We had the good fortune of connecting with Yutoya Avazé Leon and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Yutoya Avazé, what do you want your legacy to be?
I want to be remembered as one of a kind. There’s a lot of drag performers gigging around and i appreciate the growth and visibility drag has received. However even though I see numerous similarities, there is truly only one Yutoya. The comedy, the vocals, the CROCS and especially my music. How I always wanted to be in every single show or on every stage I could. Even if it meant double booking myself.

I want to be a testament that you can kick down many doors by being willing to do the work. Taking those tip spots, doing the competitions, HELL even just being in the audience and loving on your fellow creatives. Become an undeniable talent. Ask anybody about Yutoya Avazé Leon and regardless of good or bad, they will say “She is EVERYWHERE! Always working. And she LOVES Drag!”

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Growing up in Louisiana and Texas; being black, queer and just plain annoying, I often found myself looking for different ways to express my emotions through art. Started with drawing(very badly) to Choir, then Theatre and ended with Drag. Drag helped me get in touch with my feminine side I was always taught to oppress. Did my first drag performance in college, one night only and I was a BRICK! Got my drag name from two wigs I saw at the local beauty supply. A curly wig named Yutoya and a straight piece named Avazé.
After dropping out I moved to Georgia and through a Talent contest I got into the Macon Gay Nightlife scene. First singing out of drag then eventually bringing Yutoya out to sing instead. Got on cast and did a few shows for a couple months till Macon’s only gay club shut down.
From 2017 till 2019 my sisters and I did gigs in Atlanta, Athens and so on sporadically until we formed our own group. The Tribe was born and has been growing since. The only obstacles we’ve faced is visibility. Venues not wanting drag entertainment to venues trying to delegate what we can/can not perform. As well as being underpaid. We even learned that some of our biggest supporters from the jump didn’t really believe in us.
5 Local BIPOC artists came together and made magic. Got invited to perform in venues/stages that drag has NEVER touched. Us with the help of the community successfully brought back the LGBTQIA Queer entertainment scene back in Middle Ga.
I myself got into the music scene and have played acoustic sets in a few bars with my guitarist. Garnered a lot of support in/out of drag shows. My superpower is my theatricality and lyricism. All my music is original, no ghost writer in sight. As a matter of fact, I’ve got my drag family on one of my tracks. I even wrote my sister’s verse. I’m know as the MacTown Thottie in my group. I make all the promo, do mixes. Even over all the social media as maintaining a growing online presence. I cohost Tribe shows as well host my own independently and still make time to travel to do other shows. I keep myself very busy.
Now I’m a recording Artist, Pageant Winner (2023 Mx Peach Pit) and known traveling showgirl.

I’ve do a lot independently but my drag family and The Tribe has done so much more. Creating safe spaces and providing a platform for budding queer talent of all ages.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Me personally I’d have them get set up at the Marriot Marquis.

Monday we’d be in the Square off Piedmont and go The Eagle and catch whatever show is happening and across the Oscars for Karaoke and then next door to Su’s for dinner.

Tuesday we’d stay in.

Wednesday we’d be in EAV, go to Southern Feed Store for food and then off to Mary’s for Drinks and more Karaoke.

Thursday we’d catch a show at Marys then hop over to X Midtown for the late show.

Friday through Sunday there’s too many options. The point is, they’d go where I go. If I’m booked somewhere in the area (MSR, Redlight Cafe, Mary’s, OutFront Theatre, Star Bar etc) they’re GOING! We’re seeing drag and eating fried food like the good lord intended.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I owe my entire Drag Career to The Tribe Macon, The Pink Flamingos, close friends and of course my family! Also to B3 my friend/Producer!

Instagram: Personal @yutoya_leon Business @TheTribeMacon @YutoyaEvents

Twitter: @YutoyaLeon

Facebook: Yutoya Avazé Leon

Youtube: Yutoya Avazé Leon

Other: TikTok @Yutoya_leon

Image Credits
Hutchenson Photography LLC

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