PRIDE Q+A: The colourful world of Hexe Noire
Drag queen extraordinaire Hexe Noire has been showcasing her work in Hamilton for more than six years. Noire is acting “Mother” to Hamilton’s alternative drag house, the “Haus of Noire,” founded in 2018. She has been chosen as The Hamilton Spectator’s Diamonds Readers’ Choice Award’s as best local artist. You aren't going to want to miss her answers.
As a queer woman and mother to four amazing children (all biological), Noire understands the importance of community support. She works diligently in our local communities by hosting library drag story time events for Indigo and Hamilton and Brantford public libraries. She also provides family-friendly drag performance programming through her contributions to the Art Gallery of Hamilton, Hamilton Fringe Festival, Binbrook Pride, Hamilton Winter Festival, Concession Street Festival, Supercrawl and more.
- If you could change one thing that’s happened since you started drag, what would it be?
I would change the onset of the drag panic or anti-drag hysteria movement. The movement aims to make people believe that drag is harmful to minors and that drag performers are grooming children through drag storytime programs to become queer. The threats, harassment and terror aimed at drag performers and trans people must stop.
- If you could live anywhere besides Hamilton, where would that be?
I don’t see myself ever living outside of Hamilton, but I have definitely dreamt about living in New York City. I am drawn to the madness of big cities full of interesting people, food and art. I find the history of NYC’s nightlife, music scene and fashion industry so interesting so I’d more than likely pick NYC as my second home.
- Describe your ideal partner.
I’m a loner Dottie, a rebel ~ P.W. Herman.
- How many pairs of shoes do you have?
I have way too many pairs of heels living under my bed. They never ever get worn and I really should donate them, I’m not a shoe queen at all! I am most comfortable in a pair of glittery boots. Drag is very uncomfortable so I at least need to be able to stand and perform in comfort.
- Favourite type of holiday: beaches, wilderness or city?
A city full of culture with an active nightlife. Sun and bugs are not my vibe.
- Favourite season of Rupaul’s Drag Race?
Four, five or six, I can't pick just one season. I feel seasons 4-6 really helped change the face of Drag Race. The queens that showcased their art on these seasons opened up the closet for the richer drag culture we see on the show today.
- Who’s the most famous drag queen you’ve met?
I have met well over 100 queens at this point and I’m not really sure how fame is defined but if we are going by legend status I would have to say Lady Bunny. If you 21-year-old Hexe in 1995 while renting a VHS copy of Wigstock from Blockbuster that one day she would be rubbing wigs with the iconic Lady Bunny I never would have believed you, yet here we are!
- Which famous drag queen would you like to me?
I have always wanted to meet Peaches Christ. We are both Gen X weirdos into all things camp, macabre and pop culture. I have always really admired Peaches' art and what she has done for alternative drag.
- Last film you watched?
Late Night With The Devil – 100% recommend if you enjoy delightfully dark found-footage possession horror.
- Starbucks or Tim Hortons?
Starbucks queen for life!!
- What was your first job?
I was a papergirl for The Hamilton Spectator in 1985 when I was 11 years old. I was paid something ridiculous like a hundred dollars bi-weekly. I didn’t really want to work but I knew I enjoyed money so I took the job but used to hire the neighbourhood kids to deliver the actual papers for me. I still needed to make my coin so the kids did the work at a fraction of what I was being paid so all I had to do was collect the dues once a week. It was actually a pretty decent gig/scam until all the kids caught on and ratted me out.
- If you won $1 million, what would you spend it on?
I’d want to be responsible and spend it on a new house or vehicle. What I more than likely would end up spending it on is iced coffee beverages, records, concerts and regret.
- Describe a typical day.
Wakeup, mom, clean, mom, shop, mom, pet my cats, cook, mom, sleep and repeat. I am a full-time stay-at-home Mama and part-time stylist/drag queen. My family will always come first. In between all the mom madness I play with wigs, costumes and makeup while discovering new music.
- If you were an animal, what would you be?
A flamingo because they are pink, my favorite colour and extra af. Any excuse to be bougie!
- What is your favourite childhood memory?
Hitting Hutches on the beach with my family for fish and chips and swimming in Lake Ontario. It was the '80s so we did wild and crazy things like swim in the polluted Hamilton waters. I never grew any extra limbs but I hear they once found a frog with three eyes down on that beach.
- Favourite area of Hamilton?
I’ve become very fond of the Ottawa Street area. There are lots of fantastic people out and about in that area and it's home to some of Hamilton’s best businesses. Highly recommend The Hearty Hooligan for rad peeps, delish vegan food and amazing drag!
- Biggest celebrity crush?
SuzyEddie Izzard. I have always found her to be very inspiring. In 2021 Suzy raised $500K for charities by running 32 marathons in 31 days. She topped each day off with a comedy show. I get tired just thinking about it. She is amazing.
- What’s your greatest fear?
Dark open waters and what lies beneath. Lovecraft is terrifying.
- Would you rather have a live-in massage therapist or a live-in chef?
Don’t I deserve both? I think both should be arranged. Thank you.
- Proudest moment in high school?
My proudest moment would have to be winning first place at the Sears drama festival two years in a row. This gave me the opportunity to perform on stages outside of Hamilton and meet other kids that were into the art of theatre and performing. These experiences went a long way in shaping the confident performer I am today.
- Would you consider yourself romantic?
I think so, not so much in a Hollywood film kind of way but more like in a bent Hallmark card that has been touched by too many people and never purchased kind of way.
- American Idol or Dancing with the Stars?
Project Runway.
- Do you speak any other languages?
Um, yes, queen skinny legend versace boots the house down slay queen hunty mama and oop daddy work charli xcx snatch my wig. And English.
- What pisses you off?
Queerphobia.
- If you were to become a superhero, what would your power be?
I’ve never much been into comic book superheroes so I think I would just be Hexe Noire and have the ability to offer food, housing and a living wage to all people.
- What would your superhero name be?
I’ll stick with Hexe, any more names and it might get confusing.
- Can you impersonate anyone famous?
Much of my drag is focused around impersonating pop culture icons. Divine, Ursula, and Elvira have been a few of my favourites to perform, however, I am not claiming I would win any snatch games I may be a part of in the future.
- Vegetables or meat?
All the food built this queen's voluptuous bod! I absolutely could not pick just one but a prime cut steak may change my mind! Nom Nom.
- What food do you love the most?
Poutine. All types of poutine. Actually any potato with sauces or toppings get in my belly.
- What song do you love the most?
"Enjoy The Silence" by Depeche Mode.
- What film do you love the most?
Hedwig and the Angry Inch.
- FavoUrite alcoholic drink?
White wine Pinot Grigio for life.
- Favourite non-alcoholic drink?
Cherry Pepsi Zero, Dr. Pepper Zero and Faygo Firework.
- What makes you laugh the hardest?
My children demand they be the answer to this question. They are always close by doing something off the hook that makes me laugh. They inspire me every day.
- What is your go-to song for singing in the shower?
It usually ends up being whatever song I am practising for a performance. So a random mix of crazy.
- What are the funniest lyrics you’ve misheard?
When Lizzo's song "About Damn Time" was released I swore she was singing "fat, bitch, lust" when she was actually singing "fab-u-lous." I still sing it with those lyrics.
- Worst fashion trend?
Anything Britney and Justin. Those denim outfits will be burned in my brain forever. Nope!
- What’s your most useless talent?
I can tie cherry stems with my tongue. Useless? You decide.
- Can you describe your exes using movie titles?
Porky’s, The Black Hole and He/She’s Just Not That Into You come to mind.
- What would be the name of your autobiography?
Pussssy! The good, The bad and The glittery.
- Name a few things that you are most grateful for in your life?
I am grateful to always have people standing by me and cheering me on. I can always count on my family, friends and fans to be there for me during the fabulous and tragic times. I truly have a fantastic support system. I am also grateful for my skills and talents and that people want to embrace my art.
- Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I hope to be still creating art and spending as much time as possible doing that with my children. They have all expressed interest in various art forms. My heart would love to create things with all of them.
- What is your ultimate goal in life?
I’d like to make a positive impact on the world with my art, build and maintain wonderful strong loving relationships with fantastic people and get to experience as many things that bring me joy as possible.
44. Madonna or Lady Gaga?
Both are Mother and absolute icons so you could never get me to pick!
