Laganja Estranja

Laganja was born to Nancy Lynn Ferrin Jackson and David Michael Jackson,{{Cite tweet |user=LaganjaEstranja |number=537823502326579200 |title=@k10lovely & I have the coolest parents!! Even they are supportive of the #TeamGanja launch }} was raised in Dallas, Texas, and attended the Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts.{{cite news|url= https://www.miaminewtimes.com/arts/things-to-do-in-miami-jay-jackson-aka-laganja-estranja-at-youngarts-september-28-10719723|title=Jay Jackson, aka Drag Race Star Laganja Estranja, Gets Personal|first=Liz|last=Tracy|date=September 20, 2018|access-date=April 17, 2019|work=Miami New Times|location =Florida}} Both of her parents worked as high school guidance counselors for over 30 years.{{Cite tweet |user=LaganjaEstranja |number=1458119470451359745 |title=It's called being vulnerable and that's just who I am… I grew up with two parents who worked as high school counselors for 30+ years. I was encouraged to wear my heart on my blouse.}} She obtained a BFA in dance from the California Institute of the Arts.{{cite web|url=https://laganjaestranja.com/dance |title=About|publisher=Laganja Estranja official website|access-date=May 16, 2020}}

Laganja Estranja's drag debut was at California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) production of "Cal Arts is Burning" in 2010, opening the door to what we know as her persona. Then at Micky's West Hollywood on November 7, 2011.{{Cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPwxuNjNU18 |title=Laganja Estranja: 3rd Contestant @ Nov. 7 Showgirls! - YouTube |website=YouTube |access-date=January 19, 2017 |archive-date=February 2, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202174230/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPwxuNjNU18 |url-status=dead }} After winning the Amateur Competition, Laganja became an official "Showgirl" with a monthly gig at Micky's. Laganja went on to win "Queen of Queens" at 340 Nightclub in Pomona, CA and "Best Newcomer" in West Hollywood.{{Cite web|url=https://joy.org.au/transpov/2017/07/29/the-one-where-laganja-estranja-gets-sickening/|title=The one where Laganja Estranja gets sickening|date=2017-07-28|website=Trans P.O.V. (Transgender Point of View)|language=en-US|access-date=2019-06-07}}

In April 2013, Laganja Estranja auditioned for RuPaul's Drag Race.{{Cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_W4Uw9KPGHc |title=Laganja Estranja: "Vote for RuPaul's Drag Race Season 6" - YouTube |website=YouTube |access-date=January 19, 2017 |archive-date=February 2, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202173926/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_W4Uw9KPGHc |url-status=dead }} She was accepted in the show, and filmed in the summer of 2013. In 2014, the sixth season of drag-oriented reality competition RuPaul's Drag Race aired on LogoTV. Laganja performed moderately well on the show, winning a challenge when she was partnered with the eventual runner-up, Adore Delano.{{cite web|url=http://www.advocate.com/arts-entertainment/television/2014/04/11/last-words-rupauls-drag-races-laganja-estranja|title=Last Words With RuPaul's Drag Race's Laganja Estranja|work=The Advocate|date=April 11, 2014|access-date=June 26, 2015|first=Daniel|last=Reynolds}} Laganja was eliminated in the eighth episode of the season, placing her in a small category of contestants in the show's history who were eliminated the week after winning a challenge. At the outset of the show, Laganja received quite a lot of attention on social media for her entrance.{{Citation|last=itsduardo|title=Come on season 6. Let's get sickening! (Laganja Estranja)|date=2014-04-16|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dL1d7kG3xv4|access-date=2019-05-28}} During the show, Laganja became infamous for her over-the-top dramatics, catchphrases, and emotional breakdowns. Eventual winner Bianca Del Rio credited Laganja as the root of every memorable quote from the following season of RuPaul's Drag Race.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzDCOQvW3EQ|title=Catchphrases of Season 7 – 12 Days of Crowning: RuPaul's Drag Race Season 7|work=YouTube|date=May 27, 2015|access-date=June 24, 2015|format=SKIP TO 3:17}} Laganja's mannerisms have since been parodied by fellow drag queens, including Alaska Thunderfuck.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TDlbg01xXiY|title=Walking with Laganja in Nature|work=YouTube|date=May 19, 2014|access-date=June 26, 2015}}

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Laganja Estranja is the drag daughter of Alyssa Edwards, and the drag sister of Shangela{{cite web|url=http://www.newnownext.com/meet-the-queens-of-rupauls-drag-race-season-6-laganja-estranja-milk-magnolia-crawford/12/2013/|title=Meet The Queens Of RuPaul's Drag Race Season 6: Laganja Estranja, Milk, Magnolia Crawford|work=NewNowNext|date=December 13, 2013|access-date=June 26, 2015|first=Dan|last=Avery}} and Plastique Tiara —all of whom competed on RuPaul's Drag Race, Edwards appearing on season 5 and season 2 of RuPaul's Drag Race: All Stars, Shangela appearing on season 2 and 3 and All Stars season 3, and Tiara on season 11. Under the moniker of the Haus of Edwards, they have internationally toured and performed together on multiple occasions,{{cite web|url=http://itdevents.com/pastevents/hausofedwardstour/|title=The Haus Of Edwards National Tour April 2015|work=ITDEvents|date=December 24, 2014|access-date=June 26, 2015|archive-date=June 30, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150630014250/http://itdevents.com/pastevents/hausofedwardstour/|url-status=dead}} most notably at the pre-show warm-up for the finale episode of the seventh season of RuPaul's Drag Race.{{cite web|url=http://worldofwonder.net/the-kids-beat-the-walls-for-the-haus-of-edwards-at-rupauls-drag-race-grand-finale/|title=The Kids BEAT THE WALLS for the Haus of Edwards at RuPaul's Drag Race Grand Finale!|work=World of Wonder|date=June 1, 2015|access-date=July 7, 2015|first=Blake|last=Jacobs}} Laganja currently hosts her own web show on the drag-centric platform World of Wonder, the same production company behind RuPaul's Drag Race, RuPaul's DragCon LA, and RuPaul's DragCon NYC.{{Cite web|url=https://worldofwonder.vhx.tv/puff-puff-sessions|title=Puff Puff Sessions|website=WOW Presents Plus|language=en|access-date=2019-05-28}}

Laganja appeared as a Lip-Sync Assassin in the third episode of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars Season 6, winning the lip-sync against fellow season 6 contestant, Trinity K. Bonet. She was a featured performer during Jennifer Lopez's performance at the 2022 iHeartRadio Music Awards.{{Cite web |date=March 23, 2022 |title=Drag Race Queens Paid Tribute To Jennifer Lopez At Her iHeartRadio Music Awards Performance |url=https://www.out.com/music/2022/3/23/jennifer-lopez-iheartradio-music-awards-performance-rupauls-drag-race-queens-runway-billy-porter|access-date=March 23, 2022 |first=Raffy|last=Ermac|website=Out.com |language=en}}

In 2014, Laganja contributed vocals to a cover of RuPaul's "Jealous of My Boogie", for the album RuPaul Presents: The CoverGurlz. Throughout 2014, Laganja was featured on three singles, contributing a rap verse to each song. In 2015, she released her debut single as a lead artist, titled "Legs", which featured American rapper Rye Rye. In June 2015, "Legs" was rated as the third best song by a RuPaul's Drag Race contestant by Pitchfork Media.{{cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/thepitch/815-the-best-and-worst-music-of-rupauls-drag-divas/ |title=The Best and Worst Music of RuPaul's Drag Divas |work=Pitchfork Media |date=June 26, 2015 |access-date=June 26, 2015 |first=Andy |last=Emmitt |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20161130021902/http://pitchfork.com/thepitch/815-the-best-and-worst-music-of-rupauls-drag-divas/ |archive-date=November 30, 2016 }} In June 2015, Laganja was featured on fellow RuPaul's Drag Race star, Alaska Thunderfuck's debut album, Anus, on the track "Gimme All Your Money".{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/anus/id1001688318|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150715092013/https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/anus/id1001688318|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 15, 2015|title=iTunes – Music – Anus – Album by Alaska Thunderfuck|work=iTunes Store (US)|date=June 23, 2015 |access-date=June 23, 2015}}

In 2016, she released both her third single "Tease 4U" and a Christmas Album with the Haus of Edwards. Her single on the album is entitled "Green XXXmas," and the video featured exotic dancer Candace Cane.{{Cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsDHI88xkP4 |title="GREEN XXXMAS" Official Music Video by Laganja Estranja - YouTube |website=YouTube |access-date=January 19, 2017 |archive-date=February 2, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202173536/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsDHI88xkP4 |url-status=dead }} In September 2018, she released her fourth single "Look At Me" featuring J. Tyler, and an accompanying video. The video took a stance against arrests for marijuana possession.{{cite web |title=Look At Me feat. J. Tyler|url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDoPM1_UHxk |website=YouTube | date=September 3, 2018 |publisher=Laganja Estranja YouTube channel|access-date =September 3, 2018}} In November 2018, she released a lyric video for her fifth single "Smoke Break".{{cite web |title=Smoke Break |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKCPTWQeuvU |website=YouTube | date=November 16, 2018 |publisher=Laganja Estranja YouTube channel|access-date=November 16, 2018}}

As a cannabis rights activist, Laganja has hosted conversations on cannabis legalization at Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland, and at Impulse in San Francisco.{{Cite web|url=https://www.laganjaestranja.com/cannabis|title=CANNABIS|website=Laganja Estranja|language=en-US|access-date=2019-05-28}} She has also been featured twice in High Times Magazine as well as on the cover of Dope Magazine,{{Cite web|url=https://issuu.com/dopemag/docs/4_dope_magazine_september_2015_norc|title=DOPE MAGAZINE NORCAL ISSUE #4 SEPTEMBER 2015 "THE ANNIVERSARY ISSUE"|website=Issuu|date=September 2015 |language=en|access-date=2019-05-28}} making her the first LGBTQ+ advocate on the cover of a cannabis magazine.{{Cite web|url=https://www.laganjaestranja.com/press-recentposts/2019/5/16/laganja-estranja-stars-on-the-cover-of-dope-magazine-balancing-gay-rights-cannabis-and-the-pursuit-of-happiness-by-sharon-letts|title=Laganja Estranja Stars on the Cover of Dope Magazine {{!}} "Balancing Gay Rights, Cannabis, and the Pursuit of Happiness" by Sharon Letts|website=Laganja Estranja|language=en-US|access-date=2019-05-28|archive-date=May 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190528180651/https://www.laganjaestranja.com/press-recentposts/2019/5/16/laganja-estranja-stars-on-the-cover-of-dope-magazine-balancing-gay-rights-cannabis-and-the-pursuit-of-happiness-by-sharon-letts|url-status=dead}} In 2014, Laganja launched a collection of marijuana-themed merchandise including a jewelry line named Laganja Estranja Is My Enemy.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/25/fashion/why-the-fashion-world-is-obsessed-with-rupauls-drag-race.html|title=Why the Fashion World Is Obsessed With 'RuPaul's Drag Race' (Published 2016)|first=Matthew|last=Schneier|newspaper=The New York Times|date=September 24, 2016|access-date=February 5, 2021}} Laganja has also collaborated with Blunted Objects on a marijuana-themed statement necklace.{{Cite web|url=https://bluntedobjects.com/products/laganja-estranja-gold-nameplate-necklace|title=Laganja Estranja x Blunted Objects Gold Statement Necklace|website=Blunted Objects|language=en|access-date=2019-05-28|archive-date=May 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190528180651/https://bluntedobjects.com/products/laganja-estranja-gold-nameplate-necklace|url-status=dead}}

In September 2018, Laganja was interviewed{{Cite web|url=https://www.laganjaestranja.com/press-recentposts/2019/5/17/laganja-estranjas-political-imagery-against-the-war-on-drugs-highlighted-in-new-music-video-by-civilized-magazine|title=Laganja Estranja's Political Imagery Against the War on Drugs Highlighted in New Music Video by Civilized Magazine|website=Laganja Estranja|language=en-US|access-date=2019-05-28|archive-date=May 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190528180648/https://www.laganjaestranja.com/press-recentposts/2019/5/17/laganja-estranjas-political-imagery-against-the-war-on-drugs-highlighted-in-new-music-video-by-civilized-magazine|url-status=dead}} by Civilized Magazine about her music video{{Citation|last=LaganjaEstranja|title=LAGANJA ESTRANJA {{!}} "Look At Me" feat. J. Tyler {{!}} Official Music Video|date=2018-09-03|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDoPM1_UHxk|access-date=2019-05-28}} for Look at Me that “slammed” the war on drugs. The interview by Civilized — a magazine reported to be for the millions of adults who choose to enjoy cannabis recreationally{{Cite web|url=https://www.civilized.life/about/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161203221622/https://www.civilized.life/about/|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 3, 2016|title=About Civilized|website=Civilized|language=en|access-date=2019-05-28}} — covered a number of aspects behind the imagery of Laganja's music video. Leafly, the world's largest cannabis information site, featured Laganja on its in-house podcast in January 2019.{{Cite web|url=https://www.leafly.com/news/podcasts/drag-queen-laganja-estranja-battles-homophobia-in-cannabis-culture|title=Drag Queen Laganja Estranja Battles Homophobia in Cannabis Culture|date=2019-01-22|website=Leafly|language=en-US|access-date=2019-05-28}} The podcast, The Hash, explored, alongside Laganja, topics like homophobia in the cannabis industry and what it's like to often be the only queer person in a room.

The Laganja Estranja lifestyle brand includes a collaboration preroll joint with San Francisco's The Hepburns, called "LAhepburns."{{Cite web|url=https://yassmagazine.org/2018/10/29/laganjaestranja/|title=Laganja Estranja comes to YASS Magazine|last=Spirus|first=Dr|date=2018-10-29|website=YASS Magazine|language=en|access-date=2019-05-28}} Laganja also partnered with FRUIT SLABS, a company making cannabis infused, vegan, real-fruit squares for their 2019 PRIDE collection. Laganja worked with FRUIT SLABS to create a one-of-a-kind flavor to be offered for a limited time.{{Cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/BxigfOUhZ0e/|title=FRUIT SLABS on Instagram: "This year we are celebrating PRIDE with lots of passion - a new flavor developed in collaboration with the one and only @laganjaestranja ✨…"|website=Instagram|language=en|access-date=2019-05-28}}

Graduating from The California Institute of the Arts in 2011 with a bachelor of fine arts degree in dance and choreography, Laganja is a skilled choreographer, teacher, and dancer. A Presidential Scholar in The Arts, Laganja performed her original work “not today” at the Kennedy Center in 2007.{{Cite web|url=https://www.miaminewtimes.com/arts/things-to-do-in-miami-jay-jackson-aka-laganja-estranja-at-youngarts-september-28-10719723|title=Jay Jackson, AKA Drag Race Star Laganja Estranja, Gets Personal|last=Tracy|first=Liz|date=2018-09-20|website=Miami New Times|access-date=2019-05-28}} Laganja is also a YoungArts Silver Winner{{Cite web|url=https://www.youngarts.org/blog/post/national-youngarts-foundation-season-2018-2019|title=National YoungArts Foundation Season Kicks off with Dance Residency, Community Events and Performances by Jay Jackson of RuPaul's Drag Race and So You Think You Can Dance|website=www.youngarts.org|access-date=2019-05-28|archive-date=May 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190528180651/https://www.youngarts.org/blog/post/national-youngarts-foundation-season-2018-2019|url-status=dead}} and returns every year to the program to mentor high school students in Miami, Florida. Laganja's choreography credits include Germany's Next Top Model, NYC Cosmetics FACE Awards, and for commercial artists such as Miley Cyrus and Brooke Candy.{{Cite news|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/javierhasse/2019/09/04/laganja-estranja/#48cd6bfd4c1b|title=Cool Cannabis Careers: Laganja Estranja, LGBTQAI+ Marijuana Icon And Performance Artist|last=Hasse|first=Javier|date=4 September 2019|work=Forbes|access-date=31 October 2019}}

In mid-2017, Laganja led a dance theatre project on gender expression with artists across Europe assembling in Nottingham, UK for a four-day workshop and showcase exploring the boundaries of gender identity.{{Citation|last=LaganjaEstranja|title=LAGANJA ESTRANJA {{!}} End Of Gender {{!}} Exploritive Workshop {{!}} Nottingham, UK|date=2017-11-26|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGJF9cI9IYM|access-date=2019-05-28}} “G[END]ER” was in collaboration with Backlit Gallery, Kitty Tray, and Nottingham Contemporary. In the fall of 2018, Laganja elaborated on this idea of gender expression with her dance residency at YoungArts.{{Cite web|url=http://theartnewspaper.com/blog/laganja-estranja-sashays-into-pamm|title=Laganja Estranja sashays into Pamm|website=theartnewspaper.com|date=September 3, 2018 |access-date=2019-05-28}} The immersive experience included live vocals, original compositions, and curated set design. In late-2018, Laganja was partnered with the Pérez Art Museum Miami (Pamm) to present the art of drag for a one-day Poplife Social YoungArts Takeover. The event at the world-renowned art museum included an invitation from Laganja herself, “Onto Pamm’s terrace to warm up their dance muscles, ‘sissy that walk’ across the space and participate in a fan dance inspired by traditional Japanese performance.”

In 2016, Laganja's Dance School, an international high-heels masterclass and confidence workshop, was founded with partner Kristen Lovell.{{Cite web|url=https://www.miaminewtimes.com/arts/things-to-do-in-miami-jay-jackson-aka-laganja-estranja-at-youngarts-september-28-10719723|title=Jay Jackson, AKA Drag Race Star Laganja Estranja, Gets Personal|last=Tracy|first=Liz|date=2018-09-20|website=Miami New Times|access-date=2019-07-29}} The master class has been held in dozens of cities in the United States and as an international experience, has traveled to Manchester, Nottingham, London, Newcastle, Dublin, Lima, Mexico City, and Amsterdam.{{Cite web|url=https://ediblesmagazine.com/uncategorized/laganja-estranjas-dance-school/|title=LaGanja Estranja's Dance School {{!}} Edibles Magazine™|last=edibleslist|date=June 7, 2017 |language=en-US|access-date=2019-07-29}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.imdb.com/name/nm5764721/bio|title=Jay Jackson|website=IMDb|access-date=2019-07-29}} In 2019, the documentary Laganja's Dance School was released. The documentary was directed by Selene Kapsaski and chronicles Laganja Estranja teaching a dance class in London.{{Cite web|url=https://mubi.com/films/laganja-s-dance-school|title= Laganja's Dance School|website=MUBI}}

Laganja spoke out against Donald Trump while the latter was running for president of the United States.{{Cite web|url=https://www.inquisitr.com/3585372/trump-laganja-estranja-rupauls-drag-race-video/|title=Laganja Estranja of 'RuPaul's Drag Race' Fame Takes Down Donald Trump With Eloquent Speech [Video]|date=October 10, 2016|website=The Inquisitr|access-date=February 5, 2021}} In 2021, she came out as a transgender woman.{{cite news |last1=Nolfi |first1=Joey |title='RuPaul's Drag Race' star Laganja Estranja comes out as trans: 'I feel so beautiful' |url=https://ew.com/tv/rupauls-drag-race-laganja-estranja-comes-out-trans/ |work=EW.com |date=June 15, 2021 |language=en}}

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Category:1988 births

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