She’s a queen, and if you are a fan of RuPaul’s Drag Race, then you already know her crowning name: Tatianna.
Legendary on the show, Tatianna (Joey Santolini) appeared on the show’s second season in 2010, as well as the second season of the spinoff, RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars, in 2016. Currently a Falls Church resident, Tatianna is a born-and-raised Northern Virginian, who grew up in Arlington. After finding stardom on the national stage, Tatianna has continued to expand her personal brand by releasing a perfume line (Choices by Tatianna, Xyrena), and by stepping into the music world. Her newest single, “Hurt My Feelings,” is set to release this summer, and she recently appeared in Taylor Swift’s “You Need to Calm Down” music video. Here, Tatianna gives us insight into her world.
How did you first get into drag?
I was always interested in hair and makeup, starting in late elementary school and middle school. I would get into my mom’s makeup when she wasn’t home and practice on myself, and then my freshman year of high school, on Halloween, I was like, “I’m going to go to school in drag,” and then it became a tradition. Every Halloween was, “Oh, Joey’s going to be in drag!” So, I got started dressing in it and then when I was about 19 or 20, I went into DC and I saw my first drag show live at Apex. I approached the head drag queen there, and I asked her if I could perform one night and she gave me a date. That was my first drag show.
Why did you choose the name Tatianna?
I was trying to name myself, and I was looking for inspiration, so I was going
through a whole bunch of old CDs that I had and I came across my Tatyana Ali CD. She
played Ashley on The Fresh Prince of Bel Air. And I thought, “Oh, Tatianna sounds cute.”
What is your favorite part of drag?
Being able to put on a costume and take on a different character you’ve created. Performing in front of people removes any nervous energy because it’s still you, but it’s not. I just like the freedom that comes with creating your own persona.
What are your plans for the future?
I definitely see myself continuing with music. I used to be so scared singing in front of people or performing, but RuPaul’s Drag Race really gave me the confidence that I can do what I want to do, and someone out there is going to like it.
This post originally appeared in our July 2019 issue. Subscribe to our print magazine here.
