‘Thank the bullies for helping to find the things that are unique and special about you,” exclaimed Ian Hill, also known professionally as drag performer Irene the Alien. “When you’re young, all you want to do is fit in, but as you age, you become acutely aware that standing out is far more important.”
Hill was bullied in school, which is not acceptable in schools but often goes unreported, yet he knew deep down that he was destined to become a professional drag performer. Throughout high school, he was interested in heels, makeup, and wigs, and at age 17, he started watching RuPaul’s Drag Race. His interests blended to develop his creative drag persona. Now at 32, Irene the Alien has been doing drag full time for 13 years, despite the pandemic, and performs weekly in the Seattle drag scene.
Hill grew up in Texas and earned a degree in theater at Southern Methodist University before moving to Seattle. Watching sci-fi movies such as Star Wars and Alien was his escape during his youth. This knowledge eventually led to the development of Irene the Alien, who he says is from outer space and her species intends to invade Earth to infiltrate its governments.
When he began doing drag, he discussed the importance of RuPaul’s Drag Race.
“It’s one of the reasons representation is so important, because without that show I never would have seen myself on television, which really drove me to make choices that have led me to such happiness and fulfillment. Once I started pursuing drag, doors began to open in front of me in ways they never had before, doing anything else. It just clicked.”
His drive to perfect his drag skills caused him to apply to Drag Race five times before being accepted. Then, to his surprise, after earning a place in Season 15, he was the first to be eliminated. After a period of self-reflection, he found himself on the tenth session of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars, where Irene successfully made it to the semi-finals.
Hill was doing drag full-time before appearing on Drag Race, and after being on the show, where he interacted with other drag performers, his passion for perfecting Irene the Alien increased. Today, he explains, “I still find myself inspired and driven to find new and better ways of bringing my vision to life, and as long as that’s the case, Irene will still be around.”
His advice to younger people who have an interest in doing drag is, “Drag is not for the faint of heart. There’s a lot of up-front investment, and the skills required to match your taste level take years to craft. Be prepared for a lot of rejection, critical feedback, and struggle. It takes real passion.”
Irene the Alien will be performing at Queerlantis, a production of Santa Cruz Pride on Saturday, June 6 at the Vets’ Hall in downtown Santa Cruz. Tickets can be purchased on the Santa Cruz Pride website, SantaCruzPride.org.
Rob Darrow is Chair of Santa Cruz Pride, was born and raised in Santa Cruz, and had a career in education.
