1.) First let me ask you to how you like to be referred: drag queen, female impersonator, or transvestite?

Since Webster’s Dictionary defines “Drag Queen” as a male homosexual who dresses in women’s clothes - that is what I am and call myself. I’m not a transvestite - that is someone who delivers sexual pleasure from dressing in clothes of the opposite sex. I dress as a woman as a performer… not to deceive people that I am a woman - I want them to know I am a man that can impersonate a woman.

2.) When did you first know that you wanted to perform?

I walked in the Garage one night and saw my first drag show and drag queen. She was doing the song “And I am Telling You” by the Dream Girls. I knew that second and have been performing ever since.

3.) Do you remember the first time that you dressed in drag? When and where was this?

As a child I always dressed up… so the first time no… The first time going out to the bar, yes. It was the Easter Bonnet contest at the Garage back in ‘82. So Samantha was born on Easter… unlike Halloween on most queens.

4.) Did you experience any oppression when you were coming out?

To be honest, no… I was lucky in that area. But I have always been gay and everyone around me knew, so it was never a big deal.

5.) How did your family react?

To Being a drag queen or gay? As a drag queen it was no big deal - always have done it. Being gay - better than most, but we were always brought up as to what makes us happy.

6.) Is there anyone you consider inspirational in the female illusion industry?

The ones who look at it as a business, not a hobby.

7.) What about real life divas?

Well - a diva is a leading woman singer in the opera. So I’m sure there are some! But anyone who thinks they are a DIVA usually isn’t!

8.) How did you choose your name?

Okay, my name came as quick as one needed - I entered a talent contest at the Kosmit (now the Eagle) and the show director asked my name and I said Gary… I just went by my name… she was like no, your drag name and Samantha just came to mind. Rollins is a shorter version on my last name.

9.) Many performers have a whole drag family, does Samantha have any offspring?

I have helped many a girl in my time, but I adopt them at birth. Never understood the whole “drag daughter” thing. Children age you, so I guess that makes me timeless! LOL

10.) How long have you been performing?

22 Years

11.) Where did you get your start?

Here in Columbus… My first month out I won Miss Gay Columbus at the Ruby Slipper (there’s a flash back!).

12.) Do you have any suggestions or recommendations for young drag queens that want to come out or get into the business?

Always be yourself and remember if you copy someone too much… we’ve already seen it!

Learn to where high heels - anything less than 4” isn’t “drag”!

13.) Anyone you would like to mention that was responsible for helping making you career successful?

Well we would be no where with out the audience and our fans… so them above all!

Starting out Yvonne Allen and Ron Beal, they were a great help when I began. And of course all the queens who were bitches to me for making me work harder.

14.) Where is some of you favorite places to perform? What makes these places stand out?

Anywhere where the audience is entertained… I know a cop out answer, but don’t want to offend anyone.

15.) Any horror stories? What is the craziest thing to ever happen to Samantha Rollins?

Oh boy… I hate to be boring but there are no real horror stories… never arrested in drag or car breaking down stories. I put my hand through the ceiling of a bar once… It was drop ceiling and didn’t think to look up and wound up with a ceiling tile as a bracelet.

16.) What are some of the greatest moments?

The ones that haven’t happened.

17.) What are some of your accomplishments and titles?

Well I have 56 titles under my belt to date! And as someone said: That is just too many to mention and if they could they wouldn’t!

18.) What lies ahead for Samantha? Any future plans?

I go where the wind leads me so who knows.

If you have more information you would like to share about Samantha Rollins, please e-mail the webmaster at: nick@queermagnet.com