Today we’d like to introduce you to Malevolent The Psycho Ghoul.
Malevolent, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I created Malevolent in 2016 as a way to express myself and my love for alternative culture. I finally hit the stage with Malevolent in 2021 with a helpful push from Barry Mii Dandy, aka my blood sister, Norma. Originally, I just wanted to play a supportive role. But they sold me on the idea of becoming a drag performer because it was all of my passions put together: music, makeup, and performance. I’ve done theater since I was in elementary, I loved the stage and the ability to steal the show with small roles. So naturally, as every theater kid dreamer does, I fell into drag, lol!
All of my passions and past experiences have made this a fun adventure. Because I came into this with a clear idea of what I wanted to do with Malevolent, I have had many opportunities in my short career, I even bagged a cast spot in H-Town Kings. By making myself not a king nor a queen but a thing whose pronoun is ‘it’, I’ve allowed myself so much room to do what I want. I comfortably placed myself in the alt category, but I’m enigmatic! You never know what I’m going to do next. You just got to wait and see!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has surprisingly been a smoother road than I originally thought it would be. As an alt performer who is afab, I had prepared myself for a struggle but also didn’t expect much in the sense of bookings and performing outside of one bar. Especially in Houston because it’s very pageant-oriented. Which is not a bad thing. But it very clearly isn’t my style of drag. I think, due to my comedic style, adaptability, creativity, and ability to draw people in, I have found more success than I could have imagined.
I think my biggest struggles have always been with myself and with my budget lol! I want to create bigger costumes and bring bigger production to my performances. I often feel like I’m not giving enough because I can’t afford to bring all of my ideas to life on my budget.
Oh! One of the struggles I do face is having my name butchered lol! I often get called Maleficent.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am an alt performer. I specialize in absurd, comedic, dramatic, and aggressive performances.
I’m known for my versatility and most infamously known for my candy head toddler from hell costume.
I’m most proud of my inner growth. Performing has open up my eyes and brought me to many places I never thought I would go, both physically and mentally. I’ve meet so many people while doing this. People who talk to me as a fan, as friends, as family. I’ve learned so much and have made so many positive changes that I now love about myself.
I think my creativity and imagination sets me apart from other performers. Often times I get asked “how did you come up with that/this?”. I think more often than anyone else I know lol!
I am not a dancer by any means, my strength lies in my ability to be creative, so I have to use that to my advantage. Storytelling, through costuming and music choice, is where I set myself apart.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I’d like to start with Theo Dorable Long, if it wasn’t for them I and my sister probably would never have started drag two years ago. Barry Mii Dandy, aka Norma Jr. my blood sister, for recognizing how much I would enjoy doing this and pushing me to do this alongside them.
Ian Syder Blake for providing us afab performers of all performance levels a stage to grow and show our art.
My mom, Norma Sr., for being supportive of every ‘good’ thing my sister and I decide to do. I recognize that not many people have the luxury of having supportive parents like we do. She has becomes a mother figure for many performers and best known as moms_shaky_drag_videos on Instagram.
Nyxx Laraye, my drag mom, for being one of my biggest fans. They always assure me that I’m doing a good job and to keep going.
Preston Steamed, Carmina Vavra, Regina Thorne-DuBois, and Papi Culo for giving me the opportunity to show my art outside of my home bar to a wider audience. I’ve performed with some big names and amazing established and new performers because of you all.
And finally, I would be remiss if I did not mention Pearl Bar and all the people in it. Julie, the owner of the bar, for providing us a place to belong. All the staff I’ve had the pleasure of befriending, our Wednesday patrons who are loyal supporters of the shows, and all my drag family. You have all helped me grow as a person, and I absolutely adore you all.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @malevolentcykyo
Image Credits
Antemortem photography
