After the shocking dual elimination of "RuPaul's Drag Race" Season 8 episode 2, two queens who thought they had one last shot at staying in the competition were sent home. The episode titled "B---h Perfect" tested the dancing skills of the queens and unfortunately Laila McQueen of Lady B-----s and Dax ExclaimationPoint of Shady B-----s failed to impress Ru.
In the latest instalment of International Business Times India's series of exit interviews with the queens that sashayed away from "RuPaul's Drag Race," McQueen speaks about her journey and future plans.
International Business Times India: How has your "RuPaul's Drag Race" Season 8 journey been?
Laila McQueen: I didn't have a great run on the show, but I'm having a great run now that I'm off. I'm getting great reception from people. I really like the girls on this season. We actually get along and enjoy each other.
IBT: How shocking was it to learn that both you and Dax are going home regardless of your performance?
McQueen: It was definitely shocking. We had no idea that would happen, so it felt a little embarrassing too. Of course I didn't think I deserved to go home, but it's all Ru's decision. I did my best and that's all I can do.
IBT: While brainstorming ideas for the group performances, you had a feeling that if you were to play the role of Derrick's "copycat" you would fade in the background. If given a chance, how would you have handled that situation differently?
McQueen: I thought it wasn't a good idea. I didn't get how that was going to work. Because I was in the Lady B-----s group, I didn't want to be the gothy weirdo. I wanted to be pretty and girly. Who wants to be Derrick Barry's copycat?!
Also Read: Naysha Lopez talks 'RuPaul's Drag Race' Season 8, Acid Betty's runway look
IBT: Whose dance performance and runways look did you like the best?
McQueen: Chi Chi DeVayne's dancing is always amazing. I loved Acid Betty's dress and Thorgy's [Thor] jump suit. Thorgy is one of the best entertainers in the entire cast.
IBT: You said that you are going to get yourself a bigger drag personality. What can you tell us about Laila Mcqueen 2.0?
McQueen: I said I would go to Amazon to get a new personality, but I don't have Amazon Prime so I'm still waiting on shipping to arrive I guess.
IBT: What do you want fans to remember the most about Laila from "Drag Race?"
McQueen: I want people to realise that this is just a point in time. It's not something that defines my drag or my talent. No one should fixate on a single point in time.
IBT: What has been your greatest accomplishment on the show?
McQueen: Just getting on the show. It's the eighth season and thousands of girls have auditioned and I made it into an exclusive family. I tried out three times and I'm one of the only drag queens from the New England area that has made it on the how. I'm really proud of that.
IBT: Which fellow drag queen from the show were you closest to?
McQueen: Thorgy and Naysha [Lopez]. I love those queens. They are also the most fun to go out with. We're always the first ones to go out and last ones to come home.
IBT: How influential has RuPaul and "Drag Race" been in your life?
McQueen: It has set a high bar for drag standards. The show and RuPaul have great influenced a whole generation of girls that are coming up in the drag scene today. Ru is part of a legacy of queens that have made drag what it is today. The show and Ru have really left an impact in queer culture and pop culture at the same time.
IBT: What does future hold for Laila McQueen?
McQueen: I went to school for art, so I'd love to do more paintings and explore that aspect of my life. Of course I plan to do more shows. My main goal is just to move out of my parent's basement.
Don't forget to watch Season 8 episode 3 of "RuPaul's Drag Race" at 9 p.m. (EST) Monday, March 21 via Logo TV.
