Have You Noticed That Drag Queens Are Conquering World?
British drag legend and author Jeff Kristian's new book is the sequel to his much-loved debut novel.
Though fiction, it is a fascinating insight into the life of drag queens in London, a world he knows very well and wants to expose. His one-woman show was the longest running of its kind in Soho’s glittering history. Twenty-five years of experiences performing on stage, in film and on television culminated to create «Where D’Ya Put Yer Willy?» Its long-awaited follow up is published today by Mr Binks Media, worldwide in Paperback, eBook, iBook and Kindle. The new book are called «Where’s Yer Willy Now?».
«Where D’Ya Put Yer Willy?» is a story of friendship and family. Michael is a closeted Essex barman whose life is hideously turned upside-down when he is inexplicably bequeathed a small fortune and shares in a legendary Soho cabaret club. To inherit, he must become a drag queen for six weeks under the dubious guidance of the venue’s stars Chastity and Connie. But his life unravels as his violent past comes back to haunt him, and the club’s eccentric diva owner is horrified to discover his true identity. «Where D’Ya Put Yer Willy?» continues the story through the following six weeks of Michael’s rollercoaster ride. He fights to save his family as they flee to Berlin in search of riches beyond his wildest dreams.
«Where D’Ya Put Yer Willy?» has a growing cult following across the UK, the U.S, Europe and Australia. It has seven 5-Star reviews on Amazon, Good Reads and Apple Books.
«Where’s Yer Willy Now?» is the second book in the story. Are you planning more?
Not right now, no. «Where’s Yer Willy Now?» ended on a few cliffhangers. Book two ties up all the loose ends and completes the story. Though I do like the idea of visiting those characters in that world again, with perhaps in a new adventure. Never say never!
Your second book in particular approaches the subject of homophobia and prejudice. How important was it to you to include that?
I wanted to write about real life, and sadly that’s how it is in the western world. And I’m not sure it’s getting any better for LGBTQ people right now. This is why it’s so important to keep talking and writing about it. Education is essential in dispelling the monster myth. But having been on the frontline in drag for so long, I’ve also developed the opinion that we may be using the wrong word. By it’s definition, a phobia is a fear. Most of these people aren’t frightened, they’re just arseholes.
Do you still stand for equality?
Yes I do, equality and equity for everyone. Not just the LGBTQ community, but for every sex, race and orientation.
It’s been said that drag queens hinder the fight for LGBTQ equality by further alienating us from society. How do you feel about that?
I think especially in more recent years, our fight has been to have the same as straight society, whether that includes gay marriage, or whatever. But I remember the early movements, where our objective was to be able to be different, to be accepted while not conforming to stereotypes. That’s why it makes me smile when I see a nun on roller skates in a Pride parade. Our hanky-flapping episodes are a reminder of that original cause. Drag queens have always cornered the market in that!
When your residential West End show finished, you retired from drag. Why?
I think once you’ve been a drag queen, it never goes away. I’m not talking about typecasting or reputation, I think it goes deeper than that. I still see the world through drag-tinted spectacles, I probably always will. So I’ve retired from cabaret for now, but I’ve just spent five months writing «Where’s Yer Willy Now?» Am I not still a drag queen?
What advice would you give any budding new drag queen?
Research, find who you are and be yourself. Then rehearse, rehearse, rehearse! Give it your all and have faith in your abilities. Nobody watching will believe you if you don’t believe in yourself.