We recently had the chance to connect with Jazzlene East Coast and have shared our conversation below.
Jazzlene , we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
If there’s anything that makes me lose track of time, I would say is music. Music is a form of therapy for me. Wether is dancing, singing, or just watching a musical those are the ways I’m able to get back to myself when I’m going through a rough patch.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am Jazzlene East Coast, the Puerto Rican drag queen of San Diego.
Originally from Camden New Jersey; Let’s just say it wasn’t the best place to grow up in. Times were definitely hard and I had to grow up pretty quick . What got me through a lot of those rough times was music, dancing ,and entertaining people . For example
I used to love doing the plays , talent shows and acting classes in school growing up. After high school, of course I started to explore the world , I was 19 years old when I saw my first drag show and that’s exactly when I knew what I wanted to do. The reason why Drag opened my eyes in that moment was because I finally felt seen. My whole life I was a feminine man , people told me I couldn’t wear make up , dance a certain way, or I had to dress a certain way. so in that moment, I realized that I could be whoever I wanted to be. The thing about me is I’ve always been a hard-working and ambitious person so if I set my mind on something, I want to be the best at it. So about 8 years ago I moved to San Diego with my big dreams in becoming a drag superstar and my minimum wage job. First of all Getting into any drag scene is very competitive and you also have to work to make connections in the business. It’s not just about talent. It’s also about being personable professional and polished to the tea. I knew I had a lot of work cut out ahead of me but of course I was determined. I started joining competitions in San Diego, and little by little I started to get my name out there in the community. I also took people’s critiques and apply them to better myself in my craft as a drag artist. Sometimes we have to listen to others to grow.
Proudly, I can say I’ve made a name for myself here in the San Diego community; I represent my Puerto Rican culture, and im very well respected for my performing skills .
One of the most amazing things about being a drag queen is I get to be a part of many fundraisers for the LGBTQ+ community and raise awareness for so Many causes. On top of that I get to meet amazing people and do what I love which is entertaining.
If you’re ever around San Diego you can catch me at the many friendly lgbtq + bars and venues in Hillcrest such as Rich’s , Flicks, number one on fifth , gossip grill, and the rail. You can also catch me at toucans tiki lounge Palm Springs .
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
My earliest memory of feeling powerful would be the first time I performed in drag. Until this day that feeling never goes away.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me how to get through obstacles, when you fall to get back up ,to work hard and to stay motivated.
Success can’t teach you any of that, because those are the things you need to be successful.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
I think my closest friends would say that what really matters to me is to be happy and authentically myself. I don’t need all the riches in the world, or the biggest house in the neighborhood. I just want to be able to do What I love ,travel the world with my friends and just enjoy
Life. My friends know they matter to me the most as well.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I would hope that people just be honest with their experience on who I was as a person towards them, but I would want them to say how much they adore my sassy personality , straightforwardness and my good heart.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Jazzlene_east_coast
- Facebook: Tony jazzlene reyes
- Other: Tik tok
Jazzlene east coast
Image Credits
Photographer – Joey Guzzino
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
