Life & Work with CoCo Iman Starr of Atlanta

Today we’d like to introduce you to CoCo Iman Starr.

Hi CoCo, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey started 9 years ago at a turnabout competition. I began first as just a j-setter in the community and then I became a male lead. I didn’t know it but those were just pit stops on the journey to becoming the drag Queen the city has come to know! Over the years I’ve won countless competitions and pageant titles, I’ve been on several show casts and produced my own shows and series. It hasn’t always been easy or felt worth it but there’s a mutual love and adoration between Atlanta and I that I can’t let go of.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Absolutely not haha! I think the common misconception among people is that drag entertainers just have to show up and look pretty but that’s so far from the truth! Drag entertainers have to wear many hats. We’re graphic designers, creative directors, booking agents, negotiators, designers, audio engineers…the list literally goes on as you grow and develop your character. The issue with all of this is nobody sees that side so on those days where we’re mentally exhausted, or just had to haggle a promoter over payment, are dressing rooms aren’t up to par, or we’re having technical issues, we’re still expected to deliver a fabulous show every single time, no matter what.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m what’s called a “Dancing Diva” it’s a term given to drag queens known to literally “twirl” the stage with high energy dance numbers when they perform. I’m known for my hairography, eye contact, and my flexibility. The thing that sets me apart from others in the city though is my production value. I treat every performance as if I was on a stadium tour. My music is edited and arranged to mimic live experiences. I utilize screen visuals and stage props/accents and I always have full choreography moments. One of my proudest moments each year is taking the Starlight Cabaret stage for pride. It’s the largest pride stage in the southeast with thousands of spectators every year!

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Hmmm, honestly I feel like queer nightlife is in a grey area right now. We’re losing a LOT of our safe spaces and with that comes less opportunities for drag artists to do what we do. It’s become a sort of call to action for those of us that produce events to think outside the box and bring new and fresh ideas to the public to keep their support. It’s a fight that few of us want to take up but for those of us that do we’re committed to ensuring drag lives on loudly and proudly. So to answer the question in short, I HOPE that in 5-10 years we’re in the midst of another heyday of drag. Thriving clubs and shows, mainstream recognition and acceptance and a plan to keep going for another 5-10 years!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://Instagram.com/theimanstarr