Meet Nubia Eman | SoCal’s Sweetheart of Drag

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nubia Eman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nubia, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
My biggest inspiration with my drag is black women, black&queer culture, with a dash of theatre arts. I’ve always been surrounded by strong beautiful black women like my mother and 3 sisters so I model myself off of their energies.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m a full time drag queen of about to be 8 years this December. I started doing drag while I was unhoused and unemployed, when I had to ask for old make up or got gifted it by kind hearted queens. I think what set me apart was and is my drive and heartfelt desire for everyone to win. I think that’s what has kept me working all this time. People seem to like and respect me. At least I hope they do lol. I know they at least see me as talented which is how I got to open for Sasha Colby on her LA stop of her one woman show tour. Getting to my peak in my career wasn’t easy either. Getting back to where I was pre Covid hasn’t been easy either. Being a black queen in LA tryna get gigs the right way makes things a bit more challenging but just being the person I have always been I just push through and stay the same decent person I always am. And it pays off. That’s what I think is a big part of my brand. Just being kind for kindness sake

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m a big outing kinda person but I’m a native Californian so I try not to do tourist stuff but I’m a huge beach lover, Santa Monica and Malibu to be exact. I also LOVE Disneyland and Citywalk. And I love the movies always stay with my A list pass so I go to the Grove too. I like a few hole in the wall spots to eat. Two plays that come to mind are Phillips BBQ. Use to be one on Crenshaw but I think the Inglewood location is the only one open. And the other spot is called Krab Queenz on Crenshaw. The Crab boil and lobster Mac and cheese?! I’m SALIVATING

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I wanna shout out My Drag Family to start. My Mutha Succubus and Sister Jette Black. Jette you’re an amazing sister. Mutha, you aren’t just a mutha and friend, you’re one of the most important people in my life. I love you

To my GURLYZ!!! I wouldn’t be who I am without you wonderful friends. Sedusa, Koke, Guido, Muñeca, Die Anna, Serena, yall are my heart and I’m so proud to have you in my life.

And to the LA Drag Community, everyday I get to be apart of this world I am blessed and inspired by each and every king, queen, and thing. I love you all

And a special dedication to someone I look at as a mentor and who saw something in me and gave me a kickstart into the scene. Calyspo Jete, you saw something in me and I hope I’ve been something to see

Instagram: @nubiaemanofficial

Twitter: Nubia Eman

Facebook: Ellery Petty/ Nubia Eman Official