Halifax drag queen nabs slot on Call Me Mother

Part of the cast for season two, Mya Foxx was able to bring her signature style to the series and represent the East Coast with pride

CITYnews halifax \ Jordan Parker

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Local drag performer Mya Foxx hit her biggest stage yet for OUTtv’s hit show Call Me Mother.

Part of the cast for season two, Foxx was able to bring her signature style to the series and represent the East Coast with pride.

“It’s been a pretty incredible experience,” said Foxx. “We filmed the series in April and May of last year, and it was really hard keeping it under wraps.”

“Now that the cast has been announced, it’s been amazing to see the love and support I’ve been getting. I just really can’t wait to watch it with other people.”

The second season of Call Me Mother features contestants from Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan. Foxx is joined by fellow Atlantic Canadian Newfound Lad, who hails from Newfoundland.

Foxx is happy to be a part of the East Coast representation on the show, something she says has been often overlooked on a national stage.

“One of the struggles in the East Coast is that there hasn’t been much representation from where we come from. After three seasons of Canada’s Drag Race and two of Call Me Mother, it’s nice for us to be a part of things,” she said.

“Some people sleep on us out here, but we can absolutely stand up to the rest of Canada. I was so excited to get the chance to show what we have right here in Nova Scotia.”

Foxx started her drag career during the pandemic, and a large push was she always loved the aspect of performance.

“I’ve always loved singing, dancing and acting as a spectator. I always appreciated drag. When I became a performer myself, I fell in love with all those things in a new light,” she said.

“I love being able to express myself with storytelling, fashion, and to be able to engage with a crowd as well.”

She’s been in Halifax for a decade, and the drag community is smaller than larger centres. But she met new people from all different walks of life while doing drag.

“I met people from the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and also people coming out and seeing drag for the first time,” she said.

“I love giving people the opportunity to come out and have fun. Sometimes I feel like I just started doing drag, and sometimes I don’t remember a time before I was doing this.”

When Foxx was doing shows locally, she said there could be a tendency to stick to what she knew, and what she was already good at. However, it was a different story during the Call Me Mother shoot.

“I knew I had to step up my drag, my performances, my look and my make-up for the show. I really had to push myself,” she said.

“I did my first evening gown. I worked with designers, practiced avant-garde make-up, and I really tried new things. During the waiting period between filming and announcements, I’ve continued that momentum. There’s been a shift in my aesthetic and ability as a performer since I finished shooting.”

Call Me Mother follows drag kings, queens and non-binary artists competing against each other for a $25,000 prize from Freddie, a year’s worth of Rimmel cosmetics, Wella hair products, and a seven-night vacation in Mexico. They also get the chance to become the face of Wella at Toronto’s 2023 pride event.

Presiding over the proceedings are RuPaul’s Drag Race’s Miss Peppermint, RuPaul UK’s Crystal, and performer Barbada de Barbades to act as house mothers for contestants.

While many may be more familiar with RuPaul’s Drag Race, there’s something about Call Me Mother that set it apart for Foxx.

“The two are competitive drag reality shows. But if Drag Race is American Idol, then this is The Voice. It’s more about the collective, and working with a mentor to get through challenges,” she said.

“You aren’t left to your own devices. They are both fantastic, but this was also different and refreshing.”

While the details of the season are under wraps, Foxx spoke in broad terms about their experience.

“I can’t get too far into it, but going into the show, the chance to work with any of these mothers was a huge opportunity. They all had incredible advice and things to offer to enhance my drag,” she said.

“Showing up to set and having the possibility to work with any of them was incredible. Getting to have one-on-one conversations with mentors like this is invaluable.”

Call Me Mother’s second season premieres on OUTtv on Wednesday, October 26. The OUTtv app is available on Apple TV, Prime Video, and Roku.

There will also be a meet and greet and Call Me Mother watch party at Niche Lounge that same night locally, hosted by Rachael Lush and X. Foxx will be on-hand for the viewing of the very first episode. Get your tickets here.