Satine Explain's It All! A PhillyDragopolis Interview

After a couple of weeks of drama, now that some of the smoke had cleared and you all have picked a side I sat down with Satine to get her side of the story.  How she really feels about being banned from the Dollhouse Review, her relationship with Misty Maven and Navaya Shay, and What really makes this controversial diva tick.  I have to admit what she said really surprised me.  So hold on to those eyelashes my little drag hags...Here is my interview with the Dragopolis's most dramatic drag queen...whether you like it or not! 

PD: When did you start doing drag?
SH: I started doing drag a little over a year ago. The first time I went out in public in drag was the first time I performed as Satine as well...and looking back on it,  that takes some balls. I first got dressed in drag because Navaya Shay, Cherry Pop, Diana Dharling, and Brittany Lynn were all doing a farewell show for  Q Lounge. Navaya asked me if I wanted to get in drag with her and come over to Woody's where she would be hosted the RuPaul's Drag Race viewing party and then perform at Q after. I agreed... & the rest is history.

PD: So who is in your drag family?SH: Hahaha. Good question! I'm not sure anymore. I'm like Philadelphia's little orphan drag queen now. No, but seriously....I'd say Cherry Pop 100% is my drag sister. She got me started doing drag at the Dollhouse Revue by putting me in her number with her at show #1 and really helped me put my name out there which later lead to me becoming a Dollstar.  I just love her so much as a friend and respect her so much as a person. I can't begin to express to you how much I love and adore her.

PD: Who inspires Satine Harlow?
SH: My biggest inspirations for Satine were Bettie Page, Jean Harlow, Jessica Rabbit, and Nicole Kidman's character in the film "Moulin Rouge." I think it's obvious to see where I pulled my name from. Haha. I wanted my drag persona to be that pin-up inspired, sultry sexpot which I felt was missing in the Philly drag scene.

PD: What kind of performer do you want to be?
SH: Honestly, I'm not sure. What I've set out to do from the beginning when I first created Satine was to always be a chameleon. I wanted to always keep my look and the numbers I do ever changing. I don't want to become stagnant or boring. I like to keep the audience guessing.

PD:What is your favorite place to perform and why?
SH: Tabu. I love how intimate it is. It's like performing in your living room for a room full of your closest friends and family. I love it

PD: You were a part of the Dollhouse Revue at one point.  Do you ever regret leaving it?SH: Not at all. The Dollhouse was an amazing opportunity and I have to thank Mimi Imfurst from the bottom of my heart for letting me be part of the show. I put my blood, sweat, and years into that show and don't regret a second of it. The reason I left is because I took a job in the suburbs and it became too hard getting back and forth for rehearsals and I really wanted to focus on my career as a hairstylist and makeup artist.

PD: Tell me about your rumored romance with Navaya Shay....and what your current status is.
SH: Hahaha. Publicity GOLD at its finest. Hey, no press is bad press...and naturally, I know that better than anyone. Navaya and I are in a weird place right now as friends. I'm not going to discuss it publicly, but hopefully we can repair our friendship. I think THE WORLD of Navaya and respect her so much.

PD: The Dollstars and you have had a on again off again love affair...Explain your side.  And how you feel about being banned.
SH: Honestly, I can't tell you how much love and respect I have for all of those girls. I mean that 150%. No bullshit. Each one of those girls is insanely talented and I feel honored and blessed to know them and to have worked with them. Hey, at first. I won't lie, I was LIVID about being banned. I couldn't figure out why personal issues had to be thrown out there and blown WAY out of proportion...but I'm over it now. I don't have anything bad to say about any of the girls. I mean, I went last week in face to watch the show to show I still support every single one of them, including Misty Maven.

PD: Since you brought it up...What are your true feelings about Misty Maven and what happened?

SH: I really don't have anything bad to say about her. No bullshit when I tell you, I think she is amazingly talented and beautiful. Shes a strong performer and really fun to watch. Despite all the drama between us, she really was a good friend to me and I feel bad, I mean REALLY bad, about being the perpetrator of so much drama. I used to watch her tutorials on YouTube when I first started doing drag and was completely in awe of her beauty and look. Despite all this shit that happened and the horrible things we said to each other, I still think she's a great queen and I wish her nothing but the best.

PD: Have you experienced a lot of backlash due to what happened?  Any supporters?SH: Of course I have. Tons of messages on Facebook saying how horrible I am and blah, blah, blah...some queens who once were close friends of mind refusing to talk to/perform with me...being banned. Also, I've had many  people say to me "hey, you're human. You make mistakes." in any situation like this, people are either going to love you or hate you...and the people who are my real friends and fans will be there to support me no matter what. I just think its time to move on from this whole dramatic experience and act like adults.

PD: There is a rumor going around that Stephanie Chic has turned to Navaya Shay to be her drag mother...What are your feelings about it?
SH:  Hey, Stephanie can turn to whoever she wants for help. She's an incredible queen and I love her to death. I mean, I learned drag 101 from Navaya Shay, and I turned out pretty good. Haha.

PD:You have been known lately for creating a lot of controversy...Is that the real Satine Harlow?  And is this the rep that you wanted?SH: I never set out to be known as a "bad girl." that's not really the reputation I aspired to have....but it is what it is. I think people should form their own opinion of me once they meet me and talk to me. There are 3 sides to every story. My side, her side, and the truth.

PD: What is one thing about Satine Harlow that your fans don't know?
SH: I suffer from HORRIBLE stage fright. It's so funny because I go out there and do my thing and where little to nothing, but right before I get out there and I hear the intro to my music literally, I feel my heart racing and my knees shaking...but once I'm on that stage and feel the heat of those lights I give my all to each performance and forget about how nervous I am. I can remember for months at the dollhouse, getting up and down those stairs was a struggle for me because my knees and legs were shaking so bad so I'd just stay on stage the whole time. Haha.

PD: I think that is all I have...Any parting words?
SH: Thank you so much Brandon for this opportunity. I really love and respect you and congratulate you on the success of your blog. PUT YOUR PUMPS UP! XO.

Despite her recent drama Satine is definitely not down and out!  She just competed in Circus of the Stars on Tuesday night, she is appearing weekly at POP'D at TABU on Wednesdays (mmmm same time as Dollhouse), and will be a featured performer in THIS MONTH'S Dragapalooza!  Drag is in her blood (or maybe her alcohol) she always threatens to leave the drag world but we know she never will...whether you like it or not!!