A Chat with Carson Kressley
Balancing It All
You’re constantly balancing multiple projects — from RuPaul’s Drag Race, book author, fashion lines, and live appearances. How do you stay grounded, organized, and still enjoy the process?
Anything creative for me is very energizing . I just love the creative process: from judging drag race (and even styling my looks for the show) to working on BBQ Brawl for the food network (again creating looks for that show is a highlight ) it’s always collaborative and fun. I get to use my comedy chops as well as providing thoughtful expert feedback . Designing a home collection for Ballard or clothing for QVC has been so fun and creative that it honestly doesn’t feel like work. I also think the variety of all my creative work keeps it from being overwhelming . That being said I do cherish my time at my farm in Pennsylvania to recharge with with horses , cooking for friends and family , and creating beauty in my gardens. Staying organized is the hardest part. So I try to keep it very visual : I have a rolling rack of work clothes going at all times so I have looks at the ready to pack and I also use an actual old fashioned calendar where I write in (by hand ) all my flights, appointments and events . It’s old school but it’s just what works best for me! And I cannot forget to thank my assistants who step in when I need an extra hand with travel and even keeping my closets organized!
Finding the Pride Spirit
June is Pride Month, and you’ll be part of Sycuan’s Pride Weekend celebration. What helps you get into the Pride spirit each year, and what does this season mean to you personally?
Well for me pride is a very special time of the year. I always think about my first pride in New York City . It was 1991 and i was just 21 years old and moved to the city that May from small town Pennsylvania. I had NO IDEA there was such a vast, diverse and welcoming community !!! I felt such pride, safety , joy and community. And you must remember the AIDS epidemic was , sadly , in full force and our rights were limited to say the least. So in many ways it was a sad and scary time , but the community came together and still was able to gather, protest, celebrate and remember . So I try to do those same things each pride – I remember the past and friends lost, protest the injustices still happening and hold hope for a beautiful future with progress which I know for sure is possible. I also like to put on a cute outfit and dance and soak up as much queer joy as possible!!!
Inside A Lil Bit Judgy
You’ll be joining your friend and fellow Drag Race judge Ross Mathews for your live show, A Lil Bit Judgy. What can audiences expect from the experience, and what makes performing together so much fun?
We will just have a great time when we are together. I think that really shows when we are lucky enough to be in the judging panel together at Drag Race. So we will bring that same spirit, spill some tea, give some advice (solicited or not !) and most importantly have a fun night celebrating our community.
Celebrating at Sycuan
How special is it to have a welcoming and inclusive destination like Sycuan Casino Resort celebrating Pride and creating a space for the LGBTQ+ community to come together?
We love a safe space that not only hosts our community but EMBRACES it. The team at Sycuan has curated an unbelievable line up of pride weekend events for our community and its allies. And we can’t wait to be a part of it. And I did I mention Ross and I both love loose slots!
Staying Connected
How can readers keep up with your latest projects, appearances, and adventures?
Please share your social media handles and website. The best place to keep up with all that’s going on in my world is the gram! So find me on instagram at @carsonkressley
The WORD Is___________.
The WORD is AUTHENTICITY- Pride is great reminder to get out there and be proud of exactly who you are ! And to carry that authenticity with you EVERY day of the year !