MICHELLE VISAGE

MICHELLE VISAGE TALKS RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE SEASON 14, HARLEM BALLROOM CULTURE AND HER PLASTIC SURGERY JOURNEY

WORDS ELEANOR NOYCE

The eternal queen of camp, Michelle Visage is an important figurehead for much of the LGBTQI community. First appearing on the judging panel of seminal TV franchise RuPaul’s Drag Race in 2011, Michelle’s friendship with RuPaul is longstanding. Meeting in New York City in the 1980s, both attended club nights hosted by New York nightlife legend Susanne Bartsch. During her time in girl group Seduction, Michelle performed at The Love Ball in 1989. Organised by Bartsch, it was a fundraiser for the Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS, and it was here that Michelle and Ru’s friendship was solidified.

Now the pair spearhead one of the most successful LGBTQI television series in the world, and season 14, premiering in January, is set to be an exciting ride. “My favourite day is day one, when I get to sit at the judges’ table and see a brand-new group of talented queens come around the corner and onto the main stage for the first time. You can see stars in their eyes – this is the biggest thing that’s ever happened to most of them, and it’s the most beautiful thing to watch unfold. I’m so honoured to be able to witness it every year,” smiles Michelle.