Akira – AKA Lil’ Miss Cinnamon – Part 2/2
I remember going to my first gay bar, and I went with my very straight, butch brother, and I think he loved it more than I did. I was just terrified; it was just too much for me. And I remember seeing a drag queen, she was just so rude and really bitchy and nasty, and her performance was very lacklustre.
I was like, you know what? I can do better than this; I’ve done better in my bedroom. So, I put my money where my mouth was. I started off at community events, and it just kind of grew.
I’ve always loved creating things, whether it’s painting or costumes. I still use my Mum’s sewing kit to sew my costumes, and my drag name, Lil’ Miss Cinnamon, is an ode to my mum.
Also the Spice Girls because I was a big fan; still am; but me and my mum would bake cinnamon oysters. They were my favourite, because whenever we made them, I’d take them to school for a school thing, and they were everyone’s favorite. That was something that we used to do together. Mum taught me how to sew, and I’d bake with my mum, she was amazing. She was a beautiful, beautiful woman.
(Lil’ Miss Cinnamon) She’s a lip-sync-er. She loves a ballad now that she’s a bit older, her songs are always uplifting and just, celebratory. She does it for the people, so she’s making sure that people are having a fun time.
I love being on stage and performing, but as I’ve gotten older, my priorities have shifted. There’s amazing drag talent out there, so I’ll let the younger ones do their thing, and I still come out every now and then.
I’ve never wanted to do it for the money. It’s more about connecting with the community. I love those quiet moments where I can just sit with someone and make them feel happy, where we can just have that connection.
You know, life is so short. I’ve had to sit beside my mum; dad; my sister as they passed and it just makes you realize how short life is. Not to sweat the small things, and just do your best not to be a dick, and if you can make the world a wee bit better, then do it.
August 2026
This story is part of an inclusivity campaign in collaboration with InCommon and Christchurch Pride.