Desmond is Amazing: LGBTQ Youth’s Number-One Advocate

Desmond Napoles was born to slay, and he wants to remind all LGBTQ youth that they are just as fierce.

Napoles, also known as Desmond Is Amazing, first made a splash at the 2015 Pride parade in his home of New York. Since then, he has gone on to become a multi-awarded, LGBTQ advocate; outspoken, gay youth; genderfluid, editorial, and runway model; motivational, public speaker; drag performer; and published author. He also appeared at Drag Con and founded the Haus of Amazing, a drag community for kids and a supportive group for parents and guardians for LGBTQ, gender-nonconforming, and gender-creative youth. 

In April, Napoles added singer-songwriter to his list of accomplishments. He released his debut single, “We Are Amazing,” which is a Pride anthem for LGBTQ youth to live their true and authentic selves. In the music video, Napoles is joined by various drag kids including Manic Panic’s Tish and Snooky, as well as fans lip syncing to the song. 

OFM had the opportunity to catch up with Napoles to find out just how amazing he is. 

I would like to begin by talking more about your debut single, “We Are Amazing.” How excited were you to release this track?
We recorded it in 2018, but some stuff happened, so we could not release the song. Then we had to redo the song, at least remix it, then finally, after those couple years, it finally came out. It was very exciting.

Can you tell us more about the song’s message and why you wanted to write it?
I wanted to write it to just let everyone know that you are amazing. Do not let anyone hate on you. You are a superstar. 

“We Are Amazing” was released just in time for Pride. As an LGBTQ youth, what does Pride personally mean to you?
Being yourself and loving yourself for who you are, regardless of whatever. As long as it is not hurting anyone. 

You first came to prominence when you were 10 years old and declared your love for drag. Can you talk more about how you discovered your passion for drag?
According to my mom, I liked to watch RuPaul’s Drag Race when I was young, and that kind of inspired me to try and dress up with the stuff I had around my house.

What would you say are some of the benefits of children being exposed to drag at an early age?
That drag is appropriate, and they can learn that it is OK to wear certain items, even though people say not to. You can have fun doing what you love and dressing up. You can dress up however you want to be.

What are some future goals you would like to accomplish with your drag?
Make another song, make another book, and hopefully, start the Haus of Amazing soon. 

Can you tell us more about the Haus of Amazing?

It is going to be an online, secure, safe space for drag kids and their parents. My mom is finishing up the website right now. So, after the website is done, I hope we can get started on it. 

Once you are old enough, do you have any desire to audition for RuPaul’s Drag Race?
No, not really. I used to, but now I feel like the show is just getting repetitive. So, not really.

Living your authentic self has obviously led to some controversy and criticism. How do you respond to the haters?
Pay the haters no mind. As I say in my song, ‘Pay the haters no mind; they’ll never be as fierce as you and I.’

Was it difficult for your life to suddenly being thrust into the public spotlight?
A little, but I got used to it very quickly. 

You have had the opportunity to walk on the New York Fashion Week runway and collaborate with multiple designers and brands. Is there a designer or brand you would love the opportunity to work with?
Yes, Anna Sui!

Last year, you published your book, Be Amazing: A History of Pride. How has it been received?
It has gotten a lot of good reviews, and I have seen a lot of kids read it. I am really happy how well it is doing.

What more do you hope to accomplish with your platform?
I hope to reach more children and tell them that it is OK to be you. Hopefully, the next generation of kids will learn to accept themselves for who they are. 

Before we wrap up, are there any other projects or anything else you would like to mention or plug?
I hope somebody starts a magazine that will focus on drag kids. I also want to do a youth show someday. Like, a monthly or bimonthly youth show. Fun stuff that will help bring the community together.

To stay up-to-date with Napoles, follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, or visit his official website.