Meet Reina Shine of San Diego

Today we’d like to introduce you to Reina Shine.

Hi Reina , can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Hi , my name is Rey, but I also go by Reina Shine. I started drag 9 years ago with the dream of getting to express a new side of myself. I always knew I was different and had something special within me, but didn’t know how to express it, until I found drag. I would play music videos when I was home alone and perform to an empty living room in my family’s tiny apartment. I also became aligned with Lady Gaga at the ripe age of 11 and became obsessed. She helped me find my strength and to find ways of feeling my feminine side along with the many pop divas in the music world. Since starting drag in 2017, I have grown and pushed myself to pursue my passion of entertaining. I have performed for audiences of all kinds and at many different venues. What makes it all worth it is the feeling that you pass on of empowerment and self expression that helps instigate something in someone else. I always want to help other in and out of drag. I desire to help the human experience be better and kinder in whatever ways I can, through drag and through compassion.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been a smooth road, it’s been the bumpiest path , but all the while still inspiring. Every lesson , every misstep, and every downfall comes with growth and resilience. I am so happy to still be pursuing my dreams and still continue regardless of the obstacles that come with any career choice or pursuit of a goal.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’n drag, it can be about the shallow and the frivolous, but it also has its core which has always been about fighting societal norms within queer culture and in the broader scope of culture. Drag is a protest of what the world deems as acceptable and I find that gaining consciousness of what is right comes along with drag. You always fight for the underdog, for the misrepresented, and minorities if you are doing drag the right way. Working with charities and doing shows that are for causes that mean something to a community, and frankly a community that’s being attacked by this current administration. What sets me apart, is that I have given up alcohol and about to hit a year sober. I work in a non alcoholic bar. I have seen things and approached things from a new standpoint and support my community in better ways now.

What do you like and dislike about the city?
I love my city for its beaches and accessibility. I love that at its core our community fights for the right causes and allows new and blooming artists to create spaces for all kinds of artists.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reina.shiine?srtk=bDJkZTFudHpwNWlr&utm_source=qr

Image Credits
@verocityproductions