Busy As A Little Drag Queen..

Between opening shows last weekend and into rehearsing for another to open in 2 weeks time, I have very little time to do anything else at the moment! I'm a busy little drag queen..

After waking up late from the big night on Saturday, Sunday afternoon was a meeting for the new show (Grease) at the Imperial Hotel, then rehearsals commenced for it on Monday after work. Tuesday was my Japanese class, and tonight - another rehearsal for Grease! These 14 hour days suck big-time! I remember the good old days when all I did was shows, no day job..

Well that will change (a bit) come next week..

I changed my availability for my day job this week to Monday-Thursday, so now I won't be rostered on for Fridays anymore. Currently, my part-time job (20 hrs min) has been like a full-time job, working 9-5 each weekday. Not that the money isn't good to have, but it would be nice to spend the time enjoying life with my boyfriend and my little dog! That was the reason I left a higher paying full-time job for a part-time one in the first place..

Anyway, this change will now mean that when Grease is up and running on a Thursday night, I won't have to think about work the next day from 8:45am! Yayy!!

Cleo asked me to have choreography for Grease ready by Saturday, and with rehearsals for the show after work on Friday evening, it really means that I will be up all night working tomorrow. And with all of that, I have to find time to run our Stonewall show before we have our second night, meet up with Abbey Road to change some costuming and to meet our Stonewall graphic artist for the new poster design..

Next week I think will be easier as Cleo is doing drag shows all week. That means if we have rehearsals, they will be short so she can get ready in time. So I'm just gonna have to knuckle down and get these tasks out of the way. Hopefully I'll get a chance to cuddle up to my boys again in that time..

Here's to a quick 2 weeks!

Speak to you again soon.. I hope!

Opening Night - The Wrap-up..

Firstly, thankyou to all those people who went out of their way to say "Welcome back to Sydney Shelley. We missed you." It was very touching that so many people were there to support me (and the other girls!) and I sincerely thankyou. It is wonderful to be back on the strip again!

Last night was opening night, and thankfully, the shows went well.

Our re-cast, re-edited and re-mounted version of A Dummer Shade of Blonde went down a treat, with many people in the audience miming the words to the songs and the movie audio grabs all the way through the 15 minute show! When speaking with Candy Box about what shows to put on for a Saturday night, we both knew Dummer would hit the mark - and it did! Yayy!

Ricca Paris was saying after the show that not only will everyone know the words to the entire show soon, they will be doing the choreography while watching it! Well that means should one of us break a leg, we will certainly have replacements available!

A big THANKYOU to my friend Abbey Road, for remaking our pink Finale outfits. She has taken what she made for us originally and remade them from a more sophisticated set of fabrics. There are quite a few layers in those outfits, which anyone watching may not be able to tell, but then that's the point! When you look at the inside, you see the incredible detailed (and neat) work that has been done. They are fabulous... Thankyou again..

Next we had our brand new show Rough Trade Hers.

That show I think all up went a little smoother, but that was probably because we had less props and easier costume changes.

Charisma Belle looked fantastic in her Opening outfit, as did we all, for Watching You. THANKYOU to Kirsten Damned for her costumes and for the fabulous wig that Charisma wore - HOT!

Well done also to Charisma on the choreography for her number. It was beautiful to perform!

Cleo Coupe then stole the spotlight with her eye-catching Union Jack outfit. The number Way To Go went off, as we all energetically performed the choreography to a pumping audience.

THANKYOU to Chelsea Bun for Cleo's lead costume and our schoolgirl skirts.

For my Finale, Voodoo Child, Abbey Road again made the costumes and I just love them! Based on the idea of a marching band, the girls had one piece dresses which went down into box pleats in the colours of Silver and Black. They fit like a glove, and again, so much detail on the inside and outside.

We were discussing ways to make this number even better, and might add a little more to my outfit. We may even organise an onstage costume change! Stay tuned!

In any case, as always, Abbey you are a star - there is no-one else in all of Sydney I would want to do my costumes! I felt like royalty in the black velvet, and you deserve much more than our budget can afford. THANKYOU!

For those who were there last night, we were to perform the Finale on the bar, but didn't have any room to get up there from our changing area, but we hope to have that ironed out from next week onwards.

I didn't mention it on stage (I'm sorry Cleo!), but THANKYOU to Cleo Coupe for editing the soundtrack to both shows for us. You always do such a great job, and we are so lucky to have your talents available to us.

THANKYOU to your dresser, Jason. You coped very well with two large shows that contained many props and costume changes, and you did it all without even watching the shows in rehearsal! You're a star!

The last THANKYOU is to my boyfriend. Thankyou so much darling for putting up with me over the long show prep period, and of course for running around organising the last minute things for us. We all thankyou, but more importantly - I love you.

Now, if you didn't make it to our show last night, then you certainly missed a fun night! Opening nights are always a bit of a panic on and off stage, but they also rock! Seeing (and performing) a show for the first time is so much fun.

Come along and see us at Stonewall Hotel over the 13 weeks. We had a photoshoot last night before the first show, so we will be advertising the the night - so no excuses! Pick up a paper if you forget and look for our ad! Or of course visit my website for show information.

Well it's time to clean up my house and get started on the next show, GREASE at the Imperial Hotel (opening Thurs 13th April). We have a meeting this evening with the whole cast. This one will be fun for sure! Stay tuned for more info...

Take care..

Shelley xoxox

Dusty Springfield is alive and well in Sydney!

Dusty Springfield is alive and well in Sydney! Well the musical based on her life is anyways!

What a fantastic night!

I was lucky enough to score some complimentary tickets for the preview performance of "Dusty" last night, and all I can say is - MAKE SURE YOU SEE THIS SHOW!

Although the First Act of the show went a bit too slow for my liking, this original, Australian-made musical tells a dramatic and theatrical story quite beautifully. I was reduced to tears a few times during the show - which is rare for me..

I'll be the first to admit, even though Dusty Springfield is a Gay icon (let alone a Drag Queen icon), her story escaped my attention. I knew of much of her music, but little of the woman who sung it. The musical "Dusty" was a wonderful insight into this much loved performer.

Taking us on her journey through life as a innocent child with a dream, to a up-and-coming star, and through the emergence of her homosexuality, coupled with her drug and alcohol abuse, one could not help but laugh and cry as the story played on.

Great pride filled the air as a cheering (mainly gay) audience applauded the beautifully crafted onstage lesbian kiss. I have never seen girl-on-girl action in a mainstream musical before, so the symbolic nature of this was profoundly moving for me (and for other people). A few tears of pride were shed..

Then there was the scenes that dealt with Dusty's drug and alcohol abuse, which again moved me to tears. The simplistic and genuinely compassionate direction of these scenes were a true reflection of the love and admiration, that the Producers of this musical, have for this pop Icon.

The final tears however were saved for the ending. For some reason I felt like I was really saying goodbye to a fantastic performer. The fact that it had drawn such emotion from me is testament to a sincere tribute and emotionally solid performance. The cast of course was brilliant too! Let's not forget them! After all, they are the reason there were more than a few sobbing faces in the audience when the house lights came up!

To be fair, there would be some work I think needed to streamline the show, particularly in Act One. Would that come at a cost to the content of the show? I'm not sure..

What do you think? You haven't seen it yet? Then get a ticket and go along.. It's a great show! You won't be disappointed at all!

(Tickets from TICKETMASTER - Ph: 136100 or online at http://www.ticketmaster.com.au)

Big Losers at the Preview

Well last night we had the last of our "Preview" nights at Stonewall Hotel, before we start the two production shows next Saturday. We had a great time, and even had 3 of the Biggest Losers in for the show.. literally!



Tracy, Jo and Artie, from the Channel 10 hit show - The Biggest Loser, were in the audience and were having a fabulous time. But then, I noticed that when I started my first solo spot for the night! Let me explain..

Things started off well, with an enthusiastic response to my spot, "Don't Call Me Baby". Then about half way through, a girl in the front row starts leaning over the stage while I'm performing.

She was drunk as a skunk, hops up on the stage (without shoes on I might add!), and starts to dance alongside me! I kept thinking "I should chuck this chick off the stage.. Hang on, I know who this is.... But what's her name? Where do I know her?" Then it hit me - it was Jo from the The Biggest Loser!

My fellow performer, Charisma Belle came to my rescue and escorted Jo off the stage so that I could finish the show. Once I got back to performing, I noticed Tracy and Artie a little further away from the stage.. I was wondering how many of them might be here! Did the whole cast come?

Unfortunately I didn't get to live out my dream of getting it on with Bob Harper- the Blue Team's Trainer. That man is a spunk - and has such a lovely soul too! Yumm..


Anyways, back to last night - the rest of the shows went down well and with a little chat with the Losers and the other patrons, we finished off our preview night with a bang.

We have now today finished learning all the choreography for the Rough Trade Hers show, and so now we can just concentrate on polishing both shows for next week's Opening Night! Phew!

I hope those of you reading this in Sydney will come along and support us this Saturday night!

Only 5 days to go!

"Rough Trade Hers" Isn't So Ruff Anymore

My shows for Stonewall are that little bit closer to being ready to perform. Our Rough Trade Hers is now starting to sparkle..

Late today we rehearsed some more and now we have completed 2/3'rds of the show. Dummer has also been polished and we are looking good for the Opening Night in a week's time.

Hopefully the entire show will be learnt by the end of the weekend, and we will just concentrate on polishing and drilling it over and over again up until Saturday.

It's getting very exciting!

7 days to go!

(For those who don't know what Rough Trade Hers and Dummer is, click here for more info.)

Politicians: Liars? You think...?

Well our Prime Miniature, would never normally surprise me with anything he says or does, as he is predictable in avoiding answers to questions, and a well documented liar. (Think GST, children overboard.. etc)

Mr Kevin Rudd (ALP) also believes that, and in fact called the PM a liar on Lateline last night..

..These documents today demonstrate that we have an Australian Prime Minister who is a liar. I've never called the Prime Minister a liar before and I use the term precisely and intentionally.

Wow! For once someone going for the neck.. Hopefully it will do some damage!

The comment that surprised me from the PM's mouth recently was from two separate interviews with UK TV stations. He was asked about the future of the Monachy in Australia. He replied:

I think it is very unlikely that this country will become a Republic while the present Queen is on the throne, very unlikely.

Pressed on whether he thought we would see Prince Charles as King of Australia, the PM said:

Well, that is a matter for the Australian people, and I believe in democracy.

If the Australian people want to change the system, they will. But if they don't, they won't. The only prediction that I make is that I do not believe that this country will become a Republic while the Queen is on the throne.

For a Monarchist, that's one hell of a concession. In my view it almost concedes defeat. Once the poor old Queen no longer our the Head of the State - the monarchist movement in Australia will be dead! Hooray! Lets hope that, as mentioned in a previous blog, it's just a matter of time before Australia votes to become a Republic!

The Show Must Go On..

The world has had a small break from my blogging as, for the last 5 days now, I've been sick with food poisoning, followed closely by the flu. When I'm sick I usually just feel sorry for myself curled up in bed and don't come out until I'm better. With so much to do however, it's hard to justify the idle-time. Remember the saying "The Show must go on.."? Well it certainly must - flu or no flu!

So instead of fiddling my thumbs, I've tried to continue organising my new Stonewall show from my bedside. All I can say is, thank God for the mobile phone! A stroke of genius!

I always forget how much mobile phones get used when developing new shows! From organizing soundtracks, rehearsals and costumes to money, props and advertising, it's a full-time job if you let it be! It's a good thing I'm also on one of those capped plans, as I used to spend easily $300-$350 per month on my mobile alone!

I am focused on getting the show finished ASAP, as there are always mishaps that occur which shortens the readiness time that every performer likes to have. It's Murphy's law, there will never be enough time... Someone's costume wont be finished in time, the choreography wasn't drilled in long enough, or still looking for props on Opening Night... the list can go on and on...

All I can do is plan it to come together BEFORE the day. I hate leaving it to the Opening Night to try on costumes, to learn choreography or to listen to the soundtrack... If I had a dollar every time that happened... CHI-CHING!

Well I'm happy to say that costumes are underway and I anticipate that all will be ready in time. I've found my props and changed their colours to match the show, the soundtrack is being finalised, and Charisma and I have been holding rehearsals with each other while Cleo has been on holidays.

With Cleo back in Sydney now though, we have held rehearsals for "Dummer" and "Rough Trade Hers" as a trio and all is progressing nicely. (Minus my coughing and spluttering on the sidelines!)

Things are looking good so far.. But be warned - you will know if they're not! ( I need to vent somehow!)

Anyways, I've decided to start my own little countdown to Opening Night!

Here goes...

Only 8 days to go!

A Queen on the topic of the Queen

Anyone who hasn't been under a rock knows that the Queen has been visiting Australia for the Commonwealth Games, to commence in Melbourne tomorrow..

She also managed to make it to Sydney to open the new colonnade of the Sydney Opera House yesterday. Poor old love, being shunted around the country. Well hopefully she is enjoying herself, as many speculate it will be the last time she visits here.

What was interesting to me was seeing how little interest there was in her visit. You would think that with her somewhat rare visits to a country where she is Head of State, that people would come out in droves.

But alas, relatively few people lined the streets and Opera House forecourt to welcome Her Majesty to Sydney.

At this point I should openly declare myself as a Republican. I'd much rather see an Australian queen as Head of State, than a British one. Don't get me wrong, I very much believe we should respect our heritage as a British colony (albeit dark), and see no reason to exit the Commonwealth community. And for that matter I respect Queen Elizabeth greatly as a leader of the Commonwealth and her nation, however why can't we show some independence and become the Democratic Republic of Australia?

I have spoken privately with a Commodore from the Australian Navy (who spoke with the Queen personally) and he mentioned that the she herself thinks, "It's about time Australia should leave the nest and fly on it's own." (I know it's second hand, but the source I know is reliable.)

Even when Prince Charles toured a few years back, he even made a comment indicating his surprise that Australia chose not to become a Republic in the then recent (and controversial) referendum.

Of course our Prime Miniature, Mr Howard, didn't exactly sell the idea to the nation. We of course all know he is a strong supporter of the Monachy, and chose carefully to word the referendum to ensure it's defeat.

A proposed law: To alter the Constitution to establish the Commonwealth of Australia as a republic with the Queen and Governor-General being replaced by a President appointed by a two-thirds majority of the members of the Commonwealth Parliament.

Electors were also asked to vote on a second question at the 1999 referendum which asked whether they approved of:

A proposed law: To alter the Constitution to insert a preamble.

Firstly, most people still do not know what a preamble is, so it was always going to be difficult to vote "Yes" for something you are not sure about, even with an info pack sent to each household. However it was clear to see, by polling taken before the referendum, that support for a Republic was high. What do you think would have happened if the proposed law stated instead?:

A proposed law: To alter the Constitution to establish the Commonwealth of Australia as a republic.

The answer would be clear, the referendum would have succeeded. Without a doubt we would have continued to debate the most appropriate means to decide the Head of State, which would have taken some time, but the Convention held on the Republic debate would have helped this along. We could have very well already been, by this time, living in an independent nation.

The ALP is publicly committed to reviving the debate and creating a republic. Mind you, this is probably only going to happen when the ALP gets in power or as a political promise to keep it in power.

Either way I think it's inevitable that we do become a Republic, as most younger Australians find no reason for the Queen to be our head of State, and even more of the nation, in polling already taken, would disapprove of the soon-to-be King Charles at the helm.

What are we waiting for?

Day Trip

Yesterday my boyfriend and I went for a day trip down to Stanwell Park and then further down to Thirroul. It was a bit of a chance to have a relaxing day after such a hectic night.

It's such beautiful countryside, and the best thing it's only 1 hour south of Sydney. I must admit that I have never been to this part of NSW, only traveled past it on the freeway further inland. It has recently been on the news due to the hype over of the Sea Cliff Bridge - dubbed part of the NSW's answer to the Victorian, Great Ocean Road. Of course this hasn't just been a tourism exercise, it's been a vital project for the locals in the area by re-opening the link between the towns of Coalcliff and Clifton after 2.5 years of permanent road closures.


You can see, on the pic above, where the previous road ran alongside the cliff. In 2003, after the road had collapsed, cracked and been showered with rock boulders at regular intervals, the decision was made to close the road and build the bridge.

$49 million later, it is a spectacular roadway, and on a Sunday afternoon, it is very busy with families and tourists walking the bridge and taking photos.

One problem that hasn't really been addressed is the amount of interest in the roadway. Parking is a premium in the area near the bridge. It looks like the council has tried to alleviate the problem by encouraging people to park in an area down near the local beach of Coalcliff. It's a bit of a walk away from the bridge for anyone who may have difficulty with larger distances, and there is a slope to tackle too. Most people we saw were parking on the grassed area at the Clifton side of the bridge. This was a bit dangerous as some cars would stop to find a park on the green strip or to let people cross the road.

We found out when we got home that in the Saturday Sydney Morning Herald newspaper, it was in the "What to do this weekend" section, which could explain the amounts of people in the area. My suspicion is that it is busy on most weekends, even besides the fact it was a beautiful sunny day yesterday.

Hopefully sense will prevail and they will find a solution. The last thing anyone wants is someone getting killed.

Anyways, after stopping to check out the scenery a little further south, we continued down to Thirroul for a late lunch. We stopped in the centre of town and looked for a place to eat. We noticed a very busy Fish 'n' Chips shop that served vegie burgers, so we decided to grab some food there and head down to the beach to eat. We soon found out the reason why the store was so busy - the staff were EXTREMELY slow! After 30 mins to wait for our order to be cooked, we finally got our food and quickly left, leaving the other polite, but increasingly impatient people, to glare at the staff.

We popped down to the beach and ate lunch, but soon after finishing the food I felt sick. In my observation of the staff at the Fish 'n' Chips shop, I commented to my boyfriend, "I'm glad we are not having fish, as they keep risking cross-contamination handling the food."

Well maybe that was the very reason why I'm off work today. Certainly I remained ill until I was sick this morning...

Back to the story of yesterday though - we got back in the car after letting my stomach rest. We then headed off up the Princes Highway to the Bulli Lookout above Thirroul. It was stunning! I wish I had taken pics. I guess it just means you will have to visit the lookout instead!

We decided to travel back to Sydney the long way, heading back down the Princes Highway to Thirroul and back along the coastal road to Sydney through the Royal National Park.

Coming back in the afternoon light through the park was beautiful. It reminds me how much I really do love the Australian landscape.

Before we knew it though we were back onto the Princes Highway and heading for home.

Excluding the sickness, it had been a wonderful (half) day down on the southern coast of Sydney and I'd recommend it to anyone who wants a easy drive with knockout scenery.

We are very lucky to have such a wonderful landscape in such close proximity to the city. Take advantage of it's closeness and check it out.

Oh what a night!

7 shows in 3 venues, totaling 10 hours in drag last night!

It was a long night, but so much fun.

I had two 30th birthdays to perform at, plus the first night at Stonewall Hotel.

My first performance was with the gorgeous Charisma Belle at the Clovelly Hotel. We performed a solo spot each, then a 70's disco medley production show together. It went down a treat - even though the music stopped in the last 10 seconds of the show finishing! With some impromptu singing (scary to do seeing I'm definitely a mime artist and not a singing drag!), we finished the show.

We wished the birthday girl a wonderful night and headed off to our next shows. For Ms Belle, that was filling in for Wyness Mongrel-Bitch at the Imperial Hotel, while I continued off to my next private booking at the Flinders Hotel.

On arrival I found that the birthday boy had departed early in a cab, but his friends still wanted me to perform. So I hopped up on the bar and danced away performing 2 spot numbers for the enthusiastic crowd.

Then, popping down the road, I headed to Stonewall Hotel to perform 3 spot numbers for the spunky young crowd. It was great to catch up with some friends I haven't seen in ages, while also making a few new ones too!

I'm looking forward to having the productions shows on in 2 weeks time, I think the crowd will really enjoy them both. Charisma Belle and I have been rehearsing the shows, and when Cleopatra Coupe gets back from her well deserved holiday (that girl is a machine!), we will slot her in and put the finishing touches in place.

Ok, so I think I should get moving today or the weekend will be over before I know it!

Be good, be safe...

Rehearsals and Drag Cleaning

My poor little feet and body!

After a full day at work in the call centre and then rehearsals after, my body is konked out!

Soon I'll be back in the swing of things though. Rehearsals and new shows are in the forefront of my mind at the moment, having two birthday party shows tomorrow night, followed by my first night performing for the Stonewall Hotel crowd with spot shows.

I must admit I'm a bit nervous about the shows at Stonewall. I've performed many thousands of spot shows before (literally!), but I guess when I have not performed for the crowd there at Stonewall since I first started drag in 2000, butterflies are to be expected.

Song selection of course is all important, but then so is consolidation! I can't take 7 costumes to three venues after all - I'll need a wardrobe on wheels if I do that! So I plan to spend the morning preparing my travel case, shopping and last minute rehearsals for the evening's activities.

My lovely boyfriend is spot-cleaning one of my favourite outfits that I somehow managed to get grubby. He seems to always be able to get marks off anything, whether it be carpet, clothes or costumes!

He has already come out now and shown me where the big, dirty, jet-black mark on my otherwise pristine white costume was previously! All gone!

God I love that man!

I knew there was a reason why I keep him around... (*snigger*)

I can't say enough for the need for boyfriends and Preen Super Soap (The Great Unstainer!).

Well, I should really organise some food and head off to bed - it's a big day ahead tomorrow.

Until then.. Look after your family, friends, and yourself!

Green Shelley

Those who know me know that I'm a bit of a greenie. Even though doing drag is not very environmentally friendly - I'm the first to admit - I do try to do the right thing all the other times. (Hence being an environmentalist and a vegetarian.)

I face an interesting conundrum every time I think about who I am as a person. It's a bit of a fight between ying and yang, the environmentally conscious mind against the environmentally unfriendly job.

Its hard to find a "natural" sequin or pantyhose for a start, and many fabrics made (that a drag queen would use for costumes that is) are more often than not made with polyester right the way through them.

Think of the all the polyester is a single wig too! Yes, I could get human hair wigs, but any queen who has ever explored that option quickly learns better - we don't get paid anywhere near enough to buy some of those wigs!

And as for makeup, well it's been difficult to find any earth-friendly products. Most have a chemical list as long as your arm, and those that are promising to be the most natural, don't do much in making a boy into as good-a-looking girl as possible.

So for the moment I'll have to stick to paper, can, plastic and glass recycling.

One thing to really make a difference is cutting back on plastic bags when shopping, and looking for packaging that's recyclable. My boyfriend and I even changed yoghurt brands just so we could recycle the container! (The City of Sydney Council doesn't recycle "Ski" plastic containers or Icecream containers... Mental note: Write an email to Lord Mayor, Clover Moore about that one.)

Anyways, anyone who has any info on environmentally friendly drag items is welcome to contact me via my webpage, as I would love to hear from you.

Until then, please remember to think about the cigarette butts you may through on the ground, the drink bottle you may leave in the park, or the packaging you buy when shopping. Every little thought really does go a long way to slowing down the damage we do to the earth.

Entertainment News!

I had to laugh when I read this article on the Sydney Morning Herald website..

Good old Mads (aka Madonna), who contrary to popular belief is not every drag queens idol (certainly not mine), revealed a little to us common folk about her relationship with her eldest child, Lourdes.

Her little girl asked her mother:

Lourdes: 'Mum, you know they say that you are gay?'
Madonna: 'Oh, do they? Why?'
Lourdes: 'Because you kissed Britney Spears'.

To explain to her 9 year old daughter Lourdes, the child she had with sexy hunk Carlos Leon, why she was kissing Britney Spears at the 2003 MTV Video Music Awards, she replied:

Madonna: 'No, it just means I kissed Britney Spears. I am the mummy pop star and she is the baby pop star. And I am kissing her to pass my energy on to her'.

What a load of crock! Surely someone like Madonna, who you would think would just be straight forward as a mother, would just say to her daughter, "It was just for publicity, to get people talking about me again". After all, her child is old enough to understand.

But then, it wouldn't be a good example to her little girl would it? If she actually said something to that effect, it would encourage Little Lourdes to act out for attention... But then Madonna may be bracing for adolescence. For soon enough, Lourdes will be a teenager with changing and raging hormones. That in combination with Madonna's genes running around in her blood, I can only see trying times for aging popstar!

On other entertainment news, it has been reported that John Travolta is set to star in another movie musical - this time as a woman.

Talk about coming out of left field! How funny! John will star take on the role of Edna Turnblad in Hairspray. He will be starring alongside the talented Queen Latifah, who is to play Motormouth Maybelle.

Produced by the same people that brought us Chicago, it's aimed release date is mid-2007.

I can't imagine Johnny-boy as a woman, but lets give him a go and see what turns out. He could be surprisingly good! Whatever happens, I just hope that it's not as bad as watching Patrick Swayze in the Priscilla rip-off, To Wong Foo...

Turning Japanese...

Today I've had my sixth Japanese lesson at Sydney University.

It's hard to say exactly why I have chosen to learn another language, and such a complex one too! I guess there is not one particular reason, rather a combination.

For example, when I travelled to Europe on a performance tour, I was invited to speak to a full class of Swedish students studying English at high school. To my surprise, they told me that they each know 4 or 5 languages fluently!I had found it shameful that in Australia, where we have so many cultures from immigrants around the world, that most people just speak English. On my return home to Perth, I attempted to learn Swedish, which is such a beautiful language, but didn't have access to classes, friends or resources to go very far. There are not many Swedes in Perth let me tell you that!

Then last year when looking through the brochure for the Sydney University - Centre for Continuing Education, I noticed a vast selection of language courses. Of course this is now quite a number of years later from my first attempt at learning a second language, and I was a little wiser. Firstly, I decided that I should learn a language that would be helpful for my 9-5 job, and if it could be useful, for my Drag work too. I also wanted to be interested in visiting the country and learning more about the culture. Also, If I change jobs at any stage, I would like to enter the tourism industry, and a second language always helps! Japanese had fit perfectly into all of my requirements.

I would also LOVE to perform in Japan if I had the chance, and of course visit for the food, arts, architecture, shopping and skiing!

So far things are going well with my classes. I have been learning numbers, dates and times recently over the last few weeks - and let me tell you, its not that easy at all! There are some patterns, but then there seem to be exceptions as well, which is taking me a little to get my head around.

I have learnt the basic hiragana symbols, but have a long way to go yet before I can truly read Japanese. Even if I learnt all the thousands of symbols that make up the written Japanese language, it's not enough to be able to read and pronounce words if you don't have the vocabulary to know what those words mean.

I get impatient and want to be a duck to water with this, but it looks like it will only happen with dedication and hard work.. DAMN IT!

I just need to keep telling myself - "Small steps!", and I'll get there.

I always think its a good idea to keep learning past high school and university. Whether it be learning something like dance or music just for the fun of it, management skills for a new job or promotion, or even a second language for a holiday - it sure beats sitting at home every night in front of the TV numbing the brain.

Checkout the Centre for Continuing Education website, and see what tickles your fancy. You never know, you may bump into a particular drag queen in the halls on campus!

PS. If anyone is interested in helping me with my Japanese, please contact me via my website. I'd love to have a buddy to practice with!

Go the Gillard!

I have long been a fan of Ms Julia Gillard.

Many times have I watched her in interviews and debates on programs such as ABC's Lateline and marvelled on her concise, informative and sensible views and approaches to politics. If you want an answer that is intelligent and straight to the point, then Ms Gillard is for you.

Now, I have a strong view that people should really look at voting for Greens or Democrats in elections (should they have sensible policy), and that even if you know that the candidate has no chance of winning, choose the one that will give preferences to the better of the two major parties, the ALP. This includes voting for the Senate and the House of Representitives.

Now lets be realistic, the Greens and/or Democrats will not form government anytime soon, so in a two party system, we must look at which of the two are the best to back. (Even if it is the lesser of the two evils at times..)

Of the two major parties, I cannot recall ever a time when the Liberal Party has ever sought social policy improvement for the GLBT community. It however has been in the ALP's policy, and even though at times the ALP has let our community down, they at least have provided steps forward in social reform. Clearly by the words spoken by Mr Costello recently, we don't hold much hope for forward-thinking social policy from the Liberal Party. If anything, I fear a roll-back..

Watching "Australian Story" last night on ABC, viewers had the great pleasure of finding more about Julia Gillard - who some say may be the best chance for an ALP election win.

There is something so refreshing about this woman, and it would be certainly a positive step to put this woman in the leadership. Mr Waffle (aka Kim Beazley), doesnt provide much future for the Labour Party. For me, he is clearly the care-taker ALP leader. We are all waiting for someone within the ALP ranks to step up to the plate and take the Government by the balls. After watching Mr Waffle's sorry leadership since Mark Latham's departure, I think now is the time for Julia.

Mr Waffle has also helped to further divide the ALP with his lack of will to support Simon Creane's pre-selection. This is exactly what the party doesn't need. Ms Gillard has been a supporter of Mr Creane, and now that he has seemingly won his pre-selection, she looks like an even stronger politician for backing the clear-winning member.

She has now also been publically critical of Mr Waffle in Australian Story aired last night, which to me at first was suprising, but then not unexpected from a politician who is sensibly outspoken.

With Julia there appears to be little "game-playing". Rather she is a dignified and intelligent politian who just positions herself well. Something many of the other politicians around Australia could learn a thing or two from!

I could only suggest you read up a little on her yourself. Who knows, she may be the first female to lead a major federal political party in Australia, and if things head right for her, possibly the first ever female Prime Minister!

I can only hope and pray that sometime soon we will move on from the socially backward federal Liberal Government. Maybe Julia Gillard is the answer...

If you would like to read the full transcript of the insightful interview from Australian Story, click here.

Coming Out (A second time)..

There is always a worry in my mind when I start a new job - should I mention my Drag performance career, or keep it under wraps?

What has worked for me for a while is to wait for those "probation" periods (usually 3 months) on new jobs to end, then reveal myself as the queen I am! I do this so that I can't just be dimissed from my job because some guy/girl in management doesn't want a drag queen working in the company..

Well our Prime Miniature, Mr Howard, is very happy he can change that option with his new IR laws - taking away our rights as workers to challenge unfair dimissals.. Fortunately for me, I work in a large company (remember the IR over 100 employees rule?), so the process of unfair dismissal is harder as it can still be challenged.. (If I'm wrong please tell me!)

All this aside, it's not like I change jobs often, but it's issues like this that you have to consider. Sometimes you get everyone's nose out of joint revealing your a drag queen - let alone gay, but on most occassions, my experience is that most people in the end are supportive and even want to come to my shows!

Anyways, today, as many people at work asked how I enjoyed Mardi Gras, I showed them pictures of me in drag, from my website, blog and mobile phone.

As always, people were taken back at first, but this time I was lucky that they were all encouraging and positive as we talked more about it. So in the end it was a good second "coming out" experience! (Or is it the third, fourth, fifth...?)

It got me thinking, obviously not all "coming out" experiences are positive, and some people lose their family and even a place to live. Twenty10, is a support organisation for young gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people in NSW who are expereincing this very difficulty. They do this by working with these young people in dealing with acceptance issues, as well as providing support services to help them gain independence.

Twenty10 is a very worthwhile cause, and one that I have not been involved with yet. I required the services of a similar (but smaller) group in Perth (WA) when coming out at high school called "BreakAway", and found it invaluable. I never really had a chance to pay back that organisation now that I live in Sydney, but I'm sure the fact I can help raise funds for troubled gay youths where-ever they are is good karma returned...

I'm writing a email to the fundraising manager at Twenty10, to see how I can help. A raffle, advertising on the mic, bucket collection.. Just happy to see what I can do..

Will keep you posted on what develops...

In the meantime, checkout their website here and think about what you can do for them! Their "Support Us" page has many ideas if you get stumped!

The Day After..

What a fantastic night it was at Mardi Gras last night! I had an absolute HOOT!



Of course it was that little bit more special because my boyfriend came along too! (For the record - he is not one of the lovely curvy ladies in the picture above!)

It was wonderful to catch up with so many people I hadn't seen for such a long time, and of course wonderful to catch up with my KRAVE "family".

The Krave float looked fantastic in blue, red and white, while we had aussie flag bandanners around our necks and the aussie flag draped on the roof of our "Dukes" car! Even hay bales, for that authentic, country style!



Below are a few more pictures from the night - my favourite pic is of me impersonating Jessica Simpson hanging out the window of the Dukes Of Hazzard Car as we moved down the parade route! Camp!



It was wonderful to see so many people hollering "HAPPY MARDI GRAS" from the sidelines, and that it wasn't just some freak show that people had come to watch. So much of the crowd was positive, lively and from all walks of life. I spotted many children too watching from the fenceline - which is wonderful to see.

It will be nice to go to work tomorrow to inform my work collegue that no HIV mosquito infections were reported too! (See my blog from 3rd March 2006)

Next year I have decided to do one of two things (barring any other offers I couldn't possibly turn down...)

1. Create my own float - one targetting a particular multi-national company that supports homophobia. Why not provide some truth to the wider public on what this company gets up to? Most of Oxford St crowd know about this company and boycott it. It's time to encourage the wider community to vote with it's feet too... It's appalling to think that a homosexual could walk into this store on Oxford St - or anywhere else for that matter, buy one of their products, and then a portion of that sale goes to fighting their very existance. We can't let them get away with it year after year. I propose to have a little fun at their expense, rather than ours... something the Mardi Gras has become famous for!
2. The other option - to join the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. For some reason I can't explain, I want to get into a Nun's outfit. For those wondering, no, I'm not catholic, or attend church (I was baptised Anglican, but do not practise any religion), but the whole idea fascinates me. Maybe its because it is so tounge-in-cheek. There is a huge network of Orders all around the world. What a wonderful thing to be a part of, and not just for laughs, or the one parade, but in continual involvement.

I know, I know.. one option is to be a sinner, one a saint... which will I pick? I will have to see how things pan out over this New (gay) Year...

Well I have to get back to choreographing a number for my new show opening in a few weeks. I might even do a spot of sewing too! (I hope the girls don't mind wearing potato sacks - thats about all I can manage at the moment! HEHEHE)

HAPPY MARDI GRAS!

What a day ahead! Rehearsals this morning for shows coming up, shopping and other prep before the big night tonight.. so I best hurry this entry up!

I just want to wish everyone a safe and happy Mardi Gras - look after one another, whether that be before, during or after the parade/parties..

And remember, if you're going to go riding (with) a boy, make sure you (or he) wears protection!

BE SAFE ALWAYS... love Shelley xoxox

A New Beginning...

This evening I have received fantastic news..

For about a week or two I have been waiting for confirmation on a new show I will be in, and it's finally come through! Hoorayy!

Im very excited to be performing at the home of "Priscilla" again, the Imperial Hotel, but this time on the main stage!

Commencing "Good Thursday", the 13th April this year, I will be in a new show with Cleopatra Coupe, Freeda Corset and Sandy Toggs. We will be reviving the musical "Grease", with a few suprising twists only a bunch of drag performers could dream up!

I will be playing the role of "Sandy", which I'm absolutely thrilled about!

Of course there will be more details as we get closer to the date and I will share them with you.

In the meantime however, I have my own show to finish putting together and an old one to polish up! Back to the preparations for the rehearsals tomorrow before the MG Parade!

Mardi Gras Eve.. An old problem..

1DAY TO GO!
(Sounds like I'm counting down to the Commonwealth Games, I know!)

Today I have had a moment when I really realised that Mardi Gras is still so very important for getting information out to the masses. Let me explain...

Usually I have worked in an environment where the majority of people I interact with at work are gay-friendly and quite educated about those issues involving the GLBT community. I have been quite lucky in that respect.

Today though, I got a reminder that we will always have a battle on our hands to make sure people understand some of those issues correctly.

Case in point:

At the end of the day, two co-workers of mine were talking to each other. "Jack" was asking "Jill" whether she would go to watch Mardi Gras Parade with him tomorrow. Jill replied that she wouldn't go near the parade. With the conversation discussed from one end of the room to the other, I found it hard not to take notice. Jack asked Jill why she didn't want to go near the parade and she replied, "I don't want to catch AIDS". My jaw dropped. Jack told her she was being silly, that she could not catch AIDS from going to the parade. Jill said that she knew she "couldn't get AIDS from watching the parade", but was scared that she would be infected with AIDS if a mosquito bit her after biting a person with AIDS [HIV] while she was there. Jack told her that she needn't worry, but she remained sure of the information she was at a "high risk" if she attended.

I couldn't help myself and jumped in. I told her there was absolutely no possibility of contracting the HIV virus this way and were more likely to be killed by breathing excessive glitter into her lungs! I encouraged her to do some research on the internet or speak with an organisation like ACON. She blew off my suggestion saying "I'm sure you know there are great percentage of people who get AIDS who dont know how they got it."

I mentioned that there is a small percentage, certainly not "great", who don't know how they contracted HIV, but it was not likely to be through some undiscovered transmission technique, and certainly not through mosquito bites! More so it was just that these people could not pin-point the time and method of transmission.

I took a chance to point out that HIV could not live very long outside the human body and if it was so easily transmissable by mosquitos, then the world would have a pandemic on it's hands. It would also be silly to think that all the experts were wrong to have overlooked such an obvious means of transmission and not worked to erridicate mosquitos instead of spending billions developing powerful drugs. And what about all of the work of doctors and health agencies around the world asking everyone to practice safe sex to slow the spread of the disease.. ? Was it all in vain? Were they barking up the wrong tree?

Apprently my attempt may have been in vain also, as I got a stiff reply from Jill - "I'm allowed to voice my opinion."

Unfortunately she misses the point - Jill can have her opinion, and her fear for that matter (we all have some for many things), but it's the facts she has wrong.

Now don't get me wrong, she is a sweet lady, and doesn't mean to offend. I just wanted her to understand the issue a little better than she does - for when she goes home, she may also pass on a better understanding and makes the world a better place for us all. After all, if we left everything up to one or two people to educate us, we might get a slightly one-sided view dont you think? (Read: John Howard on Children Overboard, WMD, Muslims, Terrorists, AWB...)

Anyways, on this Mardi Gras Eve, just remember that we all still need to be understanding of others views, but also mindful that we need to spread the correct information into the community at large, not just own own. With the help of organisations such as ACON, we can achieve this...

SMALL STEPS!

2 days to go! Countdown to Mardi Gras Parade...

With 2 days to go before the world famous Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade, I've made sure that everything is ready to go... Makeup, outfit, hair.. - CHECK!

I have been in a number of parades now, but this is the second I have participated in with my partner, so I'm very excited to be experiencing it with him this year.

I have been asked to be in the "Krave" float this year, starring as "Jessica Simpson" from the Dukes of Hazzard movie. We will all be strutting our stuff down the parade to the song - "These Boots Are Made For Walking". I have a suspicion that I won't wanna walk anymore in my boots by the time we get to the end of the parade though!

Krave is one of my favourite places to perform, and are excited to be the lead for their float.

Hopefully we can organise pictures to post on here after the event... stay tuned!

My First Blog...

Hi my lovelies,

This is my first entry for my online blogg. I'm looking forward to sharing my view on the world.

No doubt there will be a lot of entries about Drag, but also commentry on whats happening in Sydney, NSW, Australia and the world at large.

Feel free to leave comments on my entries as well.

Love,

SHELLEY xoxox