Lee Carter shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Lee, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: Have you ever been glad you didn’t act fast?
Absolutely, there have been moments I’ve needed time to allow everything to come together. A good idea or concept needs space to refine itself.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Lee Carter and I’m a visual artist and performer. I grew up in South Texas and always had an inclination towards the arts. As a kid, I’d draw and create short movies.
Navigating as a gay kid can be a challenge because there were no role models. Growing up, I did all the usual macho things to remain unnoticed but I would self-isolate, gaining inspiration from artists I saw on television like Michael Jackson. I came out as a young adult around my 21st birthday.
In 2009, while working a construction job I discovered Houston’s Montrose scene. This is where I started experimenting with applying makeup to myself and others. There weren’t many references or tutorials online for men in makeup so it was DIY and I gained skills along the way. I wasn’t a member of a house and more drag adjacent so the queens gave me space to do my own thing. Drag can be many things for different people. At first my style was androgynous and then evolved toward drag art. I gogo danced and did a few competitions before producing content online in 2011. I’m known for creating various illusions but it was doing Beyonce impersonations that got me noticed.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
For me drag was a suit of armor, using the wigs, heels and makeup to build a character. My real name as a stage name kept me authentic to self. A source of confidence for me was doing my first drag show during Youtube’s golden age.
I made flyers, created a wig and bought a fan from Home Depot. It was like guerrilla filmmaking, we had a camcorder and one chance to film this correctly. I was so overwhelmed as hundreds of people showed up but managed to give a high energy performance. That night I rolled the dice on myself and gained the respect of my peers.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
I’ve learned many artists face rejection and criticism as part of the journey. At the height of my popularity I left the stage and social media. I enjoyed drag but it no longer satisfied me and the mask was put away. My videos were viral so that attracted unwarranted negativity online and in the workplace.
There were times I’ve had to leave jobs for my own safety due to discrimination and constant harassment. It’s not about quitting but reinventing yourself. The great thing was during those years I gained some introspection. Being silent and more observant has its benefits. I took time away to focus on my mental health, practiced yoga and visited museums often. What I gained while exploring new avenues was that healing might not happen all at once, but it will be felt in time.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. How do you differentiate between fads and real foundational shifts?
I think good artists create things that reflect a deeper truth while holding a mirror up to society. Social media rewards visibility, not necessarily originality. It amplifies what’s fleeting and not what’s transformative. I don’t follow trends but go where my enthusiasm leads me.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
It’s important to know who you are as an artist. I’ve had many jobs, highs and lows but always remained aligned to my true self. I’m not a drag queen but an artist who uses many mediums as a form of expression. I have no real connections with relatives but my path is a lesson for my family to witness. I’m no longer in a costume but in a process of creation. I believe your work is your ministry
Contact Info:
- Website: Deroncarter87@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Kingleecarter/
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/Kingleecarter
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kingleecarter/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CarterRobinsonMusic
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@1leecarter?lang=en
