In Conversation with Terry Daktyl
In celebration of Pride, we honour artists who use self-expression as a powerful extension of identity – those who redefine beauty through creativity, confidence and individuality.
For Terry Daktyl, drag is both transformation and storytelling – a space to explore character, connection and self-expression without limits. Through humour, energy and bold performance, Terry creates moments that are joyful, inclusive and unapologetically authentic.
How does stepping into drag unlock self-expression for you?
For those new to drag it definitely unlocks a side of yourself that might be reserved for just oneself or close friends only. It's kind of like a mask where you can be bolder, louder and cheekier with less fear of judgement because there is already so much going on with hair, makeup and costuming. It definitely helped me channel that into my everyday life, and now after 14 years of doing it, when I'm Terry it's just part of me.
What role does makeup play in shaping your character?
The transformation with makeup helps deliver the looks and character you want to display/be seen as. I call myself a glamour clown, I take the intense contour and bright colours from the older generations of queens that I started idolising with a modern style of drag of softness and femininity to create a blend of over the top makeup but still very feminine. For me I click over to Terry once my lashes are on, drag queens look crazy without lashes, so this is the moment she comes out and I feel fabulous.
How do humour and energy help you connect with your audience?
Depending on the space and event I'm performing at, this is my chance to brighten someone's day, even if everyone in the room hates what I do (they never do) as long as I can make someone laugh or grin from ear to ear I'm happy. I've been through depression, I know how hard and tough life can get. We can always have another reason to smile and forget our troubles for a few hours and remember what joy feels like. Just by doing drag, it unlocks something within people to let their walls down and sometimes even lets their cups spill over and express how they're feeling, and how drag/my events bring them that joy they needed.
Do you have a ritual that helps you feel grounded or empowered?
I prefer to be in my own zone while doing my makeup, even if other people are there in the space I'm getting ready. I put on music from a good tv show and get in my zone. It's my zen time, I can go deep into thought about what's going on in my life, or just dive into creativity of what my night, next tour, next show etc will entail.
What does Pride mean to you today?
Absolutely true! I think the word survived covers both, a celebration that i/we are still here but also reflects on what i/we have been through by just existing. I grew up in a town where for a queer kid, it wasn't nice. Verbal and at school physical abuse for being queer. I have survived and thrived against what has been thrown at me. Pride is a statement to remind those who have been through tough times for just being them, and a beacon of hope and acceptance for those who may be experiencing it, or seeing some push back by peers and creating awareness and accountability for any hate that continues to circulate with discriminating people.
What would you say to someone finding their confidence?
This question makes me think of a quote from RuPaul - 'Unless they're paying your bills, pay those b*tches no mind". Do whatever you want to do, be whoever you want to be. In hindsight, you may look foolish, but at least you weren't scared to try.
When I first came out at 18, I used to wear a full face of foundation (only foundation), and some patterned tights. I experimented and tried different things eventually settling into myself and who I am and how I like to express myself. And it's ever changing, we don't have to fit any mould, not matter what sexuality, we are constantly evolving, growing and learning. Change is allowed. What we once thought was a moral, may change in time and you're allowed to make mistakes. I have a tattoo on my shoulder, that at times I forgot to live by, but it reads – Be You, Be Happy. You're truly your happiest, when you're just being completely yourself and not conforming to what you think you should be.
Terry's Picks
Ritual Foundation Stick, Buffing Brush, Pressed Powder, Fair Neutral, Multi Tasking Brush
Liquid Define, Black, Eye Shadow Brush Kit, Goddess Mascara Black, Lip Liner Deep Nude, Lipstick Bisque, Lipstick Buff, Dual Brow Medium, Complexion Duo Universal
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