Today we’d like to introduce you to Peter Aka Snowflake Ibarra.
Hi Peter aka Snowflake, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m originally form El Paso Texas; I moved to San Diego along with some friends in late 1998. And although most of my career is in retail my true passion has always been in performing. While in El Paso, I along with my, friend Paul were in an outdoor musical drama that depicted the story of El Paso named “Viva El Paso”. Paul had been in the production for many years before me, and when I became part of the show, Paul kind of took me under his wing. Unfortunately, my time in the show was short lived and was “FIRED” form the show. I was really down on myself and my, friend cheered me up. Now you should know that Paul was my, very first gay friend. And like most gay friendships they are sharp, direct, witty but above all full of love and encouragement, even though you don’t see it at first. When I got fired, he took me out and told me that the director was going to bring in someone who might play my role “Better” than me, or that he might bring someone who would be “Worst”. None the less he said, “No one will ever do it the way you do it” so remember that. You are like a “Snowflake” one of a kind. I laughed it off at the time. Forward to us moving to San Diego and vowing that we would never return back to El Paso! He began to participate in the local Drag competitions, and I tagged along as one of his backup dancers. And as the years went by, I began to meet all the local drag performers at the time along with some of our transgender community members who also performed. I was thrilled to be around the talent and was mesmerized with many of them including my friend, who went by the name “Victoria J. Crawford. As the years went by, Paul began to hang out with the “wrong” crowd and unfortunately partook in some risky behaviors. By this time those of us who moved to San Diego together, had found different jobs and places to live. I still kept in touch with Paul and hung with him whenever we had the chance. He had stopped doing drag and was just staying most nights. I soon found out that he was using drugs and had become infected with HIV. I did not know what to do to help him, in those days we did not have all the lifesaving drugs we have now and the services. So I made the difficult decision to call his parents back home and tell them what was going on. I broke our vow. In early September of 2009 Paul passed away back home in El Paso. I was heartbroken and needed to do something to keep his memory “Alive”. After all it was because of him that I learned how to navigate my truth as a gay man. So, in 2011, after mourning his loss, I along with other friends of ours began the “FRIENDS FOR A CURE” benefit show! A show that featured local drag performers at the time and all of the money we raised went to support the San Diego Aids Walk organization! I was able to ask many of the drag performers whom I had gotten to know because of “Victoria” to participate, and no one said no ever! The benefit show went on for 6 years and each year it got better and better. It was held at San Diego’s oldest gay nightclub named at the time “The Brass Rail”, which is where Victoria first performed. After the first year, some of the drag performers convinced me to dress up and host the show as well as perform in it! And when they asked me what I wanted to be called I quickly said “Snowflake”. And that’s how she was born. And so now Snowflake has had the opportunity to perform in most of our local clubs and bars, form Number one on fifth, Gossip Grill, Richs, Flicks, The Loft, Mo’s, and some that are no longer with us like The Flame, Bacchus house; but The Rail is currently where I have my shows. And I make it my mission to speak at my shows about the importance of practicing safe sex and letting people know of the wonderful organizations we now have to help anyone who is in need. Organizations such as Aids Healthcare Foundation whom I collaborate with as a sponsor at my, annual Christmas show called “Snowflake Reindeer games” and other events throughout the year. To help spread the word on what they offer not only to our local community but all over the world. I also collaborate with VIDA another organization whose mission is to offer at home HIV testing kits, fentanyl testing strips, community scholarships and all-around health and wellbeing for all. It has always been a part of me to help whenever I can and however I can. I’m blessed to be helping with the R.J. Donovan Correctional Facility in Otay Mesa with their upcoming “Pride” celebration. Fundraising for them to have this event and connecting other community business owners to help make this evet the best it can be. Victoria’s words haven’t left me someone might do it “better” or “worse” than me but I run my own race, and I never compare myself to anyone after all like Victoria said you are like a “Snowflake” one of a kind.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been easy, with juggling a full-time job and producing my shows and performing when asked where it be at other local shows or for fundraisers, I often time find myself with no time off. Still, I enjoy it and I’m happy to give others the opportunity to perform and grow like in my, show called “For the Drag of it” currently at The Rail. A show where I invite anyone who has thought about performing and or growing in their craft. In the show I also invite two drag “mentors” whom I see as someone who really has something to share. I call them “mentors” because they are there not to judge but to speak truth and offer encouragement for the performer’s growth.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I love to be creative, whether it be on stage performing as Snowflake or developing new show ideas or even decorating venues for events. I have been blessed to work for Number one on Fifth and currently for Rplace bar to decorate the venue for a variety of holidays. I’m also thrilled to be the face of “Sabados en Fuego” Latin night at The Rail as “Mama Chancla”, a character that is there to make sure everyone is safely having a good time! But what I’m most pr0ud of are the shows I have at The Rail, “For the Drag of it” a show where up and coming performers can come “stretch their lashes” (lol), grow as performers, and build friendships. Or “AY Mamacitas” a show where I have had the pleasure of introducing some of our beautiful drag sisters form across the border! And of course, “Good evening, Bonita” A show that I co-host with my “Sister Friend” Erica Foxx. Here we have fun with our local drag sisters, and our Hillcrest community! What sets me apart is, my genuine love for my community and the long-time coming wisdom that I don’t have to prove anything to anyone.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Come check out all the wonderful shows we have here in Hillcrest and help support our local talent!
Shows like: Stunt, Bubbles for Brunch, Mischief, Dreamgirls Revue, New Birth, Spaghetti and Show Tunes, The Take over, Flaunt and many more!!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Hey.Babyboy
- Facebook: Peter Ybarra
Image Credits
Dennis Covey
Rikke
