3 hours ago
Shontelle Sparkles Finds Her Own Light With The 'Butterfly Effect'
READ TIME: 19 MIN.
Shontelle Sparkles is no stranger to the spotlight, but her recent interview with The Advocate brings new depth to her storyβa narrative woven from the threads of perseverance, chosen family, and creative ambition. With the release of her debut EP, Butterfly Effect, the drag performer and producer steps out from behind the scenes, sharing how the journey to this moment has been both a personal and community-driven evolution .
Before taking the stage as a performer, Shontelle Sparklesβ roots were grounded in the world of music production. βBeing in the background for so long, it was almost one of those things where I felt like it was never obtainable,β she tells The Advocate. Years spent helping others shine did not dim her own creative fire, but rather fueled a longing to tell her own story .
After a period away from music, Sparkles found herself returningβthis time as both artist and architect. βI stopped doing music, and music production is like drag β you have to continuously do it. It's constantly progressing. So, finishing this album has really made me feel accomplished and has helped my self-esteem as a singer and an artist,β she says, highlighting how creative practice, like gender and identity, is a process of perpetual becoming .
A central theme of Sparklesβ interview is the profound impact of her drag family on both her life and her music. The drag community, often described as a chosen family for LGBTQ+ people, provided Sparkles with mentorship, encouragement, and a sense of belonging. This is particularly significant for those whose biological families may not fully embrace their identities.
Sparklesβ lineage includes drag luminary Trinity The Tuck, and her close relationship with Jewels Sparklesβherself a Drag Race alumβfurther reinforces the importance of intergenerational queer support . As Sparkles navigated the challenges of launching a music career outside the orbit of RuPaulβs Drag Race, her familyβs guidance and belief made all the difference.
βDrag is about more than just performanceβitβs about building each other up, sharing stories, and creating space for every kind of queer person to thrive,β Sparkles reflects in the interview .
The EPβs title, Butterfly Effect, is more than just a metaphor. For Sparkles, it signifies the ripple effects of small acts of kindness, mentorship, and personal growth that have shaped her path. The project is described as a βfull circle momentββa chance to heal old wounds and transform vulnerability into strength .
Listeners can expect a blend of heartfelt lyrics and dynamic production, with each track reflecting a facet of Sparklesβ experience. The music is not just entertainment, but an invitation for others in the LGBTQ+ community to see their own stories reflected and validated. Sparklesβ journey underscores the importance of creative expression as a tool of self-acceptance and collective resilience.
While RuPaulβs Drag Race remains a powerful platform, Sparklesβ trajectory demonstrates that queer artistry thrives both within and beyond the showβs ecosystem. Named 2022βs National Entertainer of the Year and host of a popular podcast, she has built a multifaceted career through determination and authenticity .
In her conversation with The Advocate, Sparkles addresses the pressures and expectations for drag artists to achieve recognition via Drag Race. βThere are so many ways to make an impact. What matters most is how we uplift each other and make space for new voices in our community,β she asserts .
The significance of Sparklesβ visibility extends beyond her personal achievements. As a Black queer artist, her presence challenges stereotypes and expands the narrative of who gets to be seen and celebrated in mainstream entertainment. By centering her drag family and community, she models an inclusive approach to successβone that prizes collaboration over competition .
Online, Sparkles connects with fans through music, gaming streams, and educational content, including wig tutorials and the βI Live For Thisβ podcast (Instagram: @shontellesparkles) . Her digital presence amplifies her advocacy for LGBTQ+ empowerment and creative freedom.
For many LGBTQ+ people, Shontelle Sparklesβ journey is emblematic of the power of authenticity and the importance of chosen family. Her story, as told in The Advocateβs interview, is not only about artistic achievement, but about the ongoing work of healing, supporting one another, and building a world where every queer person can shine .
As the Butterfly Effect EP finds its audience, Sparklesβ message resonates: βWeβre all part of something bigger than ourselves. When we support each other, we create changeβone small act, one song, and one story at a timeβ .
