancing, I have broken a heel during competition. Lots of bloopers that helped my along my way.”
What do you do when something goes wrong?
“To be a true professional, you must keep going. You cannot stop the show because something went wrong. You just push forward and hope for the best.”
Is it a lot of hard work doing what you do?
“Absolutely. We make it look easy, but it’s tough.”
Is drag just a job for you or is it something you do in your everyday life?
“Drag is a job. When you decide to make drag a career, or even as a hobby, it engulfs your world. You are constantly thinking of music, costumes, hair, shoes, and everything else. Drag is a forever learning experience. When you think you are done and have conquered everything there is to it, something else comes along and changes that thought.”
Is drag your main job or do you have another job you do besides this?
“Drag is one of two jobs that I have. I also work retail.”
So besides doing drag, what are other things you enjoy doing?
“I love to cook, travel, meet new people, drink coffee, exercise, jog, be a mentor for those dealing with various issues that are at times ignored, dancing, cuddling … “
Do you think you will always do drag or do you think you will venture off in another direction?
“I do not think I will ALWAYS do drag, for I have other goals and dreams that I must follow. I will, however, ensure that when I do leave, I leave a legacy behind and my stamp on the craft.”
What about college? Have you thought about attending a college or is that something you have already done?
“Yes. I went started college when I was 19 years old.”
Tell us about your college experience.
“I attended college after deciding that the Marines was not for me. I took up Fashion Design and Textile Merchandising at Buffalo State. I received a minor for my work done there. I am a self-taught designer and got bored with the program. I then moved on to Massage Therapy and completed that program receiving my trade license. I studied at a the New York State Institute of Massage. I then took some time off from schooling, but found myself captivated by the whole creation of different hair styles and joined the world known as Cosmetology at Continental Beauty School. I completed all my hours (1000 hrs) and was blessed to be a part of the JC Penney Salon Team.
I also received a free-lance Make-up artist Certificate and an Aesthetics trade.
After working years in this industry, I found that these were hobbies of mine and had yet to find and/or follow my childhood dream, which was to become a Police Officer or a Law Enforcer of some sort. I then joined the University of Phoenix and graduated in November 2010 with my Associates Degree in Criminal Justice.
Currently I am working on the foot work to educating myself further of the many venues that engulf the world of Law Enforcement Officials. I am diligently working on my certification of hand guns and see in the future of 2012 my return to college to finish my B.A. in Criminal Justice.”
You have definitely accomplished a lot in your life. So let me ask you a question I feel is very important about college education. There are many kids that go straight into college right after high school. Many times it’s because their parents feel they should get right back into school. A lot of these young adults don’t really know what they want to do with their life. In your opinion, do you feel they should hold off on school until they have a better direction with what they want?
“Most, if not all of the time, “kids” go straight to school because they have no choice or feel that they do not. I understand that parents want their children to succeed and be the best they can, but we must all realize that college is not for everyone. Now a day’s many individuals struggle with the criteria that is taught in grammar and high school, so chances are that they will struggle in college.
I am an avid supporter of any person that waits to go to college, some just need a break. Te only advice I can offer is that to anyone graduating from high school or that is taking a semester off from college, please do not wait till it is too late to go back. In today’s world education is the key to everything. It opens so many doors that would not open if there was no educational background attached to an individual.
I am no parent, however if I was a parent, my child would have the opportunity to follow his or her dreams. It takes time for some to develop their dreams, we must be as supportive as possible in their future and any endeavors that they seek out.”
Amazing answer! Before I let you go i have one more question for you. If someone is interested in becoming a drag queen, what would one have to do? What would you say are the steps in becoming one?
“There are many steps. Talk with someone that has been in the craft for many years. They are what we call seasoned entertainers and are willing to give many pointers. I have helped many performers with hair, make-up, costumes, tucking information. All we can do is give you the basics, the rest is up to the person to make their own. It takes anyone to get in a dress, but it takes talent to be a true entertainer!”
There you have it my little four29ers. Angel-Luis Cordero: Another example of someone who followed what they wanted and needed out of life. I think it’s safe to say it can be a struggle until you find your “nitch”, but in the end…all the work and determination is worth it.
