Awareness is the best way we can combat small-minded efforts to erase drag culture. WEHOville proudly profiles the drag queens and kings of West Hollywood.
Hello, Laylah! Welcome to WEHOville, and thank you for bringing your warmth and love to our community. First, could you introduce yourself? Who is Laylah?
Hello! Thank you for having me here! Laylah Amor is your local Southern California spreader of all the amor. She serves all the beauty, body, and glam with a sprinkle of hood.
How do you identify?
Laylah Amor identifies as she/her, and myself outside of drag when I am Gabriel, he/him. I don’t mind if people get it wrong at times.
Is Laylah different from Gabriel?
Yes, Laylah and Gabriel are two different people. Laylah is the star and social butterfly who loves all the attention. Gabriel likes to be low-key and blend with the people and likes all that attention.
Tell us about your work, such as hosting Drag Bingo at Hamburger Mary’s, or any other involvement you have. Is drag your full-time job?
I am a full-time drag queen. My drag home is Hamburger Mary’s in WeHo. I perform there four nights a week and also do some brunches. On Tuesdays, I host karaoke, and on Thursdays, I do Thirsty Thursdays with bingo. Friday nights are for pumping up the energy, and Sundays are for the best drag show and competition, where the audience gets to choose the winner. Additionally, I host Laylah’s Big & Easy Party on Thursday nights at The Bayou. I also participate in various shows and brunches like ‘Barbie Addiction Dream House’ at La Boheme and Beaches Brunches.”
Have you heard about West Hollywood’s new Drag Laureate program, and do you intend to enter?
I have heard about it, and I think it’s amazing. Unfortunately, it was too late for me to apply, but I will definitely be applying next year.
Any words to those who do not understand drag or a message to those in red states?
Drag is all about having a good time and self-expression. Drag is the same as musical theater and has been around for centuries. It’s really that simple.
Thank you for entertaining us all and for your support of local charities and the community. Do you have any final words?
Thank you again for having me here! Let me leave you all with this: This is the time to celebrate yourself! Celebrate your body, celebrate your life, celebrate who you are! Be you! Enjoy yourself, enjoy the people and things around you! Live your best life for yourself!
“Respect for all” has clearly been knocked off of the podium. Many people nationally perceive West Hollywood as a city of unmitigated, irresponsible people. Dame Edna is one thing but these disturbed people making careers of this lameness is another. Sick exposing oneself to a lifetime of ridicule outside of one’s own home.
“Sick exposing oneself to a lifetime of ridicule outside of one’s own home.”
What does this even mean? How does drag even affect you?
And drag queens aren’t just coming from West Hollywood. They are all over the U.S. including conservative states as well.
Just move along if you don’t like it. Spend your time and energy on something you enjoy instead of hating and insulting people.
These folks insult themselves. Simply because you say they are all over the U.S. does not validate anything. Drag affects society and its hard to see its positive attributes and values. There is no hate here but easy to see where their priorities are.
“Simply because you say they are all over the U.S. does not validate anything.” That was in response to you referring to how people see West Hollywood. Drag is all over the world and ENJOYED all over the world. It’s a business and an artform. But of course with anything, it’s not for everyone! Thats okay! Just go live your life.
“Drag affects society” Yes, be letting people express themselves and have fun.
Your comment is filled with hatred. It comes from a place of fear and ignorance.
No fear, no ignorance or hatred. Maybe you could offer some metrics about the positive affects and presumed growth “as in all over the US”. Business yes, art form questionable.
People just don’t want you reading to small children in drag. Keep the adult entertainment out of schools and libraries and no one will care that you do drag.
I know I’m a dinosaur in super progressive Weho but I just don’t get the fascination of looking at men dressed up as homely women.
Maybe it’s time to move to Florida? Also, were you upset when talkies replaced silent movies?
many people don’t understand it. seems like a strange way to spend your time.