For Your Ears Only - Interview with a Drag Queen

In this episode, I go behind the thick velvet curtains to speak with one of my favorite performers. Paula has been a Drag Queen artist for 15 years, and her renditions of women's liberation songs were always my favorite part of the Blue Dragon Cabaret. Bringing the Marigolds here was always a treat, as we'd laugh, dance, and sing our way through the show. But in the cold light of day, I had to admit to confusion and ignorance where transgender people were concerned. None of my knowledge came from first hand accounts and - as the political rhetoric swirled around me - I wanted to gain a better understanding of why, when, and how men chose to live as women. Paula and her translator were immensely generous with their time, and open to my ignorant- yet innocent - line of questioning about a world that was as foreign to me as the gold effigies that decorate Thai temples. So pull up a seat, grab a cup of tea, and join me for an interview with a Drag Queen. You never know, you may also learn a thing or two..