Exclusive Interview - Alexis Saint Pete

Alexis Saint Pete… welcome to Spill the Tea! To start, how did you discover drag?
I’ve been working in the theatre since I was 4 years old so I was always around artists and creatives in general. Growing up, I was constantly inspired by the colours and outfits my colleagues used to wear...funnily enough mostly the outfits of the opposite gender! But the first time I met a Drag Queen was when I took my Mom out to a gay bar in Manchester when I was 18. I thought I knew it all back then, then I saw this gorgeous person and I just gagged! Deep down in me I was shocked because I had never seen anyone else doing what I used to do at home when everyone was out. And they were getting paid for it!

“When I finish performing, I want people walking away from the experience feeling like they can move mountains and not letting anyone tell them otherwise! You are everything and enough - don’t be afraid to show it all off baby!“

How did you choose your drag name?
My first Drag Experience was when I was signed to do a year’s contract at Blackpool’s FUNNY GIRLS. Back then I was called… wait for it… QUEEN PANTHERA *facepalm*. The cast was like hell no! So we changed it to the character I played from La La Land - Alexis. Later on I wanted to add some spiciness to it so I thought of adding something naughty and something of mine. Saint because back then I thought it meant sinner (I am still learning English but that was quite a funny moment) and Pete because my birth name is Peter. :)

How would you describe your drag?
My drag is something I’ve been building up within myself since I was a little boy that was bullied on a daily basis at home. I created this character in my head that was my best friend and she kept me strong and alive! Later on I decided to become her, fully embracing my saviour and bringing her to life! It is also strong. I never wanted to be approachable because I didn’t want the bullies to get to me. I guess that’s why a lot of people think I’m a bitch because of how I paint but really I’m the easiest, most understanding, calm and loving person.

You have a large social media following and we know you like to use your platform to help educate people too, tell us a little more about that.
I came from Poland where homophobia is a tragically normal everyday occurrence and moved to the UK at a relatively early age. In the UK I have been accepted most of the time for who I am. This makes is so very important for me to celebrate and educate people in every possible occasion on what’s happening outside England.

I am privileged to live here and have my rights but we still gotta remember that there are so many countries that don’t, and we are here and should use our platforms to make a change!

We had the pleasure of seeing you perform the other day and you caught our attention that’s for sure! (Hence this interview but) I want to know how do you go about deciding what to perform on stage?
Everytime I perform I want people to feel like they are coming to see a Pop/Rock Star that is giving them a full on intro. A lot of people don’t pay attention to this but if you really focus on it, it can say a lot about what the specific number is about. The Britney Medley I do is a good example of that.

I come from a ballet background, I trained since I was 4 years old and have graduated from the Northern Ballet School in Manchester. Because of this music has to tell me a story and tickle my inner G spot. If it doesn’t do that, I’m not doing it.

Describe your performances in 3 emojis.
🔥💦😇

As queer venues and stages open back up how does it feel getting back on a stage again?
I am loving it! Stage is where my whole life has been and I have really fckin missed it!

What can people expect when coming to see you live?
When I finish performing, I want people walking away from the experience feeling like they can move mountains and not letting anyone tell them otherwise! You are everything and enough - don’t be afraid to show it all off baby!

Shout out time! What one other Queen, King or queer performer deserves a shout out from you and why?
I honestly am obsessed with everyone that is brave enough to go out there and inspire their followers with the different causes and messages they want to spread. It’s a fcking hard job to be out there being bullied and shamed but at the same time smiling and staying strong making sure we inspire people!

If I had to choose one: BrandyX - this girl really has shown me so much love and understanding. She is the definition of drag! Now she’s becoming a superstar and I couldn’t be happier for her and for the world to see her!