Ask for Juanita More!
What’s on legendary queen Juanita More!’s head these days?
■ PAOI EULALIA
You’ve done so much for the LGBTQ community and elevated your brand as the most respected and sought-after drag personality. Is there anything you haven’t done for the community that you’d like to do? I love San Francisco and care about the people that live in it. I never feel like my work is done here. Inspiration to do great things comes in many forms and this city still inspires me in so many ways. I challenge myself on a daily basis knowing there is always something to do and things to do better.
A lot of us still don’t know how to use Latinx as a term. Can you school us on what ‘Latinx’ means to you? When you define the term Latinx, it can be as simple as saying that it is a gender-neutral term for Latino or Latina. When you hear it used and shared by my brothers and sisters, I hope you gain a much deeper understanding and respect both socially and politically for the people in the Latinx culture.
Political and drag icon Jose Sarria, was the first openly gay man to run for office in the US. People want to know if you have plans to… I really have no desire to run for office. I’m so much happier standing outside of City Hall with a hotdog in one hand a bullhorn in the other. San Francisco has taken me into its arms as one of its voices. It is an important role and one that I do not take lightly.
Which do you prefer: Political correctness or calling a spade a spade? Rather than take the chance of unintentionally offending someone or of being misunderstood, I say don’t use those expressions at all. Education is one of the keys to great communication. When that moment comes to life when you think have no time to beat around the bush, take a deep breath and think again.
A lot of magazines for LGBTQ POCs have come and gone. What advice would you give MXD Magazine to ensure its survival? The time has come for everyone to celebrate LGBTQ POC’s as leaders, activists, and trendsetters. MXD Magazine has the opportunity to be a great new voice in our world, by sharing our triumphs with our allies and breaking the boundaries of racism and homophobia that exist in our country.
In a white-dominated LGBTQ community, how did Juanita More! rise to the top as a POC? Am I really at the top? I would say love and respect. Two things you can share with other people that have no color boundaries.
What advice can you give to a young LGBTQ POCs so they can succeed? Learn how to be the driver of the bus, not just the passenger.
