Today we’d like to introduce you to Miz Diagnosis
Hi Miz, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started in February of 2020, one month to the day, before the world shut down. I had graduated college in May of 2019 and my entire group of queer friends moved to the four corners of the nation and I was craving a queer community of my own. I already had a background of performing, so I thought it would be a great idea to start performing drag! And it quickly became my favorite thing, however—we then had a global pandemic that took away all of my newly-found friends. So I became very active online in many digital drag spaces. I used to host a virtual green room on Zoom called, “Miz Diagnosis’ Green Room” where drag artists from all over the globe (quite literally) came and we all kiki’d while doing our makeup and sharing tips and stories. During the pandemi lovato I also became active in digital night life experiences, such as Escaton, Brita Filter’s “Unfiltered” Parties, and I even had my own digital show I produced on the Clubhouse app called “Clubhouse Squares.” My mentor always jokes that I “won” the pandemic because I had built such a strong community and presence online. But after a couple years online I finally got to get back out on stages, some of my first gigs were charity hosting gigs, which transitioned into paid bookings, then traveling gigs, and now I’m fully flourishing as “your favorite bear in a dress”. Over the past four years I’ve really worked on the artistry and activism that comes with being such a visibly queer entity out in the community. I’m very proud of the hard work and perseverance that I’ve put into my drag, and I’m incredibly humbled how I’ve been received by audiences and patrons.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Oh it absolutely has not been a smooth road. Well, there was a pandemic when I started, so I learned how to make that work for me. And even to this day it can be difficult. Minneapolis has so many talented drag artists that you can pick from to put in your shows, and there’s a LOT of politics (and nepotism) that comes with those decisions. I’ve worked tirelessly to make sure that I carved out my own path in the Minneapolis drag scene, and I’ve done so pretty successfully.
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 am known for my drag artistry, specifically for my comedy, activism and reading books to kids. When it comes to the art of drag, I do it all, I produce my own costumes, makeup, mixes and (most) of my own wigs. From head-to-ankle you get a full Miz Diagnosis experience—I have yet to learn how to cobble shoes. In drag I am most proud of a drag story hour that I did back in July of 2023 that went viral on TikTok. The day of the event the venue (Little Roos in Chaska, MN) was PACKED with kiddos and parents alike. We also were met with proud boys who were fully brandished—protesting the story hour. It was my proudest moment because I got to spread love, and the joy of reading to kids while being clearly as visibly queer as possible.
How do you think about happiness?
This is a really difficult question for me, because “happy” is not my default. I have to constantly seek happiness in the little things day-to-day. But if I’m just thinking off the top of my head, I’d have to say music (everything from classical, to show tunes, to Megan Thee Stallion), rain, my friends, and laughter. Which, laughter sounds like an obvious answer, but it truly is my favorite thing. I love telling jokes and bringing joy to others—it fills my bucket like nothing else.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @miz_diagnosis
- Facebook: Miz Diagnosis
- Other: TikTok: @miz_diagnosis
