Pat N. Pending is a drag queen who codes for a software company during the day. They use their engineering skills and creativity to create memorable performances in New York City.
Meredith Wilshere is a Society and Culture writer at PEOPLE. Her work has previously appeared on PS, Stylecaster, Business Insider, and more.Pat N. Pending, a Brooklyn-based drag queen, is an engineer during the day and a drag queen at nightThey share their drag on TikTok, where they initially went viral during the pandemicattending drag shows, and seeing performers walking around during Pride.
They were pursuing their master's degree in engineering when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and decided they wanted to try drag themselves. "I was a non-theater theater kid growing up, so I never actually did any theater productions, but I was obsessed withobsessed with musical theater, and used to love to draw and paint as a kid," Pat N. Pending, who asked to omit their legal name, exclusively tells PEOPLE. "When I saw drag, I thought, 'Let's merge this want to perform with this artistic side that I haven't utilized in my engineering degree and get started,'" they continue. "When I was home alone in Pittsburgh, I decided to spend hours learning makeup and practicing."Creators like Trixie Mattel had videos featuring drugstore makeup, allowing Pat N. Pending to test out a wide range of different brands and techniques. While experimenting, they discovered they could merge their creative side with their degree in engineering. "In college, I was a mechanical engineer, where there's a lot of experimentation, and we did labs where you record everything and show your results," they explain. "When I started drag, I would do a makeup look, take the same three pictures each time, and then create a giant collage of each one, thinking, 'I like the nose on this, the eyebrows on this.' " "I took an experimental approach and used the scientific method to learn which looks I like and which ones I don't," they add. When deciding on a stage name, they knew they wanted something related to engineering. At the time, they had a patent pending for a medical device they developed at a summer internship."It's a good kind of through line to bring a little of that software engineering, engineering skill into the drag," they say. Pat N. Pending admits that balancing performing with their nine-to-five job can be physically exhausting, but also mentally stimulating. They tell PEOPLE that drag allows them to showcase their "creative side" that they're "not able to fully utilize in day-to-day." "My coding work right now as a mobile software engineer is very logical. It's slightly creative, but it keeps me very organized, so that keeps a lot of my drag organized," they share. "In drag, there's only so much you can control, and I try to control as much as I can, keep everything logical and organized when I'm putting together a look or a number," they continue. "I love the idea of performing and you lose all your control. It's good to get away from software engineering, where I can be fully creative and not restricted by pixels." After their eight-hour work shift, Pat N. Pending has a few hours to decompress and get ready for their show, which typically starts around 11 p.m. "I'll be in this show until 2 a.m., take all the makeup off, and then have to wake up the next day and operate again as an engineer," they say. "It's a busy schedule, especially with creating outfits, styling wigs, and mixing, but it's really fun. The fulfillment is incredible." If you're going to a Pat N. Pending show, you should expect a mix of "high energy," "stupidity," and a "welcoming space." "I don't take myself seriously in drag, but I take my drag very seriously," they say. "That's why I always want to bring that energy." to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. RuPaul's Drag Race EP on the Show's Groundbreaking Success and the Celeb Judges They Want Next In addition to performing at open calls in New York City, Pat N. Pending hosts a drag and stand-up show every other month, co-hosted by comedian Jaboozy, which they say is a "good representation of their drag." Pat N. Pending's influences and inspirations include Sasha Velour and Alaska 5000, as well as local Brooklyn queens like Brita Filter and Rosé. "For Sasha, it's mainly about the performance and the storyline, rather than the highest kick you can throw, which is entertaining, but I cannot do that, so I aspire to the queens that can do an entertaining number without needing a lot of high splits, kicks and flexibility," they say. For those who are looking to get involved with drag, Pat N. Pending advises them to "know what you're good at and what you're not.""Show up on time and be nice and be courteous," they say. "Be a professional because you need to make relationships and network, and you can be silly, goofy, and stupid, but you still have to be a professional." "Make it work and be a good sport," they add. "Practice, whether that's your makeup, your hair, or your numbers —you can't just put on a wig and go out there. You need to practice. Practice makes perfect." They also note that there are a few unspoken etiquette rules around attending drag shows, such as the golden rule of "tipping." "Tip. If you use the hot dog method and fold it long when tipping, the performer can grab it," the queen says. "Respecting the performers brings in high energy. No one likes an audience member that's judgmental the whole time." "You're supposed to be having fun. Respect the performers and their space. Don't pull on the wig. Keep being respectful, be fun, be entertaining, and let the girls do their thing and go along for the ride." Teacher Explains Why She Covers Herself in Peanut Butter and Jelly to Teach Students an Important Lesson: 'The Kids Go Nuts' Influencer Dad Takes Daughter to Get Her Ears Pierced. Then the Outing Takes a Shocking Turn Man, 21, Has Been Cleaning His Sister's Bedroom for the Last 7 Years. Now, He's Sharing the Reason Why Mikayla Raines' Husband Shares Emotional Video Walking Her Pet Fox Following Her Death by Suicide at 29: 'Least I Can Do'Couple Invests Over $750K into an Abandoned 21,500-Square-Foot, 16th-Century Italian Palace in Surprising Condition Laser Hair Removal Left Influencer Covered in Burns. So She Turned to More Permanent — but 'Painful' — Solution After Growing Up in the Spotlight, Hailie Jade Is Showing a Side of Herself Most 'Haven’t Seen' with New Series Podcast Return, 4 Months After Parting Ways from Alex Cooper's Unwell NetworkEmma Chamberlain Opens Up Her 'Sober Journey' as She Details Getting to a 'Beautiful Place' in Her Life
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Former president Biden reflects on son Beau's legacy during Memorial Day serviceThe event marked the ten-year anniversary of the death of his son, Beau Biden, from brain cancer.
Read more »
Former president Biden reflects on son Beau's legacy during Memorial Day serviceThe event marked the ten-year anniversary of the death of his son, Beau Biden, from brain cancer.
Read more »
Former president Biden reflects on son Beau's legacy during Memorial Day serviceThe event marked the ten-year anniversary of the death of his son, Beau Biden, from brain cancer.
Read more »
Former president Biden reflects on son Beau's legacy during Memorial Day serviceThe event marked the ten-year anniversary of the death of his son, Beau Biden, from brain cancer.
Read more »
Former president Biden reflects on son Beau's legacy during Memorial Day serviceThe event marked the ten-year anniversary of the death of his son, Beau Biden, from brain cancer.
Read more »
How to find the best deals during Amazon’s four-day Prime Day saleAmazon Prime Day takes place between July 8th and July 11th, giving Prime members a chance to score some sizable discounts. Here’s how to make the most of it.
Read more »