Kalli Greene

Kalli Greene showed up for her fitting at the SOVO// House a few minutes early with a twinkle in her eye, full of life, and excited to collaborate. Although new to the drag scene, Greene is attracting attention everywhere she goes. From Los Angeles to Chicago, this “baby drag” is making statements and spreading love across the whole damn country. Needless to say, it did not take long for her to win our hearts.

Q: Hi Kalli! Please introduce yourself for our readers and tell us what kind of art you make.

A: Hello, my name’s Kalli Greene and I’m 22 years old. I’m originally from LA but have recently moved to the Windy City, Chicago! I am a drag queen known for my dancing both in and out of drag.

Q: When did you first realize your calling as an artist and what were some of the major life events that led you to where you are now?

A: Crazy thing is, up until I was 16 years old, my biggest fear was drag queens! It was kinda like a fear of clowns type of deal. Then I had the pleasure of meeting [Rupaul’s Drag Race] alumna, Venus D-Lite, and she really opened my eyes to the creative and artistic side of drag. Ever since, I have been practicing makeup and performing.

Q: What have been some of your greatest achievements?

A: I would say my greatest achievement would probably be my move to Chicago! In LA my style of dance and drag was a dime a dozen, which made it really difficult for me to stand out. When I moved to Chicago I almost immediately started getting the attention and validation I’ve sought my whole career. There’s not a whole lot of dancing queens [in Chicago] and even fewer who practice the same style of dance as I do. That’s been a big motivator for me to put myself out there more and really hone my craft.

Another really great achievement was having the honor of filming for the final season of the show EastSiders. I got to work with some of the biggest names in drag (Willam, Katya, Manila, BibleGirl) as well as some really outstanding queer actors (Kit Williamson, Stephen Daniel Guarino, Aaron Marcotte). It was really validating to be in that environment knowing I was working side by side with these people. That’s the type of energy I crave in my career!

Q: What does success mean to you?

A: Success to me means that I’m out there doing the things that make me the happiest, I’m surrounded by great people, I’m thriving in my daily life and continuing to test my limits and better myself.

Q: How did you find SOVO// or how did SOVO// find you? What was your experience like working with SOVO//?

A: SOVO// contacted me via Instagram about an opportunity to shoot an editorial for [ Issue 6 ] and I immediately jumped at the chance! Working with everyone, both prior to shooting and the day of, was incredible! I had already known and worked with most of the queens from the shoot prior to this experience, which made it really fun ‘cause we’re all sisters! Plus the entire SOVO// team is incredibly kind, understanding, and super easy to work with! They really pay attention to their talent and put so much time and energy into what they do! Whenever I’m in LA if SOVO// has some sort of project they’re working on that I could be part of I would ABSOLUTELY love to work with y’all again! Nothing but great energy from the SOVO// family! Y’all definitely have my heart!

Q: Does being in Los Angeles have any influence on your work? What are the positive and negative impacts of this city on your development?

A: Well as mentioned before, in Los Angeles I was just another girl in the scene. I felt that it really dimmed my shine. It wasn’t until my move to Chicago that I rediscovered my passion and confidence in my drag.

Q: Along the way, were there other paths you tried that didn’t work out? What did you learn from those experiences?

A: I think I’ve always had a clear vision of who Kalli Greene is, however, there was a really dark time in my life where I had given up drag completely for almost three years—though I still thought about drag almost daily! Always sketching new look concepts, or putting together choreography and routines, and occasionally practicing makeup. As much as I regret putting my passion aside for that long, I think it was needed for my mental health and overall well-being. At the end of the day it made my drive for my drag that much stronger!

Q: What advice do you have for anyone trying to find themselves through art?

A: I say, do it! If you find something you’re passionate about, skilled in, and makes you happy, fucking do it! I know it’s not always easy to pursue, especially when outside influences try to repress your creative energy, but just keep pushing––you’ll learn to block them out along the way!

Q: What is your artistic dream right now—a project, collaboration, show, accomplishment?

A: Well, I’m currently putting together a couple different looks and routines for a competition that I’m really thrilled about! I’m also looking into competing more and really getting my name out there, here in Chicago.

Q: What or who inspires you most and why?

A: Well, Christina Aguilera is probably my biggest inspiration, not necessarily for my drag but just in life! When it comes to drag, some of my biggest inspirations have always been the local queens––they are my “competition,” so to say, but they’ve also been incredibly supportive sisters. I’ve gotten plenty of great tips and advice from the queens local to both LA and Chicago.

MOST IMPORTANTLY THOUGH, my drag mom Prism (@prismthegem) has been a constant inspiration in my daily life and drag career. She’s an incredible tap dancer, seamstress, and drag performance artist. She’s been back in the game for less than a year and is snatching crowns left and right! She’s always pushing me to do better and is constantly teaching me new things! Even 1,000 miles away she continues to be one of my best friends, greatest supporters, and biggest influences! I love her SOOO MUCH.

Q: How can our readers support what you are doing now?

A: I am currently doing most of my work out in Chicago but I will be coming to LA sometime in the upcoming months. Plus, it’s in the early stages, but I am working on some merch as well! Best way to keep up with all things Kalli would be to follow my Instagram account (@kalligreene). That’s where you can stay up-to-date on all my performances and other projects!

Q: What do you want to achieve before you die? Do you have any specific opinions on your own mortality?

A: I have big goals for myself, honestly! In addition to wanting to push my boundaries with drag and seeing where it could lead me, I am pursuing a degree in both Audio Engineering and Business. I plan to run and operate a recording studio and all-inclusive queer club(s) as well as working on music of my own––all while still pursuing drag! It sounds a little hectic, I know, but I know my capabilities and my drive will get me there!

Q: What else do you want the world to know?

A: I’ve never said this publicly before, but I am HIV+ Undetectable. For those of you who don’t know what that means, the virus is in my system and always will be, but because of modern medicines/treatments the virus has become nontransferable and has almost no effect on my overall health and well-being. The reason I mention this is because I know I’ve been mistreated and misjudged by people who don’t fully understand HIV. I also know that unless the subject is talked about, this harsh stigma will continue to make people like myself feel terrible for something out of their control! Please be safe, get tested, and don’t be afraid to talk about your sexual health. It’s 2020 and honestly sexuality has been liberated! Now it’s time to talk a bit more about the aftermath. Educate yourself. End the stigma.