RuPaul is known for offering out the pearls of wisdom, spirituality and guidance and each time a queen leaves drag race, it’s usually with sadness and regret. But Laganja Estranja’s time on the show was different, even she admits, ‘I got mixed reviews.’
Not instantly clicking with the other queens, Laganja stood apart and was often left to defend herself from the harsh critique of others. Although she may not have won the race, don’t go thinking she walked away empty-handed. ‘Laganja has taught me how to be more confident,’ she tells us, ‘and use my creativity as a bulwark against negativity.’

What surprised you most about drag?
The thing that surprised me most about drag is how physically exhausting it is, especially when tucked and I am death dropping every other night.

What was your first performance, how did you feel and how did it turn out?
My first performance was at Micky’s in West Hollywood, CA and it was actually an amateur contest where I competed against Adore Delano. It was an unforgettable night, and even though I looked a fool I still won and was awarded a full time spot as a showgirl. It felt incredible!

What characteristics of Laganja have you now taken to be part of your
daily life?
Laganja has taught me how to be more confident and use my creativity as a bulwark against negativity.

What made you take on the character of Laganja and her love for weed?
I took on the character of Laganja after I hurt my back in college. During a dance performance, I was dropped five feet while in a lift causing my pelvis to shift. I was in excruciating amounts of pain after the accident so I sought out a chiropractor. After several sessions, my chiropractor
suggested I get a medical marijuana card and try ingesting to reduce the pain. After I followed the legal procedures and discovered just how well ganja worked, I began to stop taking other pharmaceutical medications as well. So when choosing my drag name, I wanted something that stood out, sounded ratchet, and still had a powerful meaning behind it all. LEGALIZE TODAY!

What do you make of it now being totally on trend with Rihanna, Gaga and Miley singing about it?
I think it’s great! I am so excited more artists are sharing their love for the plant! #onelove

What are your thoughts on Drag Race in hindsight?
In hindsight, I wish I would have waited a couple more years before doing the show so I could have grown more confident and tougher skin. However, I don’t believe in regrets and am so happy and proud I was a part of the process.

Would you do it again?
I would most likely not compete again as I discovered through this process live performances are really where I shine. However, it’s hard to really say what I would exactly say if presented with the opportunity. Who knows, years from now I might be ready to give it a go again!

What were Ru’s parting words?
I can’t really remember what Ru’s parting words were, but I’m sure they were profound and enlightening. I mostly remember coming off the stage in tears and being told I had to go do an interview right away. The whole process was extremely stressful, so it’s really hard for me to remember exactly how it all went down that last day. But trust me, when I got home I smoked the fattest blunt ever!!

Out of the queens who would you most like to see and least like to see?
I would like to see an Alyssa/Shangela/Laganja Haus of Edwards tour! And I would least like to see any queen who puts others down because of her own insecurities.

Do you feel the production team edited you?
I believe the editors had an extremely hard job and thus presented my most controversial material. Of course there are moments I wish they would have shown instead that could have given my character more depth, but those wouldn’t make dramatic TV. Crying and acting ridiculous do. Plus if you can’t beat them, join them OKCURRR!!

What has been the public’s response to you?
I’ve received mixed reviews. I am definitely one of those people you either love or hate. But those who do love me are kind, understanding, and fierce so I couldn’t be happier with my #BUDS

What are you doing moving forward?
I am currently working on my rap career and have a new song coming out
just in time for Fourth of July called “Gold Grill BBQ.”

How was working with Greg on the shoot?
Greg was amazing to shoot with! We had a very limited amount of time and space but he made it work and made me feel like a superstar!

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