Hailing from all over New Zealand and Australia, 10 queens handpicked by RuPaul herself will compete in Season 2 of Drag Race Down Under. Ahead of the premiere on TVNZ+ on Saturday 30 July, we meet our queens!
Will Brisbane’s first queen to compete, Beverly Kills, capture the crown?
Congratulations on being a Ru-girl! How does it feel to be able to share this exciting news now?
It’s honestly a privilege. We’ve been waiting for a hot minute so I’m SO excited to wave the flag for Brissie!
Where did you grow up and how was growing up for you?
I’m a beach rat from the Gold Coast. I wouldn’t be the queen I am if I wasn’t from the GC. Coming out was odd, I drove past anti-gay marriage protesters in the mornings in my last year of high school which instilled a lot of queer rage which fuels my drag.
When did you first discover drag and what attracted you to this art form?
I watched a tour from American Ru Girls! The afterparty was by local Brisbane performers who I now share the stage with!
What was your reaction when you found out you had secured a spot on the second season of RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under?
The first thing I did was write my resignation letter to my old job at the bank. Talk about golden ticket!
Why did it mean so much to you to secure that spot?
Brisbane was SNUBBED in season one – I wanted to show EXACTLY what Brisbane drag has to offer.
Was there much rivalry between the Kiwi and Aussie queens?
As much as we are different – we actually bonded over the fact we are all down under. We don’t have as much access as the USA or UK queens, which means we bonded over our resourcefulness and how hard opportunities can be to come by. I loved getting to know the Kiwis and they taught me HEAPS about New Zealand’s culture and language.
How do you feel this season will be different to last?
Last year had some Down Under LEGENDS. Huge names like Art, Karen, Kita…but this year as the auditions were open, we’ve got new talent yet to have their big break. It was really exciting to meet new queens I was yet to hear about.
What are your plans after the season screens?
I’m just enjoying the ride. Truth be told, I have NO idea what I’m doing – but that’s kinda the beauty of it, I’m learning so much about drag, business and LIFE at the moment. I’m really lucky to get to go through this experience.
RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under Season 2 will premiere on TVNZ+ at 6pm on Saturday 30 July!
