You Don’t Need Permission: Lushious Massacr’s Fierce Message of Self-Love and Texas Pride
In a world often dictated by standards and expectations, Lushious Massacr is a breath of fresh air. More than just a captivating drag queen, Lushious is a beacon of authenticity, sharing her journey from small-town Texas to a platform where she empowers others to embrace their true selves. Get ready to be inspired by Lushious Massacr’s unapologetic voice, her Texas-sized heart, and her powerful message: “You don’t need permission to live your life.”
FEATURE INTERVIEW:
How did you start Dragvestigations?
I started Dragvestigations because I had no other choice. Living as a Make-Up Artist/Drag Queen in Brownsville, TX wasn’t a viable option to make enough money to live, so I grabbed my camera phone and hit the department stores. I wanted to do something that was easy. Going to the stores cause I was bored and had nothing else to do was real and it was easy.. That’s how my Youtube show as born. I kept it simple and kept it real to me.
What are bricks? Give us a breakdown!
Growing up to me a “brick” meant a rough looking drag queen… But now I believe I have evolved the term for myself. A “brick” to me represents the imperfections. I see the brickiness in people and I live for it. It’s real. The “brick” is that side of ourselves we struggled to accept but once we did it set us free. I see the “brick” in people and it’s usually my favorite part about them. Everyone has the capacity to be a “brick”.
Being a gorgeous Latina woman, what has been the most unexpected place you have met a trade?
At my local HEB grocery store. I get hit on by trades at the HEB every time.
Behind the glitter, there are sacrifices—time, money, privacy. How do you protect your well-being and boundaries while chasing growth online?
Learning to say no. It’s my responsibility to protect and defend myself, so I love being direct and firm when it comes to communicating my boundaries. It’s my favorite thing to do, to communicate. Wars have been won through communication so please don’t hesitate to use your voice and communicate in order to protect yourself.
What is your beauty philosophy and routine/products for a quick beat?
I used to be obsessed with makeup as a means of transforming yourself into someone else entirely… A Drag Queen from another dimension… But now I’m obsessed with realness… Less is more, keeping it simple and embracing the features I was born with it. I decided to accept myself the way I was and not taking my makeup too seriously. I try to do it as fast as possible now. The old me would absolutely hate that. The new me doesn’t want to spend their life in a makeup chair. I want to be out there living my glamorous life!
We love a budget Queen! What are your favorite budget retailers for the girls?
DD’s Discounts and Ross Dress for Less. DD’s is a little more sexy and Ross is for the classy girls.
What are your 5 tips for pulling a trade in this busted economy?
Well I challenge the girls at home to only pull a trade if you have to and/or if you deserve it. Don’t waste your time running around chasing after men. Take care of yourself first and your needs and your work and then only if you’ve earned it should you pull yourself a piece of trade. A Trade is a pleasure to be indulged in but we must stay in control. Don’t let the trade control you!
Being a Texas girl, what do you love most about it?
I love the immigrants of Texas. Their bravery and the audacity to live their life freely in a time when so many ignorant racist men will try to dictate how they should live or where they should live their lives. An immigrant will do whatever they need to do to give themselves the best opportunities for themselves and their families. They don’t ask for permission to pursue their dreams. They just do. I think it’s something to be admired. I admire them. They have my love, understanding and respect.
What advice would you give your 16 year old self?
It doesn’t matter who you are, where you come from, if you’re big or small, beautiful or not beautiful, it doesn’t matter if your parents came here from another country. None of it matters. Believe in yourself like a crazy person and you will make your dreams come true.
What song do you have on repeat at the moment?
Quinceañera by Timbiriche
What is next for you?
I want to find love. I’ve never fallen in love and I’ve never had anyone fall in love with me. I want someone to share my life with. I deserve it. I’m just very queer and I don’t fit society’s heteronormative standards of beauty. It’s hard to find love when you resemble someone like me… as queer as me but I still hold on to hope. One day I’ll find the person who can see beyond the physical and there they’ll find me.
Leave the dolls with some advice!
You don’t need permission to live your life. We don’t need permission.
TEAM CREDITS:
Editor-in-Chief: Prince Chenoa
Feature Editor: Taylor Winter Wilson (@taylorwinter)
Photographer: TRSA (@mthrtrsa)
Makeup Artist: Lushious Massacr (@lushiousmassacr)
