Kenzie Blackheart
Kenzie Blackheart | |
|---|---|
 Kenzie Blackheart performing and hosting during Poptasia 2023 in Basildon. | |
| Born | Matt Hunt March 7, 1996 |
| Occupation | Drag Queen |
| Years active | 2010 - present |
| Known for | HotHaus Drag UK |
Kenzie Blackheart is the stage name of Matt Hunt (born 1996, Essex), an English drag queen who is known for being "The UK's Nuclear Bombshell of Drag" and for creating HotHaus Drag UK,[1] a award-winning drag show regularly performed in Chelmsford and London.[2] Kenzie has also performed in other independent shows, including Neurodelicious,[3] and annual LGBTQ+ Pride events, such as Essex Pride,[4] Basildon Pride,[5] Colchester Pride and Southend Pride.[6]
Personal life[edit]
Hunt was born and raised in Basildon, Essex. Hunt started drag at the age of 14, initially performing as Lady Gaga, though later creating the alaises of Kitty Kensington and Kensi before their own character of Kenzie Blackheart.[7] Hunt initially performed in a bar in Camden Town before creating HotHaus Drag during the Coronavirus pandemic.[2]
Blackheart confirmed on 25 June 2023 on social media that they identify as non-binary, both in and out of drag, with their pronouns being 'They/Them'.
HotHaus Drag UK[edit]
HotHaus Drag UK was created by Kenzie during the Coronavirus pandemic and launched on 8 July 2021.[2] HotHaus Drag UK aims to be a "home and safe space" everyone, regardless of anyones identities.[2] The ethos of HotHaus, which can be heard during every show, demonstrates this by; ‘[operating] an environment built upon equality to everyone, love, respect, consent and the enjoyment and safety to have a good time.'[2]
In 2022, the company was a finalist in The Panic Awards in the 'Best Regular Night Of The Year' category.[8] In 2023, the show hosted its own stage at Poptasia Festival in Basildon with Cheryl Hole and Tia Kofi from RuPaul's Drag Race UK and RuPaul's Drag Race: UK vs. the World[9] performing alongside Jason Donovan, Tony Hadley, Liberty X and East 17.[1]
In June 2023, HotHaus Drag UK created HotShots, a prestigious drag competition in the UK, aimed at discovering and showcasing emerging drag talent. Contestants compete for a cash prize, crown, sash, and the opportunity to join the HotHaus Family, a celebrated community of drag artists.
| Year | Contestants | Winner | Runner Up | Mx Congeniality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 9 | Lois Common Denominator | Femi | Jessica Blaze |
| 2024 | 8 | Fabio Lezonli | Mr Brake Down | Sara Khasm |
| 2025 | TBA | TBA | TBA | TBA |
In 2024, HotHaus Drag won the ‘Regular Event of the Year’ at The Panic Awards.[10]
Awards and nominations[edit]
| Year | Ceremony | Award on behalf of | Category | Result | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Frankfurt Style Public Choice Awards | Themselves | Over the Rainbow | Nominated | |
| 2022 | The Panic Awards | HotHaus Drag UK | Best Regular Night Of The Year | Nominated | [8] |
| 2024 | Regular Event of the Year | Won | [11] |
References[edit]
- ^ a b "IN PICTURES: Crowds wowed by Jason Donovan and stars at Basildon festival". 2023-05-01. Retrieved 2023-08-15.
- ^ a b c d e "HotHaus Drag - About Us". HotHaus Drag UK. Retrieved 2023-08-15.
- ^ "Suffolk drag queens head to London with show that celebrates neurodiversity". 2023-02-14. Retrieved 2023-08-15.
- ^ "Chelmsford crowds gather for Essex Pride event". 2023-09-03. Retrieved 2024-03-09.
- ^ "Basildon Pride an 'outstanding' success in Gloucester Park". 2023-06-23. Retrieved 2024-03-09.
- ^ "All you need to know about Southend Pride 2023 on Saturday". 2023-07-14. Retrieved 2023-08-15.
- ^ King, Mel (2021-05-04). "A day in the life of an Essex drag queen who's been performing since 14". EssexLive. Retrieved 2023-08-15.
- ^ a b "THE NOMINATIONS HAVE BEEN COUNTED. We... - The Panic Awards". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 2023-08-15.
- ^ Hume, Holly (2023-01-30). "Drag festival coming to Essex with RuPaul's Drag Race UK stars featured". Retrieved 2023-08-15.
- ^ "The Panic Awards -Facebook". Facebook. Retrieved 2024-03-08.
- ^ "The Panic Awards -Facebook". Facebook. Retrieved 2024-03-08.