Meet Jorge Luis Melendez

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jorge Luis Melendez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jorge Luis, why did you pursue a creative career?
My journey into the arts began the moment I could hold a pencil. My parents always said I was a creative child—always sketching, doodling, and finding joy in the simple act of drawing. Coming from a low-income household, art became my refuge. It was a budget-friendly way to explore my imagination, express myself, and build a world I could control and shape.

In high school, I expanded my interests into the performing arts. I discovered the thrill of embodying characters and telling stories through movement, voice, and costume. Years later, this passion led me to experiment with drag—for fun at first. But what began as a playful hobby quickly evolved into something much more meaningful. I started making lighthearted drag and cosplay videos for social media, blending everything I had learned: my fine art skills, my performance background, and my love for storytelling.

To my surprise, these videos—especially my comedic cosplay of Tomb Raider’s Lara Croft—began gaining traction online. People connected with them. They laughed, felt nostalgic, and shared them. That’s when I realized: this is not just fun for me—it’s fun for others. I had tapped into a form of art that brings joy to people, and I knew I had to keep going.

What makes this work especially fulfilling is the process. As an artist, I take great pride in crafting my props and 2D items by hand. Every piece I make is a mix of imagination, craft, and care. Knowing that the joy I feel in making these videos translates into joy for others—that’s what drives me.

Outside of my drag and cosplay work, I am a certified art teacher in Connecticut. Teaching allows me to share my love of art with others and to inspire the next generation of creatives. It’s deeply fulfilling to take what I know—about aesthetics, detail, performance, and narrative—and help others find their own voice.

Ultimately, my artistic career is about connection. Through laughter, nostalgia, craftsmanship, and creativity, I’m able to reach people in a unique and meaningful way. And that, to me, is the greatest reward.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What sets me apart from other drag performers is where—and how—I tell my story. While many queens shine on stage in bars and clubs (and I deeply respect that), my stage is a little different. I take drag into the wilds of New England: swimming in lakes, running through forests, cartwheeling through city streets, and creating cinematic, playful videos that blend nature, performance, and comedy. I bring my art to unexpected places—literally and creatively.

One of the things I’m most proud of is how far my videos have reached. They’ve racked up millions of views online and connected with audiences across the globe. Even established drag icons have noticed and celebrated my work—which is incredibly surreal and affirming.

But the journey here hasn’t been easy. For years, I was making videos with only a small audience. There were moments of doubt, of wondering if it would ever connect with others the way it connected with me. But I kept going. And that’s been the biggest lesson: stay true to your voice, stay consistent, and trust that the right people will find you when the time is right.

I want the world to know that my drag isn’t just about looking glamorous (though I do love a fierce look!). It’s about joy. It’s about storytelling, humor, nostalgia, and creating something that brings a smile—or a belly laugh—to someone’s day. My brand is all about embracing the weird, the wonderful, and the wildly creative side of drag.

At the heart of it all, I’m just someone who loves to make art, make people laugh, and bring a little magic into everyday life—one cartwheel at a time.

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?
Day 1 – Beach Day & Night Out
• Morning/Afternoon:
◦ Head to East Haven Beach to chill, swim, and enjoy the sun.
◦ Grab a lobster roll at one of the nearby beachside restaurants (we can walk there!).
• Evening:
◦ Head into New Haven for a little nightlife fun — maybe check out a bar or club.
◦ Stop for bubble tea as a sweet treat

Day 2 – Culture & Creativity
• Late Morning/Brunch:
◦ Visit a local coffee shop for a cozy brunch vibe.
• Afternoon:
◦ Explore the Yale University Art Gallery or Yale Center for British Art.
◦ Do some shopping nearby (there’s a shopping center within walking distance).
• Evening:
◦ Grab some iconic New Haven pizza (a must!).
◦ Unwind with an arts and crafts night — I’ll bring out my watercolors and supplies! You know that’s my jam 🎨✨.
Day 3 – Outdoorsy Goodness
• Morning:
◦ Head out for a hike on one of the nearby trails (there are plenty to choose from — Lighthouse Point Park, East Rock, or Sleeping Giant).

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I owe everything to my husband, Alex. He’s not just the one holding the camera—he’s my constant creative partner. From brainstorming angles and backgrounds to shaping the flow of every video, Alex is there at every step. He wholeheartedly supports my drag journey and pushes me to elevate it.

Alex has gone above and beyond—designing my website and running my online merchandise store single-handedly. He even handles everything behind the scenes for that shop! I want to give a massive shoutout to my biggest fan: my husband Alex. I love him so much, and I couldn’t have done any of this without him.

Website: https://www.yourgirlsummer.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourgirl_summerhaze

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/summer.haze.182

Other: None

Image Credits
Photos taken by Alex Girard ( My Husband )