Drag artists Taylor Alxndr and Elle Aye find their true selves onstage

Credit: Photo by Mark Morinii

Credit: Photo by Mark Morinii

Alxndr and Aye performed together in almost every show in 2021 and 2022, Alxndr says. Now they appear less as a duo but are often asked to do events and will perform in the same set. They have been featured in Pride shows across the Southeast, in Halloween and Christmas shows and in Wussy Events headlined by hosts of TV series such as “RuPaul’s Drag Race” and “The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula.”

Both of them can be seen performing at Mary’s in East Atlanta and at Wussy Events shows all over the city. On Dec. 22, they will take the stage for Wussy Events’ “Muppets Christmas Drag Brunch” at City Winery.

Beyond performing in such colorful lineups, Alxndr and Aye host their own shows, such as Aye’s “King Me!,” a monthly performance at My Sister’s Room featuring a cast of all drag kings. As a drag king, Aye wears men’s clothing and performs with stylized masculinity. Every “King Me!” show has a different theme, ranging from boy bands to Black history, from country music to cartoons.

Alxndr hosts multiple recurring shows, including the monthly “Mug Check” at My Sister’s Room, a series of competitions culminating in a pageant in December where that year’s overall winner is declared.

At their home near South Atlanta, the couple, who are now married, have converted their basement into a studio where they conceptualize and create looks, and put on makeup and costumes. Between Alxndr’s large wigs that “engulf a wall” and the fabrics and pieces Aye uses to create his pageant looks, the space is overflowing with drag.

“Something about being creative — your mind just goes everywhere, and so it’s just like a big explosion,” Aye said. “For instance, and I’m not happy about this at all, but (the outfits and materials) have bled into my bedroom. … So, yeah, it’s a little chaotic, but that’s what makes the art good.”

With their busy schedules, Alxndr and Aye say it’s impossible to find time to make every outfit they wear. Like many other drag entertainers, their ensembles consist of complex pieces they have commissioned, pieces they have created themselves from scratch and other items they’ve bought and embellished.

In June, Alxndr hosted a show themed after Beyoncé's new album “Cowboy Carter.” Aye wore Levi jeans and chaps, a look he created to match Alxndr’s denim look. “I did all the fringe by hand,” he said. “The jacket I had rhinestoned … it’s just a little mix of things.”

Credit: Photo by Chris Bani

Credit: Photo by Chris Bani

The two often collaborate on ideas for shows and performances, bouncing ideas off other members of the House of Alxndr, among them Aries Alxndr, SZN Alxndr, Canzara Alxndr SZN, Tuna Fiasco, Avana Alxndr, Molly Alxndr and Tucker Aye Alxndr.

Alxndr and Aye learn styles and techniques from each other. Alxndr is inspired by Aye and the kings, “especially when it comes to wanting to add some more artistically deviant things to my resume as an entertainer,” she said. “Any drag queen entertainer can find inspiration from a drag king and appreciate different aspects of the art form.”

By watching Alxndr and other queens, Aye said he has learned how to embrace fluidity in his performances and use sensual and burlesque movements.

“I’ve learned how to feel comfortable and genuine and fluid in my performance,” Aye said. “Your average king, he’s gonna want to stomp his feet squared off and be the man’s man (whereas) I’ve learned how to be more sensual with my hand movements.”

The couple met in February 2019 at Sister Louisa’s Church bar in Athens, where Alxndr was performing. She saw Lawrence — Elle Aye’s name out of drag — in the audience and asked a mutual friend to introduce them.

“At that time, I was learning of my transness and my queerness,” said Aye, who is originally from Los Angeles. “I lived in Gwinnett County and was always going to Athens for shows. I was still finding myself.”

Two and a half weeks later, Lawrence became Elle Aye and started his drag king career in Athens. In 2020, he moved to Atlanta to be close to Alxndr, who had been performing in the city for years.

Aye proposed mid-performance on Dec. 30, 2022, at a show in Athens. Alxndr said yes, and days later Aye proposed again at the Southern Fried Queer Pride New Year’s party in Atlanta, surrounded by friends, performers and fans.

Credit: Photo courtesy of Taylor Alxndr

Credit: Photo courtesy of Taylor Alxndr

In September 2024, they got married at Wild Heaven Beer brewery surrounded by their drag family, chosen families and blood families, and honeymooned to Cozumel, Mexico, before returning to Atlanta to dive into their work.

“When I first met him, he was definitely coming into himself, both in his identity and as an entertainer,” Alxndr said of Aye. “He’s taken time to figure out who he is and what he wants in life and what makes him happy.”

The two continue to inspire each other and to grow artistically, balancing life outside of work with their hectic schedules. And they have a dream.

“I feel Taylor and I are going to be Albert and Armand from ‘The Birdcage’ and have a venue and live above it and run shows weekly or daily,” Aye said. “I don’t know when it’s going to happen, but that’s what I see for House of Alxndr.”

IF YOU GO

“Muppets Christmas Drag Brunch”

Dec. 22 — doors open at 11 a.m., show at 12:30 p.m. — at City Winery. $20-$35. 650 North Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404-946-3791, citywinery.com.

::

Luke Gardner is an Atlanta-based journalist with a history of covering the arts. Luke is passionate about serving local communities and celebrating marginalized identities.

Credit: ArtsATL

Credit: ArtsATL

MEET OUR PARTNER