From Dragula to Drag Mother: Melissa BeFierce is the Queen of L.A.
Article written by Dave Lopez
Melissa BeFierce became a force in the drag world when she was runner up on the first season of The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula. Melissa launched herself into the finale of the drag monster competition by serving frightening and fierce looks and proving that you can be bloody AND beautiful. As the alterego of Alfredo Salinas, Melissa is one of the hardest working queens in Los Angeles. You can catch her almost any night of the week turning looks with that mug that can stop traffic.
The Latina diva with the body ody ody is just as sexy out of drag. With a smoldering look that could kill and a body full of tattoos telling the narrative of her life, this is a queen who truly transforms. Just check her out on Instagram and you’ll see why she is one of the fiercest bitches working in the City of Angels.
Melissa BeFierce stopped in for an exclusive kiki and to share what she’s been up to from living the dream as a drag mother, to memorializing Selena, and more.
Any current or upcoming projects?
I’m actually gonna start my new show called CROWN at 10 in Downtown L.A. where I showcase not just drag entertainers, but also drag kings, trans women and men, male and female entertainers. We’re going to showcase it all and I’m excited to be doing that and blessings are always coming my way so who knows what’s to come for me all I can say is stay tuned (wink wink).
When was the first time you did drag?
Uhhhhhh I don’t even remember that's how old I’m getting! LOL I did drag for the first time at Arena Nightclub, which doesn’t exist anymore. I believe I was 23 and let me tell you, it was definitely a choice LOL. I looked a hot boo boo mess! I can’t believe my friends let me walk out of the house like that. I think the only good thing, or maybe a few things I would say, was that I got the name Melissa and I became more confident.
What has life been like since you appeared on Dragula?
I have nothing but great things to say about life after Dragula! I’ve gotten to meet so many fans, I got to travel all over the U.S. and still do. Once in a while I get recognized on the streets or even at the clubs when I go out and I love it. It’s such a beautiful feeling to know that people out there appreciate your work.
What is one of your most memorable drag moments?
I would say it was filming the finale of Dragula. I was going through a break up during that time and one of my looks was me killing my husband and you can literally see it all in my expressions and of course my iconic NUN. That was the last look I decided to do and it was the look that till this day everyone remembers the most and talks to me about.
What’s the most important thing about being a House Mother?
I think it is to always look out for your kids just like a real mother would. I’m always making sure my girls look their best every time. I also make sure they are the ones I reach out to for bookings. I want them all to be successful and continue to represent my name everywhere they go.
What is a common misconception about being a drag queen?
That we are bottoms and femme queens, which is not the case. I love being Alfredo. I love how masculine I can be as well and just because we dress as women doesn't make us any less of a man or a complete bottom. Well…at least in my case LOL
What’s one of your favorite songs to perform in drag?
I honestly don’t have any. It's just up to the mood I'm in that day. I can wake up and be like I want to do English numbers and there are days when I just want to perform Spanish numbers…so I really don’t have a go-to.
How did you get involved with the Jennifer Lopez tribute at the iHeartRadio Music Awards?
My girl Morgan McMichaels reached out to me on a Sunday afternoon and told me that they had reached out to her about working with JLo and that she was gonna turn in my name to production because she knows that JLo is my biggest IDOL/INSPIRATION. She had to throw my name in the hat! A week later I was chosen to be part of the tribue and I was at a loss for words.
Why did you choose to represent JLo as Selena?
When I was asked to be part of the tribute I was asked to send in pictures of me doing JLo and I sent a variety in and JLo picked my ‘Selena’. It was perfect for me! What was crazy was that the day before the show was the 25th anniversary of the Selena film. I had a cute moment with JLo when I congratulated her. We both giggled and it was magical!
Have you ever had sex in drag? If so, what do you love/hate about it?
Yes I have had sex in drag and I don’t like it–it’s the worst! I have to get all undressed, take my pads and my tights off and let me tell you, you can just picture a very hairy woman LOL I just can't do that…I like to keep the fantasy going. Also kissing in drag is the worst! Lipstick and gloss come off and it’s all over your face. Sometimes the five o’clock shadow shows…not a cute look and also getting a boner in drag while you’re tucked uhhhh the worst! I’m sure my queens can relate to this. It’s uncomfortable!
Who are some of your sex symbol inspirations?
My main one is Marilyn Monroe. This beauty lived her life to the fullest and broke so many rules and I think that’s how we should live life. Take chances and never have regrets, that’s how I live life. I’m gonna do what I want, when I want. Life is short and she lived it just like that. I hope to meet her in my next life.
If you were to design a pair of Andrew Christian underwear, what would they look like?
I love a good fitted bikini cut. I love a man who can show all the goodies and by that I mean legs, v-line, the lower stomach, and of course, we can’t forget that package! I wanna see it all!
Follow Melissa BeFierce on Instagram and catch her performing the house down bootz in L.A.…if you can.