Trixie Mattel is a drag queen with an empire: a makeup line, a renovation show and a country music career. But before Trixie there was Brian Firkus, a small-town Wisconsin boy who played with Barbies and yearned for a life with the same potential and beauty. Trixie tells Sam stories about her upbringing, the first time she ever performed drag, and what her bff Katya has taught her about working less and playing more. 

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To follow along with a transcript, go to lemonadamedia.com/show/ shortly after the air date.

The Pink House Foundation is intended to provide support for people within the LGBTQIA+ community. The Pink House is about building a better, safer world for all of us. Follow us on Instagram @ThePinkHouse. 

This series is sponsored by Hopelab. Hopelab envisions a future where young people live joyful and purposeful lives. Hopelab works to advance the mental health and well-being of young people through uncovering knowledge and evidence, investing in innovators, and funding youth-centered solutions. Learn more at http://hopelab.org 

This episode was produced by Claire Jones. Mixing and sound design by Rachel Lightner.

Illustrations by Chris Larson