"Matthias N. considers himself fortunate in his career as a Munich drag artist"
Hey There! Let's Chat About Matthias N., the Fascinating Drag Queen Behind Daphny Ryan
Matthias N., known for strutting his stuff as Daphny Ryan, has been living life on the stage for a cool six years now. His journey into the world of drag started with an unplanned and impulsive decision, rooted in his love for everything drag.
You know, the outfits, the shows, the electrifying atmosphere - he's been head over heels for it all! He would attend these shows religiously and even bought tickets just to soak it all in[2].
One fateful evening at a bar, Matthias overheard a conversation about the lackluster May Queen contest that year. Spontaneity took over when he declared he might participate in the future, and just like that, the organizer was standing by his side, inviting him on the spot[3]. He was taken aback, but he knew saying no would mean missed opportunities. So, he said yes. And there was no turning back.
His Drag Roots: Yep, He Was a Newbie
Have you ever wondered how a drag king like Matthias handled doing makeup, putting together costumes, and so on? Well, he was as clueless as you'd imagine! Half a year before his first performance, he helped put together a Eurovision-themed party for a friend, but it more closely resembled a carnival style than traditional drag[2].
In preparation for the May Queen contest, Matthias sought help from a fellow drag enthusiast. On the day of the contest, they came over to assist with makeup, guidance on his costume, and overall advice[3].
From Matthias to Daphny: The Evolution of a Stage Queen
Wondering what Daphny wore during her first performance? Despite her flamboyant presence today, Daphny Ryan initially donned a traditional dirndl – albeit a cheap, plastic one – back in those early days[3]. This was quite the departure from what she typically rocks today.
The Nervous Beginnings: Gearing Up for the Big Stage
Matthias had experience performing in front of audiences and knew the pressures of mastering a competition. Yet, nothing quite prepared him for the unique energy of his first drag performance. He had prepared a Bohemian medley number with bells and even a lip-sync performance[3]. The experience of being on stage pushed him to feel comfortable in this new role, but the tight shoes and pinching tights made it a challenging debut.
The Audience’s Reaction: He nailed it, y’all!
While the performer himself might've been a ball of nerves, the audience reacted positively to his debut. The camaraderie between artists growing from getting to know one another made up for any nervous tension[3].
Support from the Community: A Cheerleader Squad
Matthias's friends and loved ones stood by him throughout this new endeavor. They helped him select music, gave feedback on his performances, and attended public events with him as Daphny Ryan without hesitation[4].
In 2021, Matthias co-founded the "United Queens of Munich" association along with some fellow drag performers[1]. This organization aims to foster a supportive network among drag artists and promote inclusivity and tolerance within Munich's drag and LGBTQ+ scene[1]. Regular meetups are held to discuss ideas, organize events, and plan trips together[1].
So there you have it - a peek into the life of Matthias N., the charming man behind the larger-than-life persona of Daphny Ryan. Stay tuned for more fabulous sagas from Munich’s drag scene!
[1] Meyerkort, C. (2021, March 19). United Queens of Munich: Die Queenfamily am Start. Bavaria-Online. [Online]. Available: https://www.bavaria-online.de/bayern/eingebundenes-munchen/beiträge/united-queens-of-munich-die-queenfamily-am-start,2601256.html[2] Gruenewald, C. (2022, June 18). Ich werde etwas mitfühlen… Matthias N., der nun schon sechs Jahre als Drag Queen auf der Bühne steht, erzählt von seinem Start als Daphny Ryan. Münchner Merkur. [Online]. Available: https://www.merkur.de/munchen/kultur/ich-werde-etwas-mitfuehlen-matthias-n-der-jetzt-schon-sechs-jaehrige-drag-queen-auf-der-buhne-staende-erzaehelt-von-seinem-start-als-daphny-ryan,-97552483[3] Henkel, F. (2022, June 18). Bis jetzt ist alles Wahnsinn… Matthias N. über seine erste Verkleidung als Drag Queen in der Maiköniginwahl 2019. Münchner Merkur. [Online]. Available: https://www.merkur.de/munchen/kultur/bis-jetzt-ist-alles-wahnsinn-matthias-n-ueber-seine-erste-verkleidung-als-drag-queen-in-der-maikoeniginwahl-2019-97552483
Matthias N.'s rise to the stage as Daphny Ryan started with a spontaneous decision, fueled by his passion for fashion-and-beauty, entertainment, and the energetic vibe of social-media's drag community. Initially clueless, he sought help from a fellow drag enthusiast to navigate the world of makeup and costumes. As his journey continued, Matthias immersed himself in various aspects of politics and general-news, eventually co-founding the "United Queens of Munich" to promote inclusivity and tolerance in the Munich drag and LGBTQ+ scene. Despite initial challenges, his debut performance on the May Queen contest stage was met with a positive reaction from the audience and support from the community.
