Meet Jazzlene East Coast | Drag Queen Entertainer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jazzlene East Coast and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jazzlene, how do you think about risk?
I definitely feel like risks define my life . Without risks who are we? I took a big risk when I left Home (New Jersey) to move to San Diego at 23 years old with only 200$ in my pocket. I also took a risk when I decided that I wasn’t going to go to college anymore and pursue my dreams in drag entertainment. I also knew that deciding to be a drag entertainer was going to put my relationships at risk because a lot of people don’t understand the art of being a drag queen or how to be with someone like me. As a queer individual I take a risk every single day I leave my home, because even though things are getting better you can’t never feel too safe . The point is I would not be where I am today without taking those risks. I’m at a place now where I’ve made a name for myself and earned respect from the San Diego community and I’m super proud of that.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Growing up in one of the most dangerous city in the US wasn’t easy. That’s one of the reasons why I’m such a tough individual. I don’t think a lot of people know that about me because of the way I carry myself. I always say don’t judge a book by its cover because you never know.

I believe that Drag came into my life when I needed it the most. I was always a very theatrical kid. I love singing, music , dancing you name it . If it had a beat I was down for it . I think as a kid music and dancing was my way out. I always knew that I wanted to do something with performing, but I never thought it would be drag. As I started to explore the world when I turned 18 years old i went to my first lgbtq+ venue and that’s when I first got introduce to drag queens . I was fascinated by the sparkly outfits , big hair , feminine energy and the unique style
Of
Performances . It was the first time I felt like this is it. I finally found what I was born to do.

As the years passed I moved around a lot looking for a city where I felt comfortable and where I felt like they needed some spice haha . In 2017 that’s how I ended up in San Diego. Arriving in San Diego I felt the hunger for drag here and I saw the passion in the other queens eyes. I decided San Diego is the place for me .

The moral of the story is you can be whoever you want to be no matter where you come from. I come from a poor and dysfunctional home but I was able to
Make it out and create a better life for
Myself . I know you can too!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was visiting the area I would for sure take him to Sunset Cliffs around La Jolla, which is one of my favorite spots. One of the most beautiful sceneries that I’ve seen around here. After that, that, most likely, we will end up at one of the amazing LGBTQ bars in Hillcrest Urbans mos to grab some amazing food and a drink.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I can’t only choose one because I feel like there are many people that contributed to my story.

I definitely want to shout out

Strawberry – for giving me some of my first opportunities in San Diego and just being a great friend that I can talk to when I need the most .

Mariam T – For including me and sharing many of her big opportunities with me , but also for her amazing friendship .

Kickxy Vixen – For believing in me when I didn’t believe in myself and for her amazing advice .

I’m super grateful to work with such amazing queens .

Instagram: Jazzlene_East_Coast

Facebook: Tony Jazzlene Reyes

Image Credits
Joseph Guzzino