April 5, 2014
RuPaul's 'Drag Race,' Season Six :: An Interview with Milk
Kilian Melloy READ TIME: 3 MIN.
Week 6 brought us the "Reading is Fundamental" mini-challenge, where the "gurls" get to read each other. Almost everyone did a really good job, but in the end Darienne was the winner of the mini-challenge and got to pick her team for the '90s-style Rap Battle Royale.
Although they competed as teams, the contestants were judged individually. There were quite a few stand-outs, but in the end Adore killed the challenge, and is starting to look a little better on the runway, and she took home the win. Darienne barely escaped the bottom two, which left Milk and Trinity in the bottom. Milk did well in the lip sync for your life, but Trinity killed it and got to stay, which left Milk sashaying away. As you will see below, Milk is a really grounded and intelligent human being.
At what age did drag become an interest and how did you pick your name?
I got into drag when I was 22, because my friends were doing it. Originally I hated it and six months later I started to like it and got very into it. YouTube is where I learned to do my makeup so I consider YouTube my drag mom. One day I was sitting at Cheesecake Factory and someone said Milk, and I loved it for three reasons: It was a one-word name, it wasn't a real girl's name and it's fun for dairy jokes. So Milk it was!
Your drag is different than most; can you tell me about it?
I'm a tall boy who doesn't have a good feminine facial structure, so I can't do female illusion. Drag is being a character to me, an art form. Whenever I go out I feel like I am donning a different personality and I try not to take myself too seriously.
How many times did you apply to be on "RPDR," and how did it feel when you found out you were chosen?
I applied twice, for season five and then six. What a difference a year makes, because in my video I was not ready. In one year, I moved to New York and developed my character much more. I was on the toilet at work when I found out I had been chosen, and I was literally shitting myself. I will never forget that moment. I was surprised and overwhelmed.
Tell me about your RuPaul's Drag Race experience.
It was very weird having yourself filmed for 12 hours a day, but overall it was a fantastic experience. Being on this show can only bring better things into my life.
How are you going to leverage your time on Drag Race?
I don't think I know yet. Things will happen, and I can't wait. My fan base has exploded, and Instagram is my portal to shine as my ideas are very visual. I hope to work more in fashion and become Supermodel of the World like RuPaul.
I have to ask you about the Pinocchio nose. Do tell!
I went to a costume shop in New York before the show and I saw it, so I figured it would be a good look. I had the wig and I found the shirt at a vintage shop. I love to have fun looks and turn the party.
Who do you want to win?
I'm backing a lot of the girls, but my personal favorite is Bianca; she is genius in what she does as she knows exactly who she is. I also love Adore and Joslyn.
Tell me about the man behind Milk.
Dan is the man. He is very similar to Milk, but Milk gave Dan a little bit more courage. He skated a lot when he was younger and when he stopped, drag took over as his creative outlet.
Tell me something people would be surprised to know about you.
I eat a pint of Ben and Jerry's (Chubby Hubby) every night in bed, before I go to sleep.
What's ahead for Milk?
A lot of travel. I am so excited that Drag Race is allowing me to travel across the US and I even have a European gig booked for the summer. I also have an Australian tour with Yara Sofia. I am so happy to have been able to leave my mark on the RuPaul's Drag Race legacy...YAY drag!
For more information on Milk you can go to many places: Bigandmilky.com; Facebook.com/Milkthequeen; Twitter.com/Bigandmilky or Instagram.com/BigandMilky
Kilian Melloy serves as EDGE Media Network's Associate Arts Editor and Staff Contributor. His professional memberships include the National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association, the Boston Online Film Critics Association, The Gay and Lesbian Entertainment Critics Association, and the Boston Theater Critics Association's Elliot Norton Awards Committee.