Hey Jojo & Philmah, where are you and what are you up to right now?

JJ: Currently? I’m at Woolies — buying chocolate, looking for a card for my partner. I totally forgot it was Valentine’s Day and I realised I had to go and get something. He does all the big soppy stuff so I’ll leave the rest up to him. We’ll sort something out.

P: I’m currently at my studio, Philmah’s Workshop — which is where I run my business, based in Geelong, Victoria.

For those who might not know you (how very dare!), could you introduce yourselves and explain what you do?

JJ: JoJo Zaho — I’d say “glamorous, adult clown for hire”.

P: Basically, Philmah Box has been running for ten years. In terms of what I actually do, I’ve been making costume pieces for the industry for a long time, I MC and collaborate with a range of incredible performers and the like.

In a nutshell — I am the hostess with the mostest. Drag is an indulgence and I proudly indulge in the art of drag, taking it to audiences who don’t have access to it all the time, to those in regional areas and beyond; there are places like Beechworth, where I turn up and entertain the locals. Gagging! You do find queer communities in these regional areas of course, but it (drag queens/big queer culture) must just blow their minds. I can’t imagine what it would be like if I had that exposure as a young person (before coming out).

What does Pride mean to you?

JJ: The overall acceptance of every part of who you are, it’s something to be proud of, instead of hiding.

P: Pride to me is to bring forth your inner diva. For me personally, it’s about showcasing to the world what we’re capable of. It’s about being extremely glamorous, very exciting and extremely unapologetic.

Why Sydney, why now?

JJ: Just following the money babe laughs/cackles

P: As a world stage, Sydney is a beautiful stage to have. I’d promote Sydney because of its landscapes, gorgeous culture and so on — a lot of tourists probably think it’s the capital too because I mean let’s be honest why would you go to Canberra? WorldPride will bring Australia to the attention of their (the tourists) fingertips — places like the desert, and so on — if that’s what they wanna explore that is. Sydney is just the starting block. Because of Mardi Gras — Sydney is an official safe zone, because the queer community has tried to make it so.

Can you give us any sneaky peeks into what folks can expect for your Archie Rose events?

JJ: A lot of off-the-cuff humour, tongue and cheek banter with the audience, classic drag performances mixed in there, the lot.

P: Bondi — a couple of queens, a beach backdrop, bingo and brunch every week.

Drag bingo, in a nutshell, is fun, fast, raunchy, silly, verrrrry interactive. Basically — it’s not what you expect. Think three hour drag makeup lessons with the best — drag 101 with two volunteers from the audience.
What you can expect are some great prizes from Archie Rose.

For you, what’s the most powerful thing about Drag?

JJ: The most powerful thing is that it allows you to be completely free, to express yourself, explore. Drag invites you to mess around with your femininity — in a safe way, without pigeonholing you at the same time.

P: It’s important to remember, Drag is not something to be abused — you have to understand your power, the power behind the Drag. You need to use it for the greater good. Drag is political, and commercial, it’s entertainment, it can be a form of therapy — it’s a message.

When you’re in Drag, an interesting thing happens — people open up to you in different ways, and they feel a sense of release and calm around you. Queens have always played a role at the forefront of the queer movement, the only other comparable community is the Dykes on Bikes really — now they’re a force not to be matched.

I’m 50 now and I’ve been out since I was 20 years old — and it’s important to recognise that discrimination and homophobia is still there, despite all the change. We have to be aware that we’re always going to have a way to go. That’s why Drag, WorldPride, and Mardi Gras — these are the things that help us celebrate each other. It’s less of a protest and more of a celebration.

As Queens, we have to be strong. Our community is strong, we’re here to rally around those that need our support — as a community I believe we’re (the Queens) some of the boldest of them all. And now, you know — Drag doesn’t have to be just for men, it’s for non-binary folks, lesbians, trans, and I’m here for it all.

What are your top 3 must-see events picks this WorldPride?

JJ: I’d say the Archie Rose bingo of course, then definitely the Priscilla Tribute Show at the Imperial and the Miss First Nations Grand Final at Carriageworks.

P: Well obviously, the parade, then the Kylie Minogue concert, and any and all of the Archie Rose gigs!

What do you want people visiting Aus to take away from the festivities?

JJ: I want it to leave you wanting more, hungry to explore.

P: Pride. Pride is the word. It can come in many forms — self-validation, excitement, education, love, it’s just all pride and that’s what this is all about.

What’s your pre-show/pre-party tipple of choice?

JJ: Whisky and Coke and then maybe a shot of Fireball.

P: Okay well, let’s say a bottle of Veuve champagne — sip on that every now and then whilst I’m getting ready, and then for the special occasions let’s just say a low-calorie classic — gin or vodka soda/tonic please.

There’s been an EXPLOSION in the popularity of Drag over the last decade (thanks to a certain TV show), how has this changed your local scenes? What are the more general positives and negatives of this?

JJ: I wouldn’t say there are really many negatives apart from competing for bookings. If anything, it has only (positively) pushed everyone to elevate their craft, to reach a higher calibre. Basically, everyone’s pushing themselves further and further. It’s inspirational.

P: I guess the only slight negative to consider is how the culture risks becoming overly Americanised — which is only an observation and one that I don’t think is worth dwelling on too much. It’s important to analyse though from time to time. But all in all, Ru has drawn attention to the art of Drag like no other, bringing on this kind of Drag renaissance and everybody wants a piece of it. For example — if you’re a business woman (like me)— it’s (drag’s) a full-time thing. And also aside from all the cultural/historical weight of it all, WorldPride is a business opportunity — in its simplest form.

Anything else you’d like to add…

JJ & P: Stay safe, have fun, be self-aware and be aware of your surroundings, oh and always, always carry a portable charger!

Over and out.