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Brian Michael Firkus (born August 28, 1989), better known by his stage name Trixie Mattel (also known as Tracy Martel for comedy reasons); is an American drag queen and actor from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He is best known as a contestant on the seventh season of RuPaul's Drag Race. Mattel is also known as the best friend of fellow Rupaul's Drag Race contestant Katya Zamolodchikova. Mattel and Zamolodchikova are currently the hosts of YouTube web series UNHhhh.
Early life
Born into a Native American family, Firkus grew up in Milwaukee and is half Ojibwe. He attended school with fellow Drag Race contestant Max. He started doing drag at 19 years old, appearing in a stage performance of the Rocky Horror Show.[1]
His drag name originated from an abusive stepfather who would call him a 'Trixie' when he acted feminine and his affinity for Barbie dolls and other Mattel children's toys.[citation needed]
Career
RuPaul's Drag Race
Trixie Mattel competed in season 7 of RuPaul's Drag Race. His initial audition video included an impression of Anne Frank, which was deemed too offensive to perform on the show.[2] Trixie was controversially eliminated in episode 4, leading fans to question whether the show was scripted, with notable drag queens such as Lady Bunny tweeting their confusion with the decision. Firkus was brought back to the show in episode 8, winning the "Conjoined Twins" challenge with Pearl, but was eliminated again in episode 10.[3] He placed sixth overall in the competition.
Life After Drag Race
Firkus went on to be a break-out star of season 7 despite placing only sixth, and went on to take more television roles, produce a web series with fellow season 7 alumnus and close friend Katya Zamolodchikova called UNHhhh, and perform on stage. Trixie has performed her stand-up comedy show "Ages 3 And Up" globally and has also gained popularity as a singer.[citation needed]
