Hello keen readers, for those who don’t know me, my name is GenErika. I brand myself as The Alternative Queen of Positivity and Calderdale’s Premier Drag Queen, there are others in the Calderdale region but I base my work in Todmorden and Hebden Bridge. 

I’m very fortunate in my career to work in many different aspects of performing. I thrive on always learning and evolving creatively and drag gives so many options. From creating my own one woman show, to a photoshoot in farms and standing on a tractor in 10 inch heels. The freedom I have to create in drag is a gift that all performers should feel. 

I recently modelled for a photoshoot at Hebden Bridge Picture House and it was one of my proudest moments in my career. It combined my passions on creating networks and positive experiences. 

I was delighted Pete from Hebden Bridge Picture House was so open to the idea. Nothing more thrilling than someone who is comfortable and welcoming allowing you to be authentically you in any form of art. I’ve had agents, bar owners and managers asking me to “tone down” my work, whatever that means. I’ve even had one bar ask me to make my style “more Eddy Izzard” implying my full get up will scare regular customers. Honestly, I’ve had it all. The Picture House was an incredible space to shoot in and all the staff couldn’t have been better. 

Emma Stone was my photographer for the shoot. I’ve worked with Emma before and her passion for the project inspired me more and is one of those perfect moments where we meet and just create. Always a thrill working with her. 

As a youngster, my dream job was to be a manager of a cinema. The sense of anticipation on finally watching a long awaited film is a feeling that always excited me as a child and still does to this day. I never thought my life would have transcended to me modelling on a wig and heels in Hebden but that is another point I love about my career, I can’t predict where or what will happen in the future. 

I’m a heavily driven person and love a good goal. However, being a performer, I feel you start off with one idea and drift to an idea you never thought you’d consider. As a struggling singer for years in Blackpool, I never thought my career would take off being a drag artist. 

The hustle is tough, the constant networking can be tiring but I would not change it for anything. 

Catch me every Friday at The Weaver’s Arms in Todmorden and stay tuned online for all future events and more to come in the Calderdale area.