By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Font ResizerAa
  • Home
  • Drag Queens
  • Interviews
  • LGBTQ
  • Popular Culture
Search
  • Home
    • About
    • Privacy Policy
    • Advertise
  • Drag Queens
    • RuPaul’s Drag Race
  • Interviews
  • LGBTQ
  • Popular Culture
Follow US
© Foxiz News Network. Ruby Design Company. All Rights Reserved.
> Drag Queens > Pageants > The WERRRK.com Interview: Sunny Dee-Lite
PageantsThe WERRRK.com Interview

The WERRRK.com Interview: Sunny Dee-Lite

Chiffon Dior
Last updated: May 15, 2023 11:20 pm
Chiffon Dior
12 Min Read
Share
SHARE

Well hello there Sunny Dee-Lite! I am flabbergasted to be talking with literal drag royalty today, the reigning Miss Continental 2023! Happy New Year! How are you doing today gorgeous?

Hello and Happy New Year to you as well, thank you so much for having me! I am doing wonderful, thank you for asking.

Did you have a nice holiday season?

Yes, it was action packed with the kickoff of prelim season and the ongoing press tour for the Continental reign. I spent Christmas in New York with my partner and family and I celebrated the New Year in Chicago, performing at the Baton Show Lounge as the reigning Miss Continental. I’m blessed.

So let’s talk about Continental.  Since you were crowned on Labor Weekend in Chicago, you’ve had an absolutely exhausting schedule, taking you overseas and across the country for appearances and press tours. You’ve really hit the ground running since your win. How has your experience been so far?

It has been absolutely amazing. Winning the Continental crown has been my dream so this has truly been an honor and a privilege. I have already met so many lovely people throughout the world and I am truly humbled by the public response.

What went through your mind when they announced you as the winner?

Disbelief for finally hearing my name and then a complete loss of balance. It was like an outer body experience. When I watch the video I can truly take in the fact that I wasn’t fully present when my name was announced, it wasn’t until I walked over to the Baton for the after party that I realized that I really won.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sonia Diaz (@deelitedeesignshair)

Your personal journey to the crown was a long one. When was your first time at Continental and what was it about the system that made you want to stick with it and continue to compete until you finally won? Did you ever think of quitting anywhere along the way?

My first time at Continental in person as an audience member was in 1999 when Tommie Ross was crowned. My first time competing at Continental was 2009 where I finished in the top twelve and Armani won the crown. From the first Continental tape that I watched, which was Paris Frantz‘s winning year in 1996, I knew that those beautiful ladies were who I wanted to become. Continental not only molded my professional career, it also set a standard for me to uphold as Sonia in my everyday life. My hope and dream was that one day I would be as beautiful and talented as Mimi (Marks), Monica (Munro), and Cezanne. Throughout my journey of competing at Continental, I had moments of doubt and despair where I thought I would never capture the crown. However through determination, trial and error, and my perseverance, I was able to realize my dream.

Let’s hop in the DeLorean and get back in a time a bit, shall we? Where does your story begin?

Well, I was born in Miami Beach, Florida to a family of Cuban immigrants.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sonia Diaz (@deelitedeesignshair)

What was your earliest memory of seeing drag? 

That is a great question. Seeing it and understanding are two different things. The first time I saw drag was on an episode of Phil Donahue when I was very young. The first time that I understood it was in my teens when I started sneaking into nightclubs. Don’t tell anyone!

I feel like Donahue and many of the other talk shows of the day subconsciously inspired a whole generation of drag artists!

I have an extensive collection of tapes which include episodes of Donahue, Jerry Springer, Sally Jessy Raphael, etc. Geez, I’m really aging myself Those shows were the only visibility of drag at that time.

I think we lost some of the readers at the word “tapes” Sunny!

**Laughs** They have since been converted to DVD’s which is another antiquated technology. **Laughs**

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sonia Diaz (@deelitedeesignshair)

Besides being Miss Continental and holding numerous other prestigious titles including All American Goddess 2014 and National Entertainer of the Year 2015, you wear several other hats, including owning your own hair business, Dee-Lite Dee-Signs Hair. How did you get started doing hair and how do you find the time to whip up so many amazing pieces? Every time I turn around, you’ve made another piece for another major queen around the country!

I started doing hair because of the need to create new looks for myself. The business started by accident, people would ask me for my hair at different shows and pageants so I started traveling with a bag of wigs, or as I like to refer to them ‘units’ to sell. After a year or so of traveling and performing while selling wigs the pandemic hit and I faced the stark reality that my career to that point as a showgirl was effectively shutdown. I knew that I needed to come up with a plan and after a few days of sadness and despair I took a chance and decided to sell hair. Ever since the earliest point of my adult life I have been a hard worker and this has been no different. I decided that for this year I will have two full time jobs. As an entrepreneur with Dee-Lite Dee-Signs and as Miss Continental. I do manage to sleep a little as well.

In addition, you’re also a trans advocate. How concerned are you in how backwards this country seems to be going when it comes to trans rights? What can people do to support our trans siblings?

I am not sure if I am a trans advocate but I am definitely an outspoken trans woman who supports the community. I am deeply concerned by the political direction as it relates to trans rights and that is why it is absolutely imperative that we use our power to vote in all elections, both local and federal. The best way to support our community is to check in on the most vulnerable. There are so many wonderful organizations that are focused to the community but individually we can reach out to the people we know and see to help.

I’d like to take a stab at where your drag name comes from. Is it a combination of a popular late 80’s citrus drink and a popular late 80’s/ early 90’s House music group?

That is an excellent deduction and fairly accurate. I was a club kid in the early 90’s and loved wearing yellow and orange. Sunny was the perfect name for me as it suits my personality.

I hate to spring this on you but we have reached…..THE LIGHTNING ROUND!

Oh no…

Lightning Round

Must have makeup item?  

Diorshow Volumizing Mascara.

4 AM post show food craving?

Deep dish pizza!

The best part of drag?

Seeing the happy faces when performing

The worst part of drag?

Traveling with 200 lbs of luggage! All those beads!!!

Most surprising thing about you that people might not know?

That I used to make puppets and animated videos as a child.

Former national title holder you would pay the most to see?

Monica Munro. And she’s my Mom!

Last movie to make you cry?

Miss Continental 2022! Everytime.

Death Row last meal?

Staying consistent, deep dish pizza!

Streaming Binge recommendation?

Ozark or Breaking Bad. Brilliant shows!

Disney character you relate to the most?

Princess Aurora.

In the movie of your life, who plays you?

70’s Cher

Final question, most embarrassing song on your phone?

“Where Are You Christmas?” From the Grinch Soundtrack. Epic.

I mean….Martha May Whovier is ALL the fashion goals!

I do love some fashion!

What advice would you have for someone who wants to take her first steps into competing in the Continental system?

Be true to yourself and trust your vision.

Where can people find you online if they’re interested in learning more about Continental or maybe in acquiring some of your stunning hair?

For more information on Miss Continental, I would refer you to my Facebook page where I provide updates on all that is Continental including upcoming preliminaries and events. My Facebook page is also a great starting point for Dee-Lite Dee-Signs as it remains the platform for my Hair Sale LiveFeeds. You can also visit my hair page, Dee-Lite Dee-Signs Hair for all of the available colors and styles. I am also on Instagram where my page is linked to my Facebook account. If you are interested in pageantry I would love to hear from you to provide advice and guidance. If you are interested in hair, please reach out as well, I am here to help and provide beautiful hair solutions for my clients! (Follow Sunny on Instagram here)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sonia Diaz (@deelitedeesignshair)

Well my dear, I think we have just about reached the end of our time together but thank you so much for talking with me. You’re an inspiration to aspiring pageant queens all over! Do you have any final words of wisdom to leave the WERRRK.com Universe with before we part?

Thank you so much for having me, this was really fun. And thank you for the kind words, it truly is humbling to see the impact that my reign can have. As I stated earlier, all I ever wanted was to be like Mimi, Monica, and Cezanne. That fact that a young aspiring queen may view me in the same light is truly an amazing gift and one that I will never take for granted. Have a great afternoon and remember, Continental, Continental, Continental!!

Featured image by Tios Photography

TAGGED:Miss ContinentalMiss Continental 2023Sunny Dee-Lite
Share This Article
Facebook Email Copy Link Print
ByChiffon Dior
Editor & Founder
Follow:
(she/her) Despite being a drag journalist for over a decade, Chiffon only recently realized that she missed a golden opportunity back then to change her drag name to Rhoda Story.
Previous Article Ra'Jah O'Hara Wins 'Canada's Drag Race: Canada vs. The World'! 1 Ra’Jah O’Hara Wins ‘Canada’s Drag Race: Canada vs. The World’!
Next Article The Week in Drag The Week in Drag (01/13/23)
Leave a Comment Leave a Comment

Leave a ReplyCancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Stay Connected
8.2kFollowersLike
1.9kFollowersFollow
16.9kFollowersFollow
1.6kSubscribersSubscribe
Subscribe to WERRRK.com

Join 8,215 other subscribers
- Advertisement -
Ad imageAd image
Search in this site
- Advertisement -
Ad imageAd image
Wigging Out Podcast
Wigging Out Podcast
Wigging Out Podcast

Drag Queens! Drag Kings! And all things nightlife are discussed in this brand new podcast hosted by two broke queens from NYC.

Listen OnApple PodcastsListen OnExternalListen OnExternal

Podcast Subscription Menu

Ep 118: Magnifa
byMartyr & C.Tepper

“Untitled Drag Friend.” On this episode, your hosts Martyr (@dragthemartyr) and Cate (@ctepper) sit down with the Time Traveler full of Intergalactic Glamour, Magnifa! They discuss growing up in Florida, love for makeup, being the President of a fraternity, and meeting their drag mother Untitled Queen. Later, we hear more about working (Untitled) Art Star, collaborating on drag photoshoots, doing “modest drag,” and “Vegas in Space.”
+
Follow our guest: @IAmMagnifa on all social media platforms
~
tinyurl.com/wiggingoutpodcast
This episode is proudly sponsored by MOTTO- the new queer dating app!
Tired of the endless scrolling? With Motto, Motto sends you daily matches of people who match your interests and kinks. There are no fees, no ads, and no nonsense.
Use invite code: ZVOGS when signing up.
~
Follow the pod on Instagram and Facebook @wiggingoutpodcast and on twitter @wiggingoutpod
Thots, comments, and dick pics? Please send to dragthemartyr@gmail.com
Cover art: Madeline De Michele – www.madelinedemichele.com
Music: “Club” by Andrew Huang (www.youtube.com/channel/UCdcemy56JtVTrsFIOoqvV8g) under Creative Commons.
Edits by C.Tepper

Ep 118: Magnifa
Ep 118: Magnifa
May 6, 2025
Martyr & C.Tepper
Ep 117: Robin Rose Quartz Returns!
April 30, 2025
Martyr & C.Tepper
Wigging Watchery EP 19: Scooby-Doo
April 23, 2025
Martyr & C.Tepper
Ep 116: Boyish Charm
April 10, 2025
Martyr & C.Tepper
Ep 115: Captain Wonder Returns!
March 27, 2025
Martyr & C.Tepper
Wigging Watchery EP 18: Fifty Shades Freed
March 4, 2025
Martyr & C.Tepper
Ep 114: Slagatha
March 4, 2025
Martyr & C.Tepper
Ep 113: Evangeline
February 10, 2025
Martyr & C.Tepper
Ep 112: Nostalgia
January 29, 2025
Martyr & C.Tepper
Wigging Watchery EP 17: The Room
January 13, 2025
Martyr & C.Tepper
Search Results placeholder
- Advertisement -
Ad imageAd image
Latest news
  • Loose Lips: Let the Rain Fall Down
  • Aja Reveals What A Break From Drag Taught Her & The Classic Aja Lip Sync That RuPaul Loves!
  • Michelle Visage Lands A Brand New Show With A Familiar Reality TV Show Personality!
  • Sam Star Chats “Drag Race”, Her Southern Roots & What She Gets From Both Her Mamas!
  • RuPaul’s Drag Race All-Stars: Hoop Queens Makeovers(S10 E03)
- Advertisement -
Ad imageAd image
Categories

You Might Also Like

Meet the Queens of Miss Bio-WERRRK 2016: Tini Davenport Phillips 3
Drag QueensPageants

Meet the Queens of Miss Bio-WERRRK 2016: Tini Davenport Phillips

Get to know Tini Davenport Phillips, the winner of the…

0 Min Read
Talent No Mixes
Drag QueensPageants

Miss Bio-WERRRK Talent (No Mixes) Judges’ Critiques

  Alaska Thunderfuck Gypsy Gemini: I loved the location and…

21 Min Read
Meet the Queens of Miss NotSafe4Werk.com 2015: STR CHLD 5
Pageants

Meet the Queens of Miss NotSafe4Werk.com 2015: STR CHLD

Get to know STR CHLD from Boulder, CA, one of the…

0 Min Read
The WERRRK.com Interview: Mel and El 7
The WERRRK.com InterviewComedyNew York City

The WERRRK.com Interview: Mel and El

Question: Hello there ladies! Thank you for taking the time…

12 Min Read
Follow US
© Foxiz News Network. Ruby Design Company. All Rights Reserved.
  • About
  • Privacy
  • Site Map
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • Twitter
 

Loading Comments...