Gottmik is a prominent LA-based drag performer and glam makeup artist. Many of us might know them as a finalist in the 13th season of RuPaul’s Drag Race. Gottmik is the first-ever transgender man to compete on the show.
Known for their boldly avant-garde and vintage circus-glamour-inspired makeup artistry, they were signed to a makeup agency by the age of 21. Gottmik attended Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles and has worked with iconic celebrities including Cindy Crawford, Heidi Klum, Tinashe, Steve Aoki, Lizzo, French Montana, Lil Nas X, Adam Lambert, Pabllo Vitar, Kim Petras, and Paris Hilton among others.
Challenging the definition of modern drag and shaking up the “cis-tem”is intrinsic to Gottmik’s image and power. As both an MUA and performer, Gottmik has confronted convention head-on. Striving to bring transmen the representation they deserve in mainstream media, Gottmik’s work is a testament to their character. Determined and multi-faceted in their talents, Gottmik is a must-watch both as an artist and influential, trendsetting, ground-breaking performer.
We sat down with Gottmik to ask about their experience on RuPaul’s Drag Race, the upcoming Halloween tour, and their advice for future drag performers.
When was the moment you knew you wanted to audition for “RuPaul’s Drag Race”?
I basically grew up with drag race but I never thought someone like me could be on it. Even though I saw myself in the stories being told and was so obsessed with the artistry, I hadn’t figured out my gender yet. [I] hadn’t seen anyone like me in the media let alone on Drag Race so it didn’t seem like an option. I spent a long time exploring gender, learning to love myself, and practicing my artistry. It got to a point where I had to just say “fuck it” and try. Season 13 was my third time auditioning and it was so amazing to do what I had thought was impossible for so long.
Have you received messages from other transmen/transmasculine and non binary individuals and what is the general theme of those messages?
I receive so many messages from trans and non binary people all over the gender spectrum every day. The messages I get online and in-person are always so filled with love and gratitude for just being me, and that is the most mind blowing thing every time. The fact that I got to go on TV and just have fun, be me, and show the world a bit of the artistry I’ve trained so long for is everything. The fact that so many people actually connected with that and are inspired to go and be their true authentic selves and inspire more people is just so powerful and really shows the impact of being authentically you.
How would you describe your experience on RuPaul’s Drag Race in just one sentence.
So gorge.
What do you hope to see in future seasons?
I hope that our community keeps being loud and fighting for queer trans POC, so we can uplift stories and art that are so needed to inspire and help so many people right now.
What can people expect from the Night of the Living Drag Tour? And what are you most looking forward to?
The Night of the living Drag Tour is my literal dream tour. I love always having a bit of a spooky vibe to my drag so being given the opportunity to truly live my full spooky fantasy along side some of my favorite people in the world is truly a dream come true.
What’s something people would be surprised to know about you?
I think something that surprises my friends is how basic of a consumer I am. Any company or airline that has any sort of point system or gimmick it’s truly game over for me and I won’t stop until I conquer it.
What advice would you have for the new drag queens on season 14?
My advice is to stay true to your art and who you are as an artist no matter what you see online or in any sort of press. You made it this far being yourself so keep going no matter what!
Anything else you want us to know?
Stay Gorge.
