On Love, Drag And Parenthood: Gothess Jasmine
From Fall 2022 to Summer 2023, we partnered with drag artist, performer, and multidisciplinary creative Gothess Jasmine to produce a series of family-friendly, all-ages drag shows across Austin, Texas.
In this interview, Gothess Jasmine shares notes on drag culture, their commitment to affirming creative queer expression at any age and navigating artist life as a parent. Enjoy!
Courtesy of @gothess.jasmine
ABOUT GOTHESS JASMINE
Jasmine Beaty AKA Gothess Jasmine (they/them) is a full-time makeup artist, drag performer, host and curator based in Austin, Texas.
Q — How did “Gothess Jasmine” come to be?
A — About ten years ago, I started using art as a way to express myself and cope with trauma and depression. I used my love for obscure art, spiritual expression and interdimensional studies to name the passion that fuels my artistry and give them a name—Gothess. And Gothess uses art as a form of radical self expression, promoting self love, awareness and healing for all.
Q — Any references or inspirations you look to within your work?
A — I am inspired by much and try to let the love I have in my life inspire all I create. I do constantly find myself turning to spiritual teachings, scientific discoveries, horror and spiritual artists.
Q — What advice do you have for other artists trying to find their voice?
A — I would tell any new artist to explore all the different parts of yourself! We’re all complex beings and it’s beautiful to discover what you can create when you embrace your interests, strengths and weaknesses as inspiration. I would also tell every person interested in creating to start by falling in love with yourself and your life. Every part of it is an important part of the romance that is life. To create in your life is proof of love.
Photo by Tess Leslie
Q — Any major takeaways from your journey in entertainment so far?
A — I’d say my greatest takeaway is the love and understanding I’ve built and grown in my community. I've been able to be vulnerable with my art and expression and find support and my chosen family in the most beautiful spaces! I've better recognized how sacred expression is and how amazing life is simply because art exists.
Q — We’ve been working with you over the last year to introduce family-friendly drag into our all-ages programs. Although that work started well before Texas’ new drag ban bills, what were some of your initial motivations in doing these kinds of series at Future Front events?
A — Yes! I love the events we've worked on together because my passions have always been celebrated and supported at Future Front.
One of my missions is to embrace all the parts of myself and grow my art from all the love I have. I am a parent to an amazing 13-year-old and when I started curating family-friendly events, the goal was to create and be a part of environments that inspire joy and creation in family dynamics.
I believe it’s important to allow people to see art in many different ways at an early age. I believe it invokes awareness, understanding and creativity which are vital qualities that improve our ability to communicate.
Q — How do you take care of yourself as a working artist?
A — REST! I’d say this is the second greatest takeaway from being a performer, I learned how to rest to better care for myself! I try to be mindful of having a balanced life so I don't have to experience burnout. I enjoy having a stream of creativity and can only keep it flowing with good self care.
Gothess Jasmine and their drag family captured at PRIDE PICNIC 2023.
Courtesy of @gothess.jasmine
Q — Right now, our theme is homegrown, i.e. celebrating DIY energy and reflecting on where we started. With that, what does nurturing your inner child mean to you? What do you think younger you would be proudest of?
A — I feel like younger me would be most proud of the joy and inspiration that I share by embracing myself by creating all the magical creatures I dreamt of. I have always dreamt of a magical life. And I feel like I pursue those dreams through the art of creation! I don’t think younger me expected I’d be living a magical life at all, so I’m happy to know I would literally be little Jasmine’s hero if they only knew.
Q — How do you bring a DIY spirit to your work and to your community? What does that look like to you?
A — Ever since I started being intentional with my art, I had to be adaptable and resourceful in order to execute my visions. I was a single parent to a young child, working endlessly to make ends meet. It didn’t feel as if art was even attainable for me. But I researched art forms I’ve always loved to discover affordable and effective ways to express myself through body art like henna and body paint.
I started volunteering with the community theater, volunteering for charity events and eventually my talent grew enough that I started working festivals and being contracted by the theater! I am proud that I was able to lean into my passions to actually grow a career.
Q — Future plans? What’s next for the Gothess agenda and world domination?
A — I’d love to keep traveling the world and being involved in creative and wellness oriented spaces and continue exploring all the ways to keep the magic of creation, self love and joy alive!