April 26, 2015
'RuPaul's Drag Race' Season 7 - Interview With Jaidynn Diore Fierce
Kilian Melloy READ TIME: 2 MIN.
In week eight of "RuPaul's Drag Race" the mini-challenge was called "Orange is the New Drag," and the girls had to make their own prison outfits and characters and model them.
Instead of bringing back one of the eliminated queens (you may recall Ru said last week that one of the eliminated contestants would return), she brought them all back, and because Kennedy won the mini-challenge she got to choose who would be paired with whom for the maxi-challenge.
The maxi-challenge was to make over their eliminated queen as their conjoined twin. The standouts were Pearl/Trixie and Katya/Mrs. Kasha Davis. In the end, Pearl won, and therefore Trixie was back in the competition. Jaidynn and Ginger were in the bottom two, and it was Jaidynn who sashayed away.
At what age did drag become an interest and how did you pick your name?
It started when I was around 20 years old, and I picked my name because I always loved the name Jaidynn. My middle name came from my love of fashion, and especially the Dior line, so I picked Dior, and since I was fierce, that became my last name.
How many times did you apply to be on RPDR and how did it feel when you found out you were chosen?
I applied three times, three years in a row. When I finally got chosen, it was the most amazing feeling ever. Even when I was there, it felt like a dream and I kept pinching myself.
Is there additional pressure now that "RuPaul" has been on for six seasons?
I think every season things get bigger and better and there is definitely pressure on us. However, the longer the show is on, the more comparisons that happen between seasons and hence the additional pressure.
Tell me about your "RuPaul's Drag Race" experience.
It was a lot of hard work, much more than I expected. The most uncomfortable parts for me were how hot it was in the studio and the fact that I got very little sleep, but it was amazing experience.
Now that your parents know about your drag career, how is your relationship with them?
Two out of my three brothers were very accepting, and they are proud of me. I haven't had the conversation with my mom yet, but she did call me last night, so we are on the verge of having the conversation.
Who do you want to win?
I want to see a big girl win, so I am Team Ginger.
Tell me about the man behind Jaidynn.
Chris is a regular guy, kind of nerdy because I love gadgets and technology. I have my own stage lighting business.
Tell me something people would be surprised to know about you.
They may not know that I learned the majority of my drag skills from YouTube, so the web is my drag mom. I would stay up day and night looking up tutorial videos on YouTube.
What's ahead for Jaidynn?
I am coming out with a custom hat line and other merchandise. I am also getting ready to tour the country.
For more information on Jaidynn, go to JaidynnDioreFierce.com, or on social media at Facebook/JaidynnDioreFierce or Twitter and Instagram @Jaidynnfierce
Kilian Melloy serves as EDGE Media Network's Associate Arts Editor and Staff Contributor. His professional memberships include the National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association, the Boston Online Film Critics Association, The Gay and Lesbian Entertainment Critics Association, and the Boston Theater Critics Association's Elliot Norton Awards Committee.