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 Auckland look-queen Yuri Guaii be crowned Season 2’s winner?
Congratulations on being a Ru-girl! How does it feel to be able to share this exciting news now?
I’m just super happy and excited to be able to finally talk about it and for everyone to see what I have to bring to the show!
Where did you grow up and how was growing up for you?
I’m from Tāmaki Makaurau born and raised! Being born in one of the biggest cities of Aotearoa with a prominent LGBTQIA+ Community, I’ve been lucky enough to have found them and to have been accepted for who I am, which sadly isn’t the case for a lot of rural LGBTQIA+ youth
When did you first discover drag and what attracted you to this art form?
At age 17, I met my first drag queen DeeDee Vine outside of Family Bar and I was so intrigued by her beauty and confidence to express herself the way she was! At the same time RuPaul’s Drag Race season six was airing and my partner at the time said I should give drag a go since I had this big fascination with drag… just seeing people confidently expressing themselves through the art form of drag, being able to create this character or be one’s true self, just being able to have an outlet to express your creativity in all facets had me hooked
What was your reaction when you found out you had secured a spot on the second season of RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under?
I was at my friend Flor’s house having a drink and my phone rang, but I didn’t answer because I hate talking on the phone. she was like “aren’t you going to answer that? You’re waiting for a call” and I said “if it’s important they’ll call back” which, thankfully, they did! I was super excited and happy, but so nervous.
RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under Season 2 will premiere on TVNZ+ at 6pm on Saturday 30 July!
