Trinity Ice (left) and heat one winner Electra Shock Up and comers are tearing it up at Auckland drag competition Princess 2 Queen. Organiser Trinity Ice launched the event to give rising young stars a chance to strut their stuff. She tells us more and offers advice for anyone wanting to give drag a go. So far at Ponsonby’s new Poof Bar two baby-faced queens have taken out the heats, Electra Shock and Yaya. Trinity Ice says the event is all about showcasing new talent, and supporting the next generation. “There’s heaps of talent, lots of fresh talent, heaps of new ideas, new costumes. It’s amazing.” She says the winner will need to have x-factor and something right out of the box. “We basically want to find someone that’s different, who has a different outlook on drag.” The prize will be a trip straight to big-time on the Auckland drag scene, with the winner getting great exposure in the form of a special place in the Auckland Pride Parade as well as the Big Gay Out. There is always plenty of experience on hand at Poof! As much as the competition is serious, it’s also about nurturing. Joining the drag world is like joining a new family, and Trinity Ice herself has two ‘drag daughters’ competing in Princess to Queen. “It means heaps to me to support them in any way possible, from costumes, to shows, to make-up. It’s really important just to help them and nurture them.” For anyone who has been toying with the idea of a drag debut, Trinity’s advice is simply to “do it!” She says there are plenty of more experienced queens ready to help. “Don’t be afraid to come up to us and ask us how we did this. I am happy to give advice to anyone who wants to give drag a shot. Any advice they want. And that goes for all the girls, anyone competing or wanting to give drag a shot, I’m there for them.” She’s inviting budding drag queens to check out Princess 2 Queen. “Come down, have a nosey, ask me some questions. Miss Ribena will be there also. There’s a huge support network out there for people wanting to do drag. And for drag kings also.” Of course the all-important audience is also invited to come along and support the newcomers. Next Friday is the final heat, followed by the grand final on 22 November. Entry to Poof, which is at 212 Ponsonby Rd, is free for all Princess to Queen nights. Jacqui Stanford - 8th November 2013