Aleksa Manila today
By Timothy Rysdyke
A decade ago, when the Hillebrity series first appeared here, Aleksa Manila was one of the shining stars who were defining the electric energy of Capitol Hill. Known for her dazzling performances and community advocacy, Aleksa captivated us then, and she continues to leave an indelible mark on Seattle today.
Back in 2013, Aleksa was fresh off a performance at TUCK, a Ben DeLaCrème-produced drag night at Chop Suey, when Hillebrity caught up with her outside the venue. She was staring down into her phone responding to an email. Calling Aleksa Manilla one of the hardest working drag queens in the city barely scratches the surface.
The self-described “drug counselor by day, drag diva by night,” Aleksa was already establishing herself as a key figure in Seattle’s drag scene and beyond. Through her journey over the past decade, it stands clear that her commitment to the community, her artistry, and her activism,have only deepened.
These days, you can still find her reading children’s books to captivated audiences at Drag Storytime, an event she’s been hosting since 2011—shortly before “Drag Queen Story Hour” became a national phenomenon.
This past Friday, Aleksa hosted another at Charlie’s Queer Books, where she read alongside local illustrator Michelle Jing Chan for the release of her book Stay Angry, Little Girl. For Aleksa, these storytimes are more than just performances; they’re opportunities to create safe spaces where diverse families can see themselves represented in books and media. “I grew up with Cinderella and Snow White, but never heard stories about My Princess Boy or Tango Makes Three. Our families have always existed, but we were often isolated, erased, and silenced,” she reflects.
Aleksa Manila then
Beyond her work with Seattle’s youth, Aleksa continues to be a driving force in the community. In the ten years since her initial Hillebrity feature, she earned a Master’s degree, started a private practice, and even bought a home. She was featured in the Emmy and GLAAD-nominated documentary Caretakers, a four-part PBS series on Filipino nurses and care workers in the U.S. Appropriately directed by her drag daughter Geena Rocero, she describes the project as both an honor and a humbling experience. “It was an opportunity to let go and allow myself to be vulnerable, letting someone tell my story through their lens,” she shares.
Perhaps her most enduring legacy is the House of Manila, a drag family that has grown to over 40 members since its establishment in 2001. “Each of them are extremely special in their own right and respective arenas,” Aleksa says with pride. While she’s proud of all her “kids,” when asked to give a shout out, she wisely avoids singling out any one of them. Just like a mother would, she responds “It’s not fair to pick one out of over 40 of them. It would be unwise, to be honest.”
Aleksa’s story isn’t just about looking back; it’s also about celebrating the present. By that, we literally mean the here-and-now. Sunday, August 11th, Aleksa will host and co-produce the 21st Annual LEO Party at Neighbours Nightclub, the legendary LGBTQ+ venue on Capitol Hill. The event will benefit Pride ASIA, which Aleksa founded in 2012, and Entre Hermanos, a local LGBTQ+ Latinx social service organization. The party, originally started as a birthday celebration for Joe Torres, has grown into a major community event, bringing together local talent for a night of entertainment with a purpose. This year’s special guest is none other than Morgan McMichaels, a RuPaul’s Drag Race alum who is sure to light up the stage.
As always, Aleksa’s focus is on celebrating local talent and community, and this year’s event will be no different. Among the rising stars taking the stage is Kylie Mooncakes, a performer who is quickly becoming one to watch in Seattle’s drag scene. With her notable blend of Charisma, Uniqueness, Nerve, and Talent, Kylie represents the next generation of Hillebrities, bringing a fresh force to Capitol Hill’s storied drag culture. (Check out the Kylie produced video Seattle Drag Excellence, made in collaboration with filmmaker Stephen Anunson that features over 50 of Seattle’s best drag performers.)
Aleksa is excited for the night, not just for the performances, but for the sense of community it fosters. “It’s always a special event, a one-night celebration of talent and unity,” she says. There’s an extra layer of heart to the festivities: “We’re also raising funds to assist with medical costs for one of our own, Tanya Manila Rachinee, who was recently diagnosed with a serious medical condition. She’s one of the most generous and genuine people. Ironically, for a pageant queen, also very timid and shy. So, as a collective, it’s our duty to help within our community.”
The LEO Party starts at 8 PM at Neighbours, tickets can be purchased here, or for $25 at the door.
In addition to Aleksa, other Hillebrity superstars included Amanda Manitach, The band TacocaT, Whitney Petty, Wylie Bush, and Kate Opatz.
Hillebrities are beautiful, magical scenesters who make Capitol Hill the most dynamic neighborhood in the city. Whether they still live on the hill or only occasionally grace us with their presence, they will always be Hillebrities to us.
We’ll be catching up with some of them to find out where they are now, what they are passionate about, what they’re wearing these days — and if they know if Linda’s is on Pike or Pine.
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