Once upon a time, there lived a girl named Luz…
So, this might not be the grand saga of who Luz truly is, but consider it the whimsical backstory to how Luz Lips – the name, not the superhero – came to be. Imagine a world where every drag queen’s name tells a tale, minus the dark alleys, caped crusaders, or dramatic origin stories. It’s just about how one ends up with a name that’s as much a part of their identity as their glittering attire.
For Luz Lips, the name holds a mixture of humor, friendship, and an added layer of personal meaning that was crafted over time. Let’s peel back the curtain to reveal the real inspiration behind Luz Lips and how a casual comment evolved into a celebrated drag persona.
A Name Born from Banter
The quest for the perfect drag name can lead one down countless avenues—quizzes, guides, and brainstorming sessions abound, all in pursuit of a moniker that captures the essence of one’s drag alter ego. It’s a decision that shapes how a performer is viewed, remembered, and celebrated. Yet, in my experience, the perfect name often comes from an unexpected place. For me, it was a friend’s joke that helped me stop spiraling in my thoughts and reminded me that sometimes, with drag, it’s best to keep it simple. That’s how Luz Lips was born. #KISS (Keep it Simple Stupid).
Now, before Luz Lips stole the spotlight, I waded through a few potential names, each reflecting a different facet of my identity and humor:
- Lulu LeMahn: Lulu was a playful nod to my given name Luis, with LeMahn cheekily hinting at ‘the man.’
- Lady LeMahn: an adjustment when Lulu lost its luster.
- Berkeley Bouteé: This name pays homage to my academic roots at UC Berkeley (Class of 2018, #GoBears) and cleverly highlights both my intellectual and physical assets (‘Bouteé’ because, she thique). Additionally, the initials ‘BB’ add a playful sexual innuendo (wink wink, nudge nudge)
- Miss Bouteé: simplifying the previous iteration after questioning the fit of ‘Berkeley’ as a first name.
Yet, the moniker that ultimately captured the essence of my persona wasn’t self-chosen but emerged from jest among friends. The emergence of “Luz Lips” was unexpectedly simple and amusing, born from a photo I sent of me in an early attempt of me dressing up in drag, long before I learned how to do makeup and way before I even considered performing on a stage. A friend’s lighthearted jibe about my appearance sparked a list of potential names, with Luz Lips shining brightly among them. Despite its humorous origins, this name struck a chord, and I embraced it wholeheartedly.
The Meaning of Luz Lips
There are two common interpretations of my name, Luz Lips. The first and more apparent reference is to the idiom ‘loose lips sink ships,’ a phrase originating from WWII propaganda that warned against the dangers of gossip. In this context, ‘loose lips’ denote someone prone to talking indiscriminately, which is not what Luz Lips stands for.
The second, more provocative meaning of ‘loose lips’ ties to notions of sexual promiscuity and indiscretion. It crudely alludes to the vaginal lips and suggests a lack of restraint or control, implying frequent or casual sexual encounters.
In essence, Luz Lips was initially intended as a playful double entendre, reflecting a persona with a liberated, unapologetic attitude toward sexuality. However, over time, I’ve infused the name with greater depth and personal significance.
Adding Depth to the Name
After adopting the name, I began to layer additional meanings and symbolism onto Luz Lips, transforming it from a funny comment into a persona with depth. The name “Luz,” meaning light in Spanish, and “Lips,” highlighting the expressive potential of one’s mouth, both contribute to the multifaceted identity I embody on stage.
The element of “Luz” came to represent the brightness and energy I aim to bring to my performances. Light embodies clarity, guidance, and positivity, symbolizing a beacon of hope. In my drag persona, “Luz” signifies my goal to illuminate the stage, captivating audiences with radiant energy and charisma. This symbolism emphasizes the role of a drag queen in spreading joy, awareness, and creativity.
Meanwhile, “Lips” underscores the importance of expression. Lips are central to facial expression, communication, and allure, capable of conveying a wide range of emotions, from the sassiness of a smirk to the boldness of a pout. As a firm believer in the power of manifestation—speaking things into existence—I recognize that words carry energy and intention. By adopting the last name ‘Lips,’ I emphasize the expressiveness of drag performance and remind myself to speak and manifest positivity.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, the journey of discovering and embracing the name Luz Lips has been a whimsical yet profound experience, filled with humor, friendship, and personal growth. From its humble origins in a lighthearted text among friends to its evolution into a personal symbol of empowerment and self-expression, Luz Lips embodies the essence of drag as a medium for storytelling and transformation.
The name Luz Lips not only captures the playful spirit of drag but also challenges stereotypes and redefines conventional notions of identity and sexuality. By infusing the name with layers of meaning and symbolism, I’ve transformed it into more than just a label—it’s become a reflection of my values, aspirations, and artistic vision.
As Luz Lips, I aim to illuminate the stage with positivity, creativity, and authenticity, using the power of expression to connect with audiences and hopefully spark meaningful conversations. Through my performances, I hope to inspire others to embrace their own light and embrace the beauty of self-discovery and self-expression.
So, while Luz Lips may not be a superhero with a grand origin story, her name carries a story of its own—one of resilience, authenticity, and the transformative power of drag. And in this story, the true meaning of Luz Lips is not found in its surface interpretation but in the journey of self-discovery and empowerment it represents.
