The first time I saw a drag show on Oxford Street I was awestruck. Only a few months later, I had one of my friends doing my makeup and dressing me in drag for the very first time. For me, it was one of those rare life-changing moments. I loved the sense of transformation and the freedom it gave me to perform.
When I was a young and naive musical theatre student, I was told that drag was the dog-end of the industry and to avoid it if I wanted to be taken seriously as a performer. Drag queens on the scene told me that I couldn't make a living doing drag, that I would need a second job - a 'normal' job.
Fortunately, I’m not one to take 'no' for an answer and the countless words of discouragement only made me work harder towards the life I envisioned. It was then that I gave birth to my alter ego: The Six-Foot-Something Songstress, Prada Clutch - launching onto Sydney's gay scene.
I formed Sydney Drag Queen with my now fiancé back in 2010, which saw myself and a handful of other Sydney queens fight to turn our drag side-gigs into full-time careers. Working to establish a regular client base, we soon found ourselves entertaining audiences at weekly bingo events, hens parties and corporate events.
However, we had our sights set on producing our first touring show - and soon began work producing Prada’s Priscillas: An All-Male Revue. The show was so well-received that it's still touring the East coast of Australia today, including stops at regional towns. I make a point of touring to regional towns to deliver a message of acceptance and equality. I want to show the young people who live in rural areas that it’s okay be yourself and that what you are feeling is normal.
Drag has opened many doors for me. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting celebrities like American singer Glenn Fry from the rock band The Eagles. When Glenn traveled to Australia, he would request me as his entertainment and host for the evening. Then there’s Australian journalist and television personality Chris Bath. Chris and I had the pleasure of working together on The Sydney Markets Fresh Awards. We really connected, and she invited me onto her ABC Radio Evenings program to discuss how drag changed my life and allowed me to help communicate a message of acceptable to the people of regional NSW.
I have been self-employed as a professional drag queen for eleven years now, giving me the freedom to be myself. Drag is a creative outlet where I not only get to sing live and entertain people, but I get to wear fabulous costumes, big hair and killer heels - it’s every gay boy's dream! Drag has also allowed for me to travel. If there's an overseas location I want to travel to, I'm able to book my tour internationally and my work in drag funds the holiday. It really is the gift that keeps on giving!
The greatest joy that drag gives me is the satisfaction of helping people forget their worries while I perform. When I go out on stage, it’s my mission to help people have fun. When you attend one of my shows you can expect to be uplifted and your sides will ache from the laughing. It really is a feel-good experience.
Prada Clutch presents Prada’s Priscillas: An All-Male Revue, which is currently touring Australia. for more information.
