It’s no secret, the outrageous Queens of RuPaul’s Drag Race are bringing their Battle of the Seasons to Australia and no one is safe from the fabulousness!
Singing, dancing, joking and all out fashion parades can be expected at any one of the upcoming shows and we wanted to see what makes these multi talented Drag Stars tick. We had a chat with the fierce Manila Luzon ahead of her July trip down under.
There’s nothing more empowering and important than being your true self and for Manila Luzon, that means busting out some high heels and getting fierce.
HAPPY: Thanks for taking some time out! You’ve been so busy touring lately, aren’t you exhausted?
ML: I’m totally exhausted! It’s so exhausting looking this fierce everyday in a different city! (laughs) I save up my energy until it’s time to hit the stage and let it all out for the audience each night!
HAPPY: Will this be your first trip to Australia? If so, what are you looking forward to?
ML: No, I’ve had the pleasure of touring through Australia with InTheDark Events a few times. I always look forward to partying with my Australian fans, they are great and I love the accent! I also hope I can see some Australian wildlife. I love koalas! So cute!
HAPPY: With so many incredible Queens heading to perform for us in Australia, what can we expect from the show?
ML: This show is a drag show on steroids. We have a fun opening production, live singing, lip syncing, strip teasing, and general foolishness. RuPaul’s Drag Race Battle of the Seasons is a rock concert, a Broadway show, a comedy act, a fashion runway; it’s got something for everyone!
HAPPY: Is there still an element of competition between you all, or more a sense of touring camaraderie?
ML: Not at all! We’ve left the competition on TV. We are all working together, doing our part to put on the best live show for the fans of RuPaul’s Drag Race. We all are allowed to have a diva moment, but only one queen at a time!
HAPPY: Besides the success, what can you say your experience as a part of the Drag Race contributed to your career?
ML: The show changed how I get to do my art and allowed me to do it for the world to see! Just by being on the show, I’ve been able to grow so much as an artist and as a person.
HAPPY: Where did your love for performance come from and how did you learn?
ML: I actually am scared to death of performing. I used to throw up after performances before I was on Drag Race. I only became comfortable once I realised the fans really didn’t care if I was any good on stage, they just were so happy to see me in person live, in front of them! That made it way easier to get used to performing in front of big audiences, and now it’s almost not as scary… Thanks everyone!
HAPPY: Who or what inspired you?
ML: I’m inspired by strong beautiful powerful women. My mother, obviously, Barbra Streisand, Madonna, Janet Jackson, Gaga, & Kylie. I’m also inspired by random things that I find nostalgic like childhood cartoons or things I find delicious like pineapples.
HAPPY: What does it mean to you to have a whole new persona to adopt when you like?
ML: It’s empowering to switch on a part of my personality that I hide in most daily situations. It’s great to think, “fuck, I’m Manila Luzon, goddess and cartoon character!”
HAPPY: When and how did you create your character and how much of it is based on your everyday self?
ML: It’s all just me. There’s no character, really. That’s just Karl in way better clothes.
HAPPY: Being so proud and so incredibly talented, you’re inevitably a shining light of inspiration for millions around the world, what does this mean to you?
ML: It’s changed me for the better. Knowing people look up to me has given me so much more responsibility. I appreciate that my fans have forced me to be a good person. I want to be a better person. I’ve grown since I’ve been in the show in a way that I’m sure couldn’t have happened if I wasn’t on TV.
It’s made me really look deep into who I am and who I want to be. And it’s given me a voice to spread love and encourage creativity and self expression to anyone who wants to pay attention to me. It’s one of the greatest gifts for me.
HAPPY: I can’t conduct this interview without sparing a thought for the Orlando tragedy. How did this effect you when you first heard the news?
ML: It’s all the emotions. I am scared, I am angry, I am saddened, I am happy I’m alive. My initial reaction is to switch on my optimism that the world will grow stronger because of this tragedy. I am trying to focus on hope and love in order to shield me from the devastating realities. I am trying to fight hate with love. I won’t let my spirit and belief in the good in humanity be derailed by this.
HAPPY: I’ve seen a video of a beautiful tribute by the cast, how did it feel to perform in tribute to the Pulse victims?
ML: It was therapeutic. We were all confused and sad and scared for our safety. But we knew that our audience wanted to be there with us. We knew we were all sharing this moment together and it felt wonderful to just let out our tears together with everyone.
HAPPY: What message of inspiration can you give to fans struggling with this event?
ML: Just as tragedy may strike at any moment, remember, amazing things can happen just as quick! Cherish the wonderful moments life gives us!
HAPPY: Does it phase you when people take offence to what you do?
ML: Not usually. I’m usually more phased when people are indifferent! I mean look at me, I’m wearing a dress and making faces & you’re giving no reaction?! Come on!
HAPPY: A couple of the ladies held an awesome popup store a little while ago. Can Aussie fans expect any awesome merchandise?
ML: I got shirts and posters and CDs for sale on tour for RuPaul’s Drag Race Battle of the Seasons! Make sure to buy it and I’ll even autograph it for you if you want!
Hashtag: Buy My T-Shirt
HAPPY: Finally, what’s next for you and the Drag Race team? Should we be excited?
ML: Be very excited! I’ll continue to tour the world, make auto-tuned music and silly videos! And I’ll be tuning in to see my sisters get their asses kicked on All Stars 2!!!
Check out Manila Luzon’s new single, Ovahness here and don’t forget to Catch Manila and more at RuPaul’s Drag Race Battle of the Stars.
July 1: Festival Hall, Melbourne VIC
July 2: Big Top, Sydney NSW
July 3: Eatons Hill Hotel, Brisbane QLD
July 5: Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide SA
July 6: Astor Theatre, Perth WA
