Tynomi Banks: Living Her Truth

The Canadian Drag Icon Talks Career, Creativity, and a Cultural Homecoming

From Canada’s Drag Race Season 1 to Canada vs. the World, Tynomi Banks has solidified herself as a force in the drag scene, captivating audiences with her high-energy performances and modelesque glamour. Drawing inspiration from legends like Tyra Banks, Naomi Campbell, and Grace Jones, she’s a powerhouse on stage and an icon in Toronto’s nightlife.

Now, Tynomi is heading to Windsor for a truly special occasion—a one-night-only cultural reunion celebrating 30 years of the House of Venus at The Temple Ballroom. This extraordinary event will feature a screening of Venus Envy: The House of Venus Story, performances from legendary artists, and a disco dance party to cap off the night. Before she takes the stage, Tynomi sits down with THISisDRAG.com to talk about life after Drag Race, her artistic journey, and what fans can expect from this historic event.

THISisDRAG.com: Your career has soared since Canada’s Drag Race Season 1 and Canada vs. the World. How has your drag evolved since being on the show?
Tynomi Banks: Being on Drag Race has been a game-changer for my art! Meeting fellow queens and seeing their styles had a huge impact on my own drag. Social media has played a role too—with feedback from fans and queens alike inspiring me to evolve. And let’s be real: getting older has brought new interests and passions to the table, which has also influenced my performances and connection to my art. It’s been a magical journey of growth and transformation.

TiD: Your drag is inspired by icons like Tyra Banks, Naomi Campbell, and Grace Jones. How do those influences shape your performance style and fashion choices?
TB: I’ve always been drawn to these icons because I grew up watching them slay the game! I admire how they’ve evolved over the years, taking risks while staying timeless. They’re true trailblazers, and their fearless approach to fashion is something I can totally relate to. They’re the ultimate queens—always pushing boundaries and staying current—and that’s what I love about them.

TiD: You’ve been a staple in Toronto’s queer nightlife for years. What’s been one of your most memorable moments or milestones in your career so far?
TB: I’ll never forget the most iconic moment: performing at World Pride with my mother in the audience—it was her first time seeing me in drag. I was on the same stage Beyoncé performed her B’Day album on just weeks earlier. As I stood on that main stage at Yonge-Dundas Square, there were three huge billboards around me, and I was on all of them. One for Spotify, one for Twitter, and one for IKEA. Just wild to think about it now.

“Love is truly going to prevail. Be true to yourself and stand by your most authentic self.”

— Tynomi Banks

TiD: The Temple Ballroom will be packed with an incredible lineup of performers. What can fans expect from your performance that night?
TB: When I take the stage, I’m all about creating a connection with the audience through music. I choose songs that evoke emotions—whether it’s sadness, joy, or anything in between. My goal is to leave you feeling something real, something true. To make you laugh, cry, or dance your heart out. It’s all about creating a moment that stays with you long after the curtain call.

TiD: Looking ahead, what’s next for Tynomi Banks? Any exciting projects or dream gigs on the horizon?
TB: The next chapter of Tynomi is coming! I’m super excited to share my authentic self with the world—just like my friends see me in real life. Get ready for more real, more raw, and more honest content. And I’ve got some musical magic brewing too… live performances are on the horizon, and I can barely contain my excitement!

TiD: Is there anything you’d like to add for your fans and readers of THISisDRAG.com?
TB: It is so important to be true to yourself and stand by your most authentic self. In this day and time, love is truly going to prevail.

Venus Envy Film Screening + Wiggle 30 Celebrations
Saturday, May 16, 2025
At Temple Ballroom - 986 Ouellette Ave, Windsor, Ontario.

Join Tynomi Banks in Windsor for a one-night-only celebration of art, drag, and queer culture! On Friday, May 16, 2025, The Temple Ballroom will host a special screening of Venus Envy: The House of Venus Story and a star-studded lineup of performances, including Tynomi Banks herself. The night continues with a disco dance party hosted by DJ Pat Petro. Doors open at 7:00 PM, with the event starting at 8:00 PM.

🎟️ Get your tickets now! → Click here.

By Kevin Blondin

Perla: Fashion, Fierceness, and the Power of Community

The Calgary-born queen reflects on life after Canada’s Drag Race, her fashion-forward evolution, and bringing the whiplash to Windsor.

From Canada’s Drag Race Season 5 to the fashion runways, Perla has made a name for herself as a fierce competitor, model, and fashion blogger. Originally from Calgary and now based in Toronto, Perla’s drag combines high fashion with undeniable stage presence. In 2022, she cemented her status as a powerhouse performer by winning the Absolut Empire’s Ball. Now, she’s bringing her signature style and stunning performances to Windsor for an unforgettable Drag Show Extravaganza at The Barbershop Bar. Before she hits the stage, Perla chats with THISisDRAG.com about her Drag Race journey, career highlights, and what fans can expect from her upcoming show.

THISisDrag: You’ve made waves since Canada’s Drag RaceSeason 5. How has life changed for you since being on the show?

Perla: ah! Thank you!! 

Honestly I wish I could say everything has changed and things are completely different, but it's definitely still very much in line with how things were before! Yes I get recognized from time to time and I've had some fun opportunities come my way! But I still get to just vibe out at home, play video games, work on outfits/hair and prepare myself for the next opportunity coming my way! 

Tho I will say I do feel a lot of pressure to keep things rolling! I'm always shooting new content, working on outfits for photoshoots, keeping up with social media and expanding my brand as much as I can! They really weren't kidding when they say the real race starts after Drag Race. 

TiD: You won the 2022 Absolut Empire’s Ball, a major drag competition. How did that experience shape your career?

P: Honestly winning The Empire’s Ball really brought me so much closer to my sisters. Now I get the joys of having Aurora Matrix and Van Goth by my side every step of the way and cheering on all of our triumphs together! And don't forget about our podcast, The Powder Room available on all podcast streaming platforms and the video components up on YouTube! 

TiD: Your background in fashion is a huge part of your drag. How do you blend your skills as a model and fashion blogger into your performances?

P: Literally fashion controls me at this point hahaha. I learned quickly that posing and performing work hand in hand. I may not be the best dancer, but I know my body and my angles so well that I can utilize those in each performance! 

TiD: You’re bringing your talents to Windsor for The Barbershop Bar’s Drag Show Extravaganza! What can fans expect from your performance?

P: Hopefully y'all are ready to experience the whiplash in person, hahaha

“They really weren’t kidding when they say the real race starts after Drag Race.”

— Perla

TiD: What’s your favorite part about performing in new cities and meeting different audiences?

P: I love getting to meet people! I get to have conversations with people who got to know me through the show, I get to meet more performers who do what I do! And I get to learn from them as well! I love learning tips and tricks from other performers as much as I love sharing them! 

TiD: You’re known for your polished and fashion-forward drag. How would you describe your style today, and has it evolved since Drag Race?

P: I think after Drag Race, I'm very much holding myself to the standard of what I wore on the show. Performance looks are very different than a runway, but for the moments I can, I want to make sure I'm delivering the same level as the looks I wore on the show. 

I think that's a true testament to your own brand and your aesthetic. I think it's extremely important to go on Drag Race as yourself. You should feel confident in your looks and how they represent you, which I'd say I definitely did. And now I want to continue to hold myself to that standard because I know I can. 

TiD: What’s next for Perla? Any exciting projects or dream gigs on the horizon?

P: What is next for Perla?! Hahaha I wish I knew! I'm definitely taking all opportunities that come my way and riding the wave as long as I can! I'm excited to continue with some super fun photoshoots, with creating more content with my Powderpuff sisters, and who knows, maybe I'm planning a little hop, skip and a jump over to the UK for some fun shows! 

TiD: Is there anything you’d like to add for your fans and readers of THISisDRAG.com?

P: Regardless of the state of the world and the messes happening around us, at the end of the day we are a community. We need to be there for each other, we need to support each other and we need to love each other. Stop focusing on the little things and celebrate the big things. Celebrate ALL community members. Speak up against genocides happening all around us, love your trans friends, support and uplift the people of colour being oppressed. The list goes on. But we can continue to be there for each other and we can continue to fight for each other. Nothing can stop us when we are supporting and uplifting our community as a whole. 

It's scary out there, it's depressing, it's hurtful but we always have our friends, our chosen family etc.

So chainsmoke and listen to the Deluxe version of Eternal Sunshine and keep your head held high! 

Perla
Saturday, May 10, 2025
At The Barbershop Bar in Windsor, Ontario.

Don’t miss Perla LIVE in Windsor! On Saturday, May 10, 2025, The Barbershop Bar will host the Drag Show Extravaganza featuring Perla from Canada’s Drag Race Season 5, alongside Poison, Mae Breast, and hosts Angelina Lepore and Venom Vonsnaps. Doors open at 7:00 PM, with the show kicking off at 8:15 PM. Grab your tickets now before they sell out! 💃🎟️ Get tickets here.

By Kevin Blondin

Helena Poison: Punk, Poison, and a Whole Lot of Ass

Canada’s Drag Race Finalist Talks Music, Fashion, and What’s Next

Helena Poison rocked the stage on Canada’s Drag Race Season 5, making it all the way to the top four without ever landing in the bottom. Hailing from Toronto, this powerhouse performer blends punk-rock edge with high-fashion drag, and yes—the name is a nod to My Chemical Romance. Now, Helena is bringing her electric energy to Sarnia for a must-see drag event at Refined Fool Brewing Company, hosted by Diversity Ed. With a stellar lineup featuring Poison, Karma Kameleon, Airress, The X Wife, and Molly Kewl, this is one show you don’t want to miss!

THIS is Drag: You made it to the top four of Canada’s Drag Race Season 5 without ever landing in the bottom. What was it like competing at that level, and how do you feel about your journey on the show?

Helena Poison: It was really cool! I feel great about my run on the show. I got to participate in every part of the experience, learned a bunch about myself, and made some lifelong sisters. It’s everything I wanted.

TiD: Your name pays tribute to My Chemical Romance—how has music influenced your drag aesthetic and performances?

HP: Music has always been a huge inspiration since I was a kid. I like to match music to looks and vice versa. Like, who is this girl, and what’s her movie scene soundtrack? Or, what’s a funny song to do while wearing a faux-human skin bikini?

TiD: Since Drag Race, how has your career evolved? Any standout moments or projects you’re especially proud of?

HP: Attending DragCon UK and getting to walk the pink carpet was pretty unforgettable. The folks in the UK really made us all feel very famous and stunning!

“Music has always been a huge inspiration. I like to match music to looks—who is this girl, and what’s her movie scene soundtrack?”

— Helena Poison

TiD: You’re known for serving both fierce fashion and a punk-rock edge. How would you describe your style today, and how has it evolved over time?

HP: I’m always shifting and adjusting my style. Lately, I’ve been leaning hard into the weirdo alt school-girl vibe. But at its heart, my style is always a mix of fantasy, grunge, and fetish.

TiD: You’ll be in Sarnia for an incredible show at Refined Fool Brewing Company! What can fans expect from your performance?

HP: Probably something very demure and mindful—not too much, but enough. You know? Oh, and ass. A lot of ass.

TiD: What’s next for Helena Poison? Any exciting plans or dream gigs on the horizon?

HP: There’s actually lots in the works! A ton of online content is coming, plus some Canada’s Drag Race Season 5 sister collabs, and a podcast—so stay tuned to my socials!

TiD: Is there anything you’d like to add for your fans and readers of THISisDRAG.com?

HP: Keep up with me and all my CDR5 sisters on socials! We’re funny and hot if nothing else. And also, check out my YouTube channel!
🔗 youtube.com/@TheHelenaPoison

Helena Poison Drag Show
Saturday, April 12, 2025
At Refined Fool Brewing Company in Sarnia, Ontario.

Catch Helena Poison live in Sarnia on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at Refined Fool Brewing Company! Presented by Diversity Ed. and hosted by Poison and Karma Kameleon, with performances by Airress, The X Wife, Molly Kewl, and the queen herself, Helena Poison. Don’t miss this night of high-energy drag—grab your tickets now on Eventbrite and get ready for an unforgettable show!

By Kevin Blondin