Brown: How did you come up with your name?

Liyah Alize’ Iman Dupree. Photo by Jamila Brown

Alize’:

When I first started I had the name Taria, but no one liked it. So I was out in Pine Bluff doing a show and a female impersonator by the name of Chi Chi saw me and said “You look like your name could be LIYAH,” and from that day on it has been Liyah Alize’.

B: Where are your favorite places to perform?A: Discovery and Club Goodtimes

B: Do you have any pre-show rituals?

A: I listen to my show songs all day until I am on my way to the bar.

B: What is your favorite drag event of the year? 

A: Miss Gay US of A Newcomer

(Which she currently holds the title for)

B: Your outfits are always so fabulous, do you make them yourself?

A: I started out making my own stuff and putting it together, but when I got into the scene more I met different people who either gave me old things or referred me to someone that could sew. Then I started to get things made.

B: If there was a drink named the Liyah Alize’, what would be in it?

A:

B: What’s a theme song for your life?

A: “Just Fine” by Mary J. Blige, because no matter what I do or what I go through, everything is going to be JUST FINE FINE FINE WHOAA!!!

B: What is a common misconception about drag queens?

A: That we are all about ourselves, and that is not true at all. We do a lot to help others; benefit shows, drag classes to teach and inspire others. We reach our hand out to all but it is up to them to grab it!