Who is this Chelsee Anyway?!

I’ve dressed in drag as long as I can remember. My grandmothers had gray wigs that I was wearing while literally in diapers, I was always a woman for Halloween – always, and wearing any and all heels I could get my hands on was a top life priority. It wasn’t until my early 20s when I got into real drag for the first time by what we gays affectionately call a Drag Mother. My Drag Mother, Tillie Screams, put me a in a gorgeous floor length gown, white opera gloves, her sweet Rose Nyland-esc wig, and sent me out to perform two numbers, Madonna’s Material Girl, and My Strongest Suit from the musical Aida. It was exhilarating of course, but not because of the performance, it was because of the way others treated me in this outfit. I was hooked. 

I told Tillie that I wanted to be called Chelsee, named after my cousin who was a dancer and had gorgeous blond hair, and after Chelsee Handler who I thought was hilarious. Tillie loved it and then dubbed me Chelsee Under-Pier, because she was naughty like that.

So as to not make this the longest email ever, I will tell you now that nowadays I mostly prefer not to perform, rather I am more of a model and socialite, but that feeling I get of being an actual queen has never changed.  

Tillie passed away last year, way too young, and I feel terrible that I never really told her thank you for this gift she gave me. I try to remember that we as queer people stand on the shoulders of those who came before us. Yes we get to be proud of ourselves this month, which is necessary and important, but this year, I will be proud for Tillie and all those who showed another baby queen the way. 

If you want to see Chelsee in action, I hope you will join us at Chelsee’s Prosecco Garden during Rockland County Pride Sunday on June 9. Make a little reservation and see the queen in person for yourself.

xoxo and Happy Pride,
Scott