Interview | Jinkx Monsoon talks heels, hangovers, and who she wanted to win All Stars 2

RuPaul’s Drag Race star and theatre performer Jinkx Monsoon talks to Attitude about coming out, their love for Helana Bonham Carter, and what the American dream means in 2016….

If you could be one British person for a day, who would you be?

Honestly, I would love to live a day in the life of Eddie Monsoon. She has been with me my whole life, and I owe my drag persona to Jennifer Saunders for creating a character that inspired me so much. My favourite actress is Helena Bonham Carter and I wouldn’t mind being her for a day, too. She has literally played almost all of my dream roles. I would be Helena and run around to movie studios, demanding that they send all of my costumes from past movies to Jinkx Monsoon’s house in the states.

What’s the last thing you do before going onstage?

If I were going with the more diplomatic answer, I would say “apply my lipstick.” I always save the lipstick for last because I’m very clumsy and if I put it on too early, it will end up all over the place. If I were saying the less diplomatic answer, I would say, “take a shot of vodka.” I don’t like to drink before or during a show, but I DO like to have one shot RIGHT before hitting the stage, and RIGHT after the show ends. I am a queen of rituals.

Which is your favourite decade and why?

I love the 1920s for the fact that Broadway musicals evolved from the original follies of the 20s. Although I do have a penchant for the Victorian era. But I like both eras aesthetically. Saying that, I don’t think I would want to live in these eras because they weren’t particularly kind to women or queer people.

Describe RuPaul is three words.

Hilarious, generous, and divine.

Ellen or Oprah?

Ellen. I can still remember the day she came out. There was a magazine cover with her picture on it and the words “Yep, I’m Gay!” Then a few years later there was a magazine cover with Neil Patrick Harris, and the words “Yep, I’m Gay.” Then some time later, the same thing happened with Lance Bass. I remember thinking: ‘It’s that easy? I can say that?’ It wasn’t long after these magazine covers that I said to my friends and family, “Yep, I’m gay.”

Which five Drag Race queens would you invite to a dream dinner party?

Alaska, Katya, Sharon, Adore, and BenDelaCreme. These are some of the girls I am closest with, and also some of the most entertaining people you can share food and conversation with.

To be a drag queen you have to have to…

Be willing to work your ass off for little to no recognition.

What is the American dream?

To support yourself (and your family) doing something you love. It used to be to have 2.5 children and work a “normal” job, and spend your life being complacent with hetero-normativity. But that dream has expired.

Jinkx Monsoon and Major Scales: Unwrapped begins its run at London's Soho Theatre tonight (Nov 21).

How much is too much for heels?

I destroy shoes when I perform, so I normally try to get them on a discount. I probably wouldn’t spend more than $250 on an amazing pair of shoes.

What is the last movie that made you cry?

When I drink wine on a plane, I can cry watching almost anything. I think I cried watching The Boss recently, even though it was a silly, silly movie.

Ann Coulter or Sarah Palin?

Sarah Palin. I will take that funny voiced dimwit over the blond bigot demi-gorgan any day.

Who did you want to win All Stars 2?

Alaska. She works hard and earns the acclaim she receives. But they are all my sisters and I would have been happy for any of them.

Your hangover cure?

Lots of weed and a cheeseburger.

What has been your highlight of 2016 so far?

Spending lots of time with my niece, Chloe. She basically a perfect human being. She is three years old, and my brother has raised her with a very open mind. She calls me aunty Jinkx, or uncle Jinkx, or aunty Jerick, interchangeably. She is so pure and I hope to protect her beautiful soul from this horrible, crazy world.

What makes you happy?

Video games. It is my favourite thing to do in my downtime. I sink into my chair and hit my bong, and play video games for hours and hours, until I believe I am a sorceress.

What’s the most surreal thing you’ve been offered to do since winning RPDR?

Play a femme fatale on a cop drama.

Reality TV or theatre?

Theatre. Although a reality show about creating theatre work would be awesome as well.

What would be your one make up tip for queens starting out?

YouTube can teach you almost anything. Technology is your friend, chickens.

Jinkx Monsoon and Major Scales: Unwrapped is at London’s Soho Theatre from 21 November – 10 December. For tickets head to sohotheatre.com.

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