"Listen," Canada's Drag Race Ilona Verley tells Joseph Shepherd on the latest episode of Exposed: Dragged Out, "I'm aware I signed up for a TV show to get judged on my art. I'm not stupid. I know what I was getting into. But when you're there, and there is someone sitting there looking so fucking ugly and they're critiquing you and you look beautiful, everything changes."
But judges Brooke Lynn Hytes, Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman, and Stacey McKenzie weren't the only issue Ilona had with Canada's Drag Race Season 1. Despite the show being produced in what is known as one of the world's nicest countries, Ilona's experience, as they tell Joseph, was downright nasty, between mean judges, obvious editing ("You feel [it] happening in real time"), and alleged behind-the-scenes rejection of their story as a trans woman. (Crave and Canada's Drag Race did not respond to our request for comment.)
Ilona, though, far enough removed from the taping and airing of the season, refuses to let it get in their way. Not only did some good come out of their time on the show — namely, their friendship with the other queens, who "lived the bullshit of it" together — but Ilona is also committed to living a fulfilled life, which includes a burgeoning career.
And Ilona tells Joseph all about it. Listen to the brand-new episode, sponsored by ZocDoc, below, or on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts to listen to Ilona's take on Priyanka's win, why the judging was "uncalled for," what it was like watching themself, and so much more. Sashay your way to that play button!
Listen to more podcasts from The Dipp: