Arnaldo, Drag Chanteuse
Producer and performer of the Seattle Cabaret Festival
Seattle, WA
What mediums do you use for your art?
I primarily perform as a drag vocalist in cabaret settings.
What is your core inspiration for your art?
My core inspiration is to open hearts and minds through music.
What do you think your role as an artist is in the community?
My role is to represent our community with dignity and excellence, ensuring that we are not only
accepted but also admired for our creativity and respected for our talents.
What would you like to see happen in the art world to include the LGBTQ+ community more?
I would like to see us recognized for our talents and skills rather than being defined solely by our
LGBTQ+ identity. Complete acceptance is essential.
How has art impacted your life?
Music and singing (and art in general) have helped me discover who I truly am, allowing me to stand
out and be proud as a gay person. Through art, I have found my chosen family, community, and a sense
of purpose to give back and hopefully make the world a little better.
Who are your favorite artists?
My cabaret muse is Eartha Kitt. She is unique as both a singer and a human being and was a strong
advocate for human and equal rights. Other artists who inspire me include Ella Fitzgerald, Billie
Holiday, Judy Garland, Karen Carpenter, and more. I tend to gravitate towards artists who have
“suffered” for their art—I suppose I am a bit dramatic that way.
Where can people see your art?
I produce the annual Seattle Cabaret Festival, which opens at The Triple Door and then continues all
month at Egan’s in Ballard. I also perform at various special events and private parties and occasionally
travel to perform.
What does it mean to be a queer artist to you?
Being a queer artist is an opportunity to be unashamedly queer in a very public way, which is
inherently valuable. I aim to contribute to the complete acceptance of our community through my
performances. It’s easy to preach to the choir, so I strive to reach out to communities unfamiliar with or
prejudiced against us. If my performance changes even one person’s perception of our community, then
I have done my job.
