The City of Pittsburgh is known for its gritty perspective and wonderfully eclectic and diverse artistic world. On season 17 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” one of those very artists is emerging as an instant fan favorite. Lydia B Kollins (or Lydia “Butthole” Kollins) stood out from the crowd in a full-body sock puppet outfit during the season premiere, and her talent and abilities are quickly proving that she is a force to be reckoned with in the competition. We chatted with Lydia B Kollins about her “Drag Race” experience so far, her Pittsburgh roots and the surprising collaborator that helped her prepare for the “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Mainstage.
It is such a treat to talk to “RuPaul’s Drag Race” contestants so quickly post-premiere. What is the vibe and response that you have gotten from people so far?
Generally a good response. People are living for and liking “The Butthole.” A sick part of me has been enjoying the hate comments. I have been getting a sick kick out of the people saying, “You’re rotted and you should go home.” That is a lot of fun for me.
It is both shocking and disheartening to hear that this early in the game, you are receiving hate…
Yes, but any press is good press. Engagement is engagement [laughs].
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania’s drag scene is eclectic, diverse and definitely spread out. Is that fair to say?
Yes, Pittsburgh has the most devious little sewer rats running around [Laughs].
How did you get your own start in the Pittsburgh drag scene?
My first gig was with all of the Pittsburgh girls. It was a Pride event hosted by Suzanne Bartsch. So I was definitely thrown into it and it was a great bootcamp for the actual drag scene, I think.
What do you think it is about Pittsburgh that made you stand out? Season 4 winner Sharon Needles is from Pittsburgh, as is “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars” season 2 winner, Alaska.
I think it’s possibly the lack of care for any other opinions, the irreverence for sure, and it’s a lot of marching to your own drum at any moment. That is what I value and hold so close to me about my own drag.
Have you always been the type of performer who stood in their own truth and delivered their own drag the way they wanted to?
I think I have always been that way. I kind of had no other choice than to be that way. When I was starting drag, I had only available what was in my room and in my house, I wasn’t old enough to go to the bars quite yet. Off the bat, it was like, “Do what you want to do whenever you want to do that.”
The current Pittsburgh community must be proud of seeing one of their own on this season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race.”
Yeah, I have the full support of Pittsburgh behind me. It’s really crazy and it feels very surreal to be recognized by the Pittsburgh girls.
Have you been out in the Philadelphia drag scene as of yet?
I have not performed in Philadelphia yet, just Pittsburgh. I don’t think I’ve been to Philly yet, actually!
A lot of the girls on your season are from very diverse areas in terms of geography. Do you think that being a Pittsburgh girl stands up strongly against the girls from other areas of the country with strong drag communities?
Yeah, I do. I think you could ask any of the girls. I don’t think they’ve seen anything like Lydia B Kollins, good or bad. I think that it’s because there is such little Pittsburgh representation on “Drag Race.” It is sort of a wild card and I can do whatever I want and I feel like it will still be set apart from the crowd.
To that point, we have never had a queen where “Butthole” is their maiden name!
[Laughs!] Right!
Speaking of which, your talent show was true and complete chaos in the best way possible. Was that your first choice?
Yeah. I have a history of being inside of giant sock-puppet-eque creatures and when I was cast, I wanted to do something that flexes all of my creative muscles. Creating the puppet was one thing. Recording the track with my brother was another. Then I got to make matching outfits with me and the puppet. It was like a childhood fever dream come true!
Having your brother as a collaborator must be so amazing!
He is. My brother is a fifth-grade music teacher and he has been recording his own tracks for his entire life. When I got the call, I said “Jacob, I need your help to record this royalty-free track for me please” [Laughs]. I could not have done it without him.
Follow Lydia B Kollins on Instagram @foreheadbrows. You can watch her on “RuPaul’s Drag Race” on Fridays at 8 p.m. EST on MTV.