As a child, I remember waking up to the sound of bacon frying, grits bubbling, and music playing throughout our little house in the middle of no where North Carolina. My mama preparing a good, hearty breakfast to get my sister and I ready for a day of cleaning the house and yard work. Like most youngins, I hated chores but we had to earn our keep. I remember I would be scrubbing the bottom of the bathtub and Shania Twain or Whitney Houston would start playing on the stereo. My sister and I would stop what we were doing and run to living room and dance like we didn’t have a list of chores to finish. My favorite is when one of my mamas favorite slow jams would come on, like “From This Moment On” or “One Sweet Day”, she would meet my sister and I in the living room and she would hold us tight and sing every word while we’ll sway back and forth. We worked hard, but we played harder. As entertainers, we enjoy our art and like to have a good time; but it comes with a cost. Countless miles on the road, late nights, sore bodies, butchered sleep schedules. Drag is rewarding, but very taxing. But we do it because we love it and we have a purpose. My purpose is to uplift others and to spread joy. My drag is a love letter to plus size people of color. Especially to the women in my life. The women in my life taught me how to work hard and love on everyone. As Miss Gay North Carolina America, I am here to work hard and have a good time. Spread love and positivity, even though we live in such uncertain times. I’m ready to put in the time and effort to be the best Kiara I can be. This title is not just mine, it’s ours. Ours to celebrate and support for years to come. I’m here NC and I’m yours💖 #dragqueen #dragqueens #rupaulsdragrace #gay #drag #instagay #instadrag #dragmakeup #makeup #lgbt #rpdr #gayboy #rupaul #mua #art #lgbtq #pride #fashion #plussize