By Caroline Roosevelt
Contributing Writer

Drag brunches are something of an institution if you’re a city-dweller, and now, a Drag Brunch is now a popular addition to the events calendar at Grain Craft Bar + Kitchen’s Kennett Square location. They’re a great time for anyone looking to keep the weekend vibes rolling through Sunday. Daniel Embree, executive director of Kennett Collaborative, attended such a brunch in Coatesville that was emceed and performed by the West Chester-based drag queen Elektra Ryan, and soon connected Ryan to the owners of Grain in Kennett Square, where they have been hosting Drag Bingo and Drag Brunch on a consistent basis for the last year.

On a recent Sunday, I RSVP’d to the Lady Gaga-themed drag brunch at Grain and met with Elektra, whose Instagram touts, “West Chester/Pop Princess/Taylor Swift Illusionist.” Once we were all seated, drink in hand, Elektra, Onyx Ondyx and Stefani Steel brought Lady Gaga to life, dancing to her repertoire, and delighting the crowd with an occasional “death drop.” After the show, I met with Elektra to learn more about her journey to Kennett Square.

Caroline Roosevelt: Your claim to fame is as a Taylor Swift illusionist.

Elektra: I’m a huge Swiftie. I saw her twice during the Eras Tour. On Friday night, I went in drag dressed as Taylor. It was so much fun! On Friday Night, we were in the pit, three rows back. On the second night, we had club seats. It was two different perspectives.

What looks from Taylor Swift do you try to recreate?

I probably have eight or ten of her tour outfits. I have recreations of RED, Lover, 1989, Rep (Reputation), I have a few Speak Now (the big ball gowns). The other girls here are Gaga Stans (a.k.a big fans), but I’m a Swiftie. I love Gaga too, but everyone has their favorite person, their Queen, and for me, Taylor Swift can do no wrong.

So when did you get started in your career as a performer?

I am what you call a “Covid Queen.” I got started during the pandemic. I’d never done makeup before in my life, so I basically learned everything from Youtube. I had never seen an episode of RuPaul’s “Drag Race” until the pandemic, but I would consider myself to be fairly artistic and drag is an art form with makeup. You’re becoming a whole different person.

So you’re a pharmacist in your day job? 

Yeah, and I’m also a part-time faculty member at West Chester University in the Physicians Assistants program. My background is in critical care. I was working in hospitals. I would come home and watch RuPaul’s “Drag Race” and practice applying my makeup. I finally got my big break on March 5th, 2021, at Crimson Moon in Wilmington. So, I am celebrating my four-year anniversary.

So you got to practice your makeup a lot before you had your first show.

Well, she (the character brought to life with makeup) was a little rough! Since I’ve started, I’ve worked with so many amazing queens who gave me pointers. I try to be a sponge. After years of practice, I now get cisgender women who are like, “I love your makeup, I wish I could do that.” I tell them, “It’s just makeup! If it doesn’t work you can take it off!” That’s honestly how I learn.

You’ve done events in West Chester too, right?

Yes, at Bierhaul with Ophelia Hotass and Roxanne Rohls.

Who are your inspirations? There’s such a huge scene developing nationally.

These ladies give me such a hard time. They’re like, “You’re such a dude!” and I am. I’m more like a frat bro when I’m outside of drag. I was in Greek Life and all that in college. I find that drag is this funny transition from frat bro, and I try to see how much I can push my masculinity to a more feminine presence. For me, it was always more personal, an act of just challenging myself. As far as drag goes, the legends inspire me - Sasha Colby, Alyssa Edwards and Ru Paul.

What events do you have coming up?

I will be performing a Lady Gaga show at Evil Genius in Fishtown, and I have drag brunch every second Saturday of the month at Docklands in Wilmington. A Taylor Swift Brunch will be on the rotation.

Last question. What are the pronouns to use? 

I appreciate you asking. Outside of drag, it’s “cisgender man he/him.” In drag, it’s “she/her,” as long as it’s endearing.

Look for more events with Elektra Ryan and featured guests at Grain Craft Bar + Kitchen in Kennett Square by visiting https://meetatgrain.com. You can follow Elektra for more events on Instagram at @elektra_ryan.