Meet Lance Holmes | Drag Artist

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

Hi Lance, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I started pursuing Drag because it was liberating! I grew up in rural Virginia and always tried to fit in with other kids. They made fun of me because I talked and acted “like a girl”. Drag was the outlet where I could perform and wear the things I wanted to wear and look the way I wanted to look without fear of what other people thought of me!

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.
What sets me apart from other Drag Artists is that my performances and drag aesthetic is rooted in theatre more so than others. A lot of drag queens start performing in theatre and I’m no different, however I never grew out of that awkward overzealous musical loving stage and instead went way overboard.I’ve continued studying singing, dancing, and acting and love incorporating that into my drag. If I get to dance and sing live on stage as a boy that’s amazing but I much rather do it in a flapper dress and pair of fishnets.

It certainly was not easy, I didn’t start out as the best dancer. I started with tap and fell in love, moved on to ballet and jazz while at the same time singing in my schools choir and doing every musical and professional acting job I could. But overtime I realized I wanted to carve out my own little space in the San Diego drag scene and I was able to do that thanks to all the hours of classes and training.

over all it was the love for what I was doing that kept me going. I remember closing a musical and immediately starting rehearsals for a play the next day and my director (who knew I was closing a show and said I could take the day off) was shocked to see me in the theatre. “I couldn’t stay away” I said he looked at me and just said “you are a true artist Lance” I think about that moment often.

What I want people to take away from my story is that with love and dedication to a craft you can become a powerhouse! “Don’t dream it, be it” – Dr. Frank-N-Furter

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Sunday: we’re starting by going to see “STUNT” at Riches, one of my favorite shows, hosted by Strawberry! Definitely gotta get a hot dog from the vender in the outside area!

Monday:we’re going to the maritime museum of San Diego to look at all the historic boats! Getting lunch at Miguel’s Cocina after!

Tuesday: Shopping! Flashbacks is a great place to find vintage pieces and as a vintage girl I find myself frequenting that store a lot, probably more than I should! Having lunch at “Home Sweet Home Cafe” gives me and my sister a sense of nostalgia, it actually feels like restaurants we went to back in Virginia. The final stop before home would have to be valley thrift probably the biggest and best thrift store in northern San Diego, they put new stuff on the floor all day everyday so you always have to go or you’ll miss out!

Wednesday: Another museum day! This time at the San Diego museum of art! For lunch, the fleet science center also in balboa park has a little restaurant called “craveology” personal pizzas for everyone and we can get ice cream! Afterwords the Automotive museum is also right next door!

Thursday: Every third Thursday my drag mom J-Lau hosts a bingo at Grafted Cellars in vista, rather I’m performing or not I’m normally backstage to help with zippers! I’m not a big drinker myself but they have a big selection of wine!

Friday: “Foxx it up” at Number One fifth Ave and if we leave in time we can make it for the midnight shadow cast of “Rocky Horror Picture Show” at the La Paloma Theater which is a north county staple!The fairly dilapidated theatre makes a perfect setting!

Saturday: “La Bomba” at Number one fifth Ave is always a great time! Preferably on a night where my girls Mole D’vine and Chi Chi Fuera are performing! To finish the week out my friends and I love our go to spot after a show: Jack in the box!

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 would not be the queen I am today without the incredible support given to me by my drag family. My Drag Mom
J Lau Farrow Halston, my Drag Dad Jose Esparza, my Drag Aunts Keri oki and Lust, and my Creative Partners Ben Gutierrez and Jason Johnson. These people have all seen the theatre kid that I am and have encouraged me to grow and develop not only who I am as a drag queen but as a person.I’m also very grateful that my parents are proud of their drag queen son and that I have a sister who will go thrifting for shoes with me even though she hates thrift stores, love you kenzi!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/llanceholmess/?hl=en

Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/@llanceholmess