The Art of Personal Expression
DC’s Mama Naytch shares her drag journey during Pride Month.
by Jasmine Kwok
Standing over seven feet tall, radiant from head to toe, drag artist Mama Naytch basks in her showstopping arrangement of dazzling jewelry, high heels, and luscious hair. For Justin Schmitz—Mama Naytch—each drag performance tells a personal story.
During Pride Month, Strathmore staff had the opportunity to hear from Schmitz (he/they) about the history of drag and the important role local communities play in bolstering the art form. Arranged by Strathmore’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (I.D.E.A.) initiative, their video presentation revealed the many forms of drag, showcasing footage of their performances as Mama Naytch (she/her) and photographs of artists who inspired them along their journey.
Alongside a team of designers and artists, Mama Naytch devotes herself to every glamorous detail, from the sparkling costumes that accentuate her figure to the bold cosmetics that highlight her facial features. “Drag is elevating yourself into living art,” says Schmitz.
Courtesy of Mama Naytch
The art form of drag welcomes presentations across all genders, and part of the ongoing learning process is experimenting with different outfits, makeup, and performance styles. While every journey is unique, drag motivates each artist to invest in the most authentic version of themselves—or “superhero self,” as Schmitz calls it. “It’s about finding something that resonates with your soul and personage as a whole.”
For Mama Naytch, piecing together her superhero persona meant feeling confident in her own body. “Drag really saved me from myself,” she says. By pushing herself out of her comfort zone and stepping forward in a heightened form of gender expression, Mama Naytch discovered how she wanted to be seen. “I realized my curves are sexy. My curves make me feel good.”
However, their road to self-love is not a solo venture. With support from mentors, friends, and audiences, Schmitz has found a safe space to evolve and refine his art.
Courtesy of Mama Naytch
At Shaw’s Tavern and Freddie’s Beach Bar, Mama Naytch regularly engages diverse audiences who convene in the neighborhood bars to enjoy a night of stories and entertainment. She reflects on when she first burst onto the stage and heard the crowd cheer for her. “I felt so validated and so pretty,” she says, “like I’m living my most elevated self.” She encourages more people to attend local drag shows to continue nurturing the performance art. “The energy feeds the artists, and the artists feed the energy,” she says.
As drag shows enter mainstream capacities, “We can celebrate out loud with no questions asked,” says Schmitz.
Strathmore patrons can support this evolving art form in January 2025 when celebrity drag queen and entertainer Sasha Velour brings her “Big Reveal Live Show!” to the Music Center. Public sale for Sasha Velour starts August 16, but tickets are available now to Stars and Circles members.