Reigning from Nanaimo is a most mystical and mind-bending performer. Sovereign Ace has been nothing short of an incredible creator and sharer of any fantasy realm that they can dream up.
From fan of drag to performing for two years, they have presented Black excellence from Nanaimo to Victoria. Celebrating gender fluidity and freedom has become a day-to-day expression for them.
“It has allowed me to explore my gender, sexuality, and presentation more,” says Ace. “I will usually wear my fits in my life [that day].”
What can you expect when you see Ace performing? Their love of cosplay has been one of the consistent things that make this performer so unique on stage.
“I like to just play around with props… and incorporate weird things into performances,” they say.
With beautiful makeup, a stunning wardrobe, and a hint of nerd, this is a performer you will not forget.
“My inspo is honestly just being a fantasy character or some cool background character that you just meet once but you really want to interact with more,” they say.
Before-show rituals are usually based around performers giving themselves time and space to feel more in tune; Ace likes to lend a helping hand to those around them.
“I get fidgets, gummies, and mangos for the rest of the people I am performing with… [Being in shows] can be cup filling but also can be tiring sometimes,” they say. “I like meeting so many new and wonderful faces.”
If you ever have the chance to interact with Ace at a show, you will leave feeling enlightened, uplifted, and seen. They’ve been a shining light with the support of the drag community, and make everyone they meet feel welcome. It doesn’t matter if you’ve been doing drag for years or are new.
“Every spotlight [debut performance] and first timers are always my favourite,” they say, “and I can’t pick just one as I love seeing them put themselves out there and try their best and see new talent.”
While being in Nanaimo with a smaller drag scene has presented challenges, the reach of love and kindness has not been withheld. They have great hopes for diversity in the future of drag.
“[I] would love to see some more diverse performers in Nanaimo,” they say, “like some more BIPOC performers.”
Ace is hopeful for the changes that can come out of sharing our stories, backgrounds, and views for others. The power of drag can represent so much and be a personal journey for most.
“A lot of the time, masculine-presenting Black individuals and female-presenting individuals are often seen as oversexualized… I like to just hopefully bring a fun vibe,” they say.
As for a goal they wish they could accomplish tomorrow, Ace’s wish is simple.
“Just to make someone smile, and eat some chocolates.”
You can catch Sovereign Ace in Nanaimo at the show that started it all, They/Them/Theirs, every third week at The Vault Café, as well as pop-up appearances in Victoria at Moon Under Water Pub and Café Runway at Café Fantastico on Quadra Street, with many more to come. Chances are you will run into them at anime conventions as well.
Follow the adorable LARP and D&D beauty @pebbles30000 on Instagram.