Daily Inspiration: Meet Clint Torris

Today we’d like to introduce you to Clint Torris.

Hi Clint , so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started performing drag in 2019 at my university’s monthly variety show. I performed using duct tape to bind (don’t do this) and a kitchen sponge to do my facial hair. I have been interested in drag since I was sixteen. I discovered drag queens in my local community and drag kings on YouTube at that age. I did not see drag king representation in my community until later. Since my initial performance, I have performed in countless shows all over the state of North Carolina, and produced a handful of amateur nights, competitions and variety shows. I have a background in theatre and a passion for costuming. Drag is the perfect creative outlet for me to use my skills, express myself and challenge myself.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The greatest struggle with drag for me is the behind the scenes socializing and drama. It can get tiring to be on your best behavior at events every time. Sometimes, professionalism slips through the cracks. Coming from a a theatre background, I should have expected there would be drama in drag too. You have to be discerning about what is drama, and what is actually a problem. Personal issues very easily get turned into issues in the scene, and that’s not fair to anyone.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As a drag and burlesque artist, I love being a shape shifter. People often don’t recognize me out of drag, or sometimes even in different makeup. I like to play with gender and my looks very from hypermasculine zombies to pretty in pink femboys. I’m known for my detailed costuming, kooky facial expressions and rhythmic choreography. I’m most proud of being an artist with disabilities. It can be scary to be visible sometimes, but many of us don’t have a choice. I’m glad I can represent even a small portion of the disabled community in my drag. I’m also proud of creating space for others, whether that’s in an amateur show, a drag king competition, or a variety show. I tend to cast shows that I produce based on applications, as well as reaching out to artists who may be interested and encouraging them to apply. I feel that this method gives opportunity to people I may not have considered initially and provides access to drag across more of the community as a whole.

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I’ve been performing in the triangle for almost four years. Now that I actually live here, it’s a lot easier to get to shows. I like that there are always events happening, it’s usually easy to find a queer event going on. I do wish there was more representation for drag kings across the board. There are not many venues in the area that do want drag kings at their shows. Even less of these venues are physically accessible to people with disabilities. It’s difficult to find venues for shows considering those factors.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/kingclinttorris/