We Built This: D.J. ‘Shangela’ Pierce Is Showing What True Freedom Looks Like Through Drag
D.J. Pierce is larger than life, and anyone who dares to attempt to shrink him will fail miserably.
Best known as Shangela, Pierce is an entertainer, an actor and a three-time contestant on “Ru Paul’s Drag Race.” Most recently, he was hand-selected by Lady Gaga to audition for the Oscar-nominated “A Star Is Born.” And though he didn’t have a main role, that title is fitting for Pierce’s story.
As Shangela, the small-town Texan just wrapped up his first major tour, performing in nearly 200 cities worldwide. Pierce has been doing drag for just eight years, but it’s clear that he’s made quite the bang among queens and fans alike (just ask his stans who should’ve won “All Stars 3”). Aside from giving all of us life, Pierce takes seriously his responsibility to ensure those who don’t feel valuable, like he once did, find their voice and follow their truth.
For “We Built This,” Pierce spoke to HuffPost about his days as a cheerleader, living in Jenifer Lewis’ basement and the freedom that drag gives him.
Check out the interview here.
