Meet Jordan Almond | Drag Performer and Current Student at San Diego State University

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jordan Almond and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jordan, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Growing up, I always looked up to queer individuals and queer events because I longed to be part of them, but thought that I would never be able to come out and do that. However, I stumbled upon a show called Rupaul’s Drag Race when I was about 12 and it became my dirty little secret! I would watch secretly with my hand on the “Recall” button of the remote prepared to switch the channel back to Disney. Then the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic happened and I was stuck in my house with just my thoughts after coming out as gay not even a month prior. I was also on pause at my job with Jack In the Box so I was collecting unemployment checks and I decided to spend most of my money on makeup. Slowly but surely my skills started to better and I started buying wigs and it stayed that way for a while. That was until I came to SDSU in 2021 and was exposed to Drag@SDSU, a club for those with an affinity for drag in any way, shape, or form. My first year I liked to watch from the sidelines, however my second year (this current school year) I applied to be in the Fall semester show, “Dragstravaganza After Dark” and once I performed, I instantly became hooked. There was always a voice in my head telling me I would mess up or not do well, but I had so many friends and family in the audience that I knew I would slay. Once I told that voice to just enjoy and have fun, it was only up from there.

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.
I am a drag performer that loves to relish in the awkward! When I perform, I always bring a campy and kooky element to my performances that will not only entertain the audience but also make them laugh! Not only do I love to perform for others, but I love to perform for myself and show myself that this is what I am meant to be doing with my life! My most proud performance was at Diversionary Theater for a show called March of the Qweenz: Rally Cry put on by Sisters of St, James Productions and this was my debut on the San Diego drag scene! I had done performances for SDSU before, but not for San Diego as a whole, and while I was nervous, I could not wait to share my art with the world. Honestly, I have a long way to go, but I have made such progress and that is just by persevering and surrounding myself with those that will support me and stick with me on my journey, like my drag sisters Aiyae Vivi and Jolie Vega. I learned that if you have a message for the world, there are people willing to hear and amplify your voice. I want the world to know that it is okay to not be 100% about yourself, you just need to fake it til you make it and continue to be your own #1 supporter.

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.
This is kind of cheating for me because my best friend is also living in San Diego, so we always go on trips together! I would say that I recommend ANY Korean bbq or tacos in San Diego, but more specifically Handoo and Tacos El Gordo. If you want to have a drink and see a show I would recommend going to Lips or Rich’s. SDSU has such a beautiful campus and the Turtle Pond is my absolute favorite spot on campus! Mt. Helix is an amazing hike and always has such an amazing view for people to see. And lastly of course any beach in La Jolla is an absolute gold mine!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to shoutout my mom and best friend, Athena, for always believing in me, the club Drag@SDSU for always being there for me when I needed support, and Amber St. James for being such a trailblazer for me and inspiring me to jump into the world of drag.

Instagram: @thejordanalmond