Today we’d like to introduce you to Nykky Hex.
Hi Nykky, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
As a trans person who grew up in a conservative environment I feel like I was naturally drawn to costumes and makeup so when I discovered what drag was it was an instant connection. A lot of my art is based in my experiences as a trans person both the euphoric-goddess joy of womanhood as well as some of the more body horror and punk themes explored in a lot of my performance art. As I’ve gotten older and lived in San Diego I’ve also grown to love community work and connection. I went on to help start a nonprofit for queer healing and use my art in drag not just to express myself but also to allow other people to express with me and connect together through our shared stories as queer folk.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
A big struggle I’ve had through embracing myself and drag is coming to terms with my trans identity and my authenticity as an artist and how those 2 things coincide with drag. I took a 3 year break from drag and really threw myself into spirituality and psychedelic healing to find myself and my vision without the pressures of performing or trying to get everyone in the crowd to like me. As I started my spiritual and reiki practices I thought if I could help everybody else than I wouldn’t have to help myself and I really burnt myself out entirely on all fronts. As a trans woman in the current political space I have also had to deal with my own share of discrimination and bad luck which is where our community and drag comes in actually and I have been able to use my art to support myself through some hard times and that is a huge part into the community here in hillcrest giving me the opportunity to do that.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a drag artist but I also just feel I’m an artist in general. My drag and my art is heavily influenced by my experience as a mixed race trans woman but also from my love of special effects, horror, fashion, video games, and all the punk revolutionaries that came before me that helped shape queer woman I am. I’m known for my goth/punk rock artistic aesthetic and a lot of hair flips when I perform. What sets me a part as an artist is my unwavering passion to not compromise my artist eye for other people. I really pride myself and my drag on being an expression of authenticity and joy in what makes you different and being able to allow others the space to do that with me. It’s not necessarily the looks I’ve made or certain performance numbers The connections and community I’ve been able to make here is some of what I’m most proud of. I have gotten opportunities to produce drag shows and queer community events here in San Diego which through my art has been able to provide safe and expressive spaces for queer folk to connect, have fun and strengthen our bonds as a community which is ultimately the point of drag, we bring the people together and tell our stories and pave the way for future generations.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
I’ve learned how important it is not just for community and connection but also solidarity. Growing up in a I didn’t have a lot of queer folk around me and when the pandemic happened I really got to see how important it is to share joy with each other.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nykkyhex
Image Credits
Courtney Johnson Whoisshesd
