Aurora Pride Performer Spotlight: Mia Staxxx

Are you ready to party like a Staxxx girl?

A badass queen who has made notorious waves in the Denver drag scene; Mia Staxxx will be a headlining performer at this year’s Aurora Pride on August 5. Originally from Northern Colorado and growing up in Fort Collins, Staxxx moved to the Mile High City to attend cosmetology school and live out her city girl dreams. When she discovered the unique and creative art of drag, there was no turning back.

There are no limitations as to what kind of show Staxxx will do, and she will always come through for the right gig. Throughout her career, she has hosted a show or event at almost every major LGBTQ space in Denver, including Tracks, Charlie’s, and Hamburger Mary’s, and she currently hosts her own production, StaxXx on ColfaxXx, every second Saturday of the month at X BAR. Staxxx will also pop up at special brunches around the city from time to time, so you never know where she might be next.

OFM had the opportunity to catch up with the artist and talk more about Aurora Pride, her drag and performance style, and more.

Let me begin by asking, how excited are you to perform at this year’s Aurora Pride?

I am ecstatic! I am now officially an Aurora resident, so it feels right! I have performed for other events in the past presented by Aurora Pride, but this year will be my first time performing at the Aurora Reservoir. I love the fact that it’s the only beachfront Pride in the Rocky Mountain Region. It feels like an honor, and it’s something to be very proud of!

Can you give us a hint as to what we can expect from your set?

High-energy, captivating moves, sex appeal, beauty, and the hottest music. The crowd always eats me up!

Besides performing, what else are you looking forward to the most about Aurora Pride?

I’ve never been, so I’m ready to catch a vibe and be around other great entertainers. I have a badass group of friends coming to support me, so it’s going to be a time. Going to a new Pride event is always a fun experience.

What does Pride mean to you?

Pride is an opportunity to be fully, unapologetically ourselves. It’s a time to show our individuality and uniqueness, try new things, and live our best life. We have been told all our lives to “tone it down.” Bigots try to dim our light. Pride is a time where we tone it up and shine even brighter!

For those who don’t know, can you tell us how your journey with drag began?

I have always entertained. I was a singer, dancer, and cheerleader all my life, but when I came out and started seeing drag queens, I thought to myself, “I can do that, and I can do that better!” So, I started performing in 2012 at the old El Potrero Nightclub. I wasn’t even old enough to get in, and I was busted. However, a lot of practice, hard work, friends and mentors, and love for the art of drag carried me through over a decade to the place I am today.

How would you describe your drag style and aesthetic?

I take a lot of inspiration from current pop culture. I love female rap, and Nicki Minaj is my icon. So, my style is influenced a lot by her. I put a lot of thought into portraying a hyper feminine persona, such as a curvy body, long hair, long nails, colorful and sparkly makeup, and accessories. I’ve found an aesthetic that works for me but switching it up from time to time is also fun.

You have been described as the Stage Slayer. What can one always expect from a Mia Staxxx performance?

Usually a sickening lip sync, although sometimes I rap and sing live. Flips, tricks, and dips. I was also named Denver’s Dancing Queen, so I can bust a move. I engage and show so much love to my audience. I love hosting and interacting with my crowd on the mic. You’re going to have the time of your life at a Mia Staxxx show.

What do you think makes the Denver drag community unique and stand out from other drag communities?

I love that you can find a drag event any and every night of the week. Denver really does rival some of the best drag communities in the country, and probably the world. It’s not just one type of drag. There’s a lot more inclusivity than there was 10 years ago. Drag kings, as well as trans and nonbinary performers, are celebrated here more than I’ve seen in other areas. I really do love Colorado Drag.

Thanks to shows like RuPaul’s Drag Race, what are your thoughts about drag becoming more mainstream?

I think drag has always been mainstream in some form. The difference now is that we can see real-life LGBTQ people doing drag in the mainstream and not straight Hollywood actors. Visibility and acceptance are always important. A detriment to Drag Race being one of the only mainstream drag sources is, sometimes people think that only drag on that level is valid. Sometimes people forget to support and be inspired by local drag.

Do you have any desire to be on a show like Drag Race?

I do! Lately, I’ve been feeling the fire growing. I get so inspired by Drag Race, and I have so many supporters that want to see me on Drag Race. I’ve got to work on defeating my inner saboteur who says that I’m not ready or not skilled enough. I am.

What are some future goals you hope to accomplish with your career and platform?

Drag Race is absolutely a goal. I also want to get back in the gym and perform like I did in my 20s, do more live performances, do more community work, and maybe do drag full-time someday. You’re never too old to dream or achieve goals. I want to continue doing drag into my older years.

Before we wrap up, are there any other upcoming projects or anything else you’d like to mention or plug?

Follow me on all socials because I’m always cookin’ up somethin’! Shoutout to my Staxxx Navy; I love y’all to death, and Aurora Pride, let’s get crackin’!

Stay up-to-date and connect with Staxxx by following her on Facebook @miastaxx, Instagram @mia.staxx.x, and TikTok @mia.staxxx. For more information on Aurora Pride, visit aurorapride.com.

Photos courtesy of Luis Pizarro Portraits and Brian Degenfelder Photography