EDWARD LYGMA AKA THE RIZZLER

Originally from Dayton, Ohio, Edward Lygma aka The Rizzler (he/him) has created a name for himself within the drag scenes of Akron, Kent and Cleveland. The music he performs with consists of show tunes, punk rock, and dark cabaret! Recently, Edward has graduated from Kent State University with a BFA in Fashion Design. His final thesis, titled Polleo Poeta, was an 8 look line of trans-masculine sleepwear centered around the need for whimsical well fitting clothes for queer masculine identities.

In the local drag scene, Edward has competed in Season 3 (?) of Mx. Zephyr and in March, he was crowned the winner of Kingpin Season 2 (2025)! Earlier this month, we had the opportunity to do a cover shoot with him and ask a few questions about the trans experience, drag, and what brings him joy. 

INFLUENCES

How did you feel doing the Issue #4 cover photoshoot with us? 

“I felt honored to be chosen to do this photoshoot with you all. I feel honored and elated to represent my community. The actual shoot itself was incredibly fun; your team is full of light and life, very funny too."

What has your experience been like as a trans person in the drag scene? 

"Before drag I had never experienced unquestioning love and acceptance from a community of my peers. Cleveland's drag scene especially has made a special place for its trans performers in and out of drag. When I introduce myself as a man people take me seriously; in and out of drag I feel respected for who I am."

What inspired you to start drag? How has your drag evolved over time (fashion, music, persona)?

"My inspiration to start drag was while studying abroad with my drag mother Monica Mod. I live and breathe performance, singing especially will always be my first love. I was having Monica over for dinner (I'm a fiend for a dinner party) and we bonded over our love of the same musicals, particularly the fact that we nearly had identical repertoires on tap.

We promptly broke out into a passionate duet of "Gimmie Gimmie". It was a match made in heaven. After that she encouraged me to join the Kent drag scene when we got back to the US and adopted me as my drag mother right away. I'm spoiled, I'm a drag only child.

In contrast to my passion for theatre my drag persona was birthed from my love of The Riddler. It was love at first sight; when my friends in college turned on the TV show Gotham for me my life was forever changed. The ultimate Tumblr sexyman, how had no one seen it yet. I made it my own personal mission to implicate homosexual tendencies on The Riddler in the name of drag. From that I just winged it- channelled my historical fashion background into shaping a sexy vintage inspired wardrobe invigorated with avant-garde fashion designs inspired by extravagant shoe girl costumes.

 

What does it mean to be trans in the United States right now, from your point of view?

This is a horrid time and place to be a trans person. The US would rather us dead than happy, that's a hard pill to swallow. My days are exhausting and long and I find myself in tears privately very often. What keeps me going is the paradise I know that lays on the other side of all this hate. One day I'll live in a world that loves me back. 

QUEER JOY

What are some cool places around town (can be in the Akron, Kent area) that you enjoy that are LGBTQ+ friendly? 

Here in Kent the obvious first choice for LGBTQ+ friendly spaces is Zephyr pub which, though not technically a gay bar, is certainly not designed for the heterosexual experience. Nothing beats late night joints on the patio and sweaty summer drag shows. My personal favorite pregame spot is Board and Bevy the boardgame bar/restaurant. The atmosphere is friendly and the game selection is insane. Outside of nightlight the coffee shops downtown have all been wonderful little spots employing delightful workers who facilitate a safe and enjoyable feeling. My favorites are Scribbles Cafe for drinks and Last Exit for their delicious and affordable bagels. 

What brings you joy? 

Music brings me joy. When I have any moment of free time in my schedule, I work on playing my electric ukulele or trumpet or singing something even if it's just for a few minutes. The time spent alone learning the discipline of an instrument is meditative. It all comes fairly easily to me. I'm never left frustrated with my shortcomings, just happy to learn more.