Read on for the full conversation.
This is a docuseries, so this isnt aproducedreality.
What you see is what was really going on.
Alyssa Edwards photographed by EW at DragCon NYC.Mettie Ostrowski for EW
Ive been around the world, and I think have experienced theAlyssa Edwardsjourney.
You guys have a good idea of who and what Alyssa Edwards is and about.
The combination of the two makes this series special…
Jake Giles Netter/Netflix
This is a triumphant story, and hopefully, it inspires another little Justin somewhere in the world.
Watching it, did you feel like you got to meet another side of me?
I want this to be so full of hope and motivation rather than just another dance show.
Jake Giles Netter/Netflix
We already have those.
Im tough as nails, and you see some of that.
These kids are sharing their stories, too.
I love that youre not afraid to really whip them into shape.
When theyre rejected youre telling them theyshouldcry, that they need that disappointment and to experience struggle.
I think kids are babied too much these days.
Why is it vital for you to do the opposite?Its the way I was raised.
My father was very strict.
He saw me on stage one time, kind of by accident.
My mother [only saw me] a handful of times.
I had to work and earn it.
I want the kids to do the same.
I want them to earn whatever it is they want to accomplish.
I want them to push themselves harder than they ever believed they could.
Im such a huge part of these kids lives.
Weve spent holidays together, Ive been to their schools for events, theyve been to my house.
They probably see me more than they see some of their other relatives!
And I created that along with the Haus of Edwards.
Its a studioandmy chosen family.
Ru says that on the show all the time: the gay community gets to pick their family.
Its the reality of my life… Theres so much more than just tongue-pops, splits, and kicks.
And here you are now on Netflix.
Shes got prison credibility now.
You know Im fearless.
Ive already fought the good fight.
Im happy… there will be none of that.
But, this show is so different from hers.
Its more about her interaction with the moms.
Mine has quite a bit of that as well, but it also shows me navigating through my life.
Theres so much more heart.
Doyouthink its similar toDance Moms?
There are similar elements.
I always thoughtDance Momswas an exaggeration of real behavior, but I see elements of it here, too.
When you combine a Texas woman in a competition setting with her child, she gets very serious.
But at the same time, theyre also very respectful to me.
you’ve got the option to define your own win.
What is important to you?
Is it a trophy?
Is it a plaque?
Is it a medal?
Is it a crown?
Every case is different.
And Im tough with the moms, too.
I dont take no mess.
I let them know straight up: pay your tuition on the first.
After the fifth, youre going to pay the late fee.
And dont ask me to waive it.
As you say on the show: No maam!No maam!
But I think were a family…. Family is for good, right, bad, wrong, and indifferent.
Something else I learned about you in the first episode: Miss Alyssa, youre ordained!
you could perform weddings!You know Im a good, southern Christian woman.
And I was like, what can I do next with my career?
I know what I can do: I can officiate these weddings!
But it was very fun and rewarding!
Should drag queens officiate all weddings?
Would the divorce rate be lower?
Were you perhaps apprehensive about putting that part on camera?Not at all.
Im at a point in my life where Idowant to date.
One feeling we all share is the feeling of love.
And its important to have that affection.
Now, its all very new for me to be dating.
Ive gone on dates before and Ive had casual boyfriends, but Ive just been so career-driven and focused.
But in the end, if thats authentically who I am, so be it!
I thought you seemed more engaged than him.
It was awful on his part.Thats a good thing!
Its sophisticated for adults but inspiring enough for adolescents.
Its a family-viewing series.
Maybe our relationshipnowwouldnt be different.
So, Im very proud that this series is going to reach out to different audiences.
We need shows like this on TV right now…especiallytoday!
