Miz Ima Starr

Miz Ima Starr is a singing, wisecracking cabaret phenomenon of stage and small screen, and the often all-too-public face of performer and filmmaker Charles Bracewell.

This drag-tastic chanteuse has presented eight theatrical cabaret shows to audiences across New Zealand and Australia, starred in numerous short films and a feature film, and been showcased in over 30 singing and comedy television appearances since her birth in 1991.

Reality TV addicts will recall her three thrilling appearances singing on Channel 7’s hit show ‘Australia’s Got Talent’, and culture vultures across Australia have flocked to her new TV show ‘Beauty & the Bear’ – a queer arts interview show which recently had its inaugural season on C31 in Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide.

At New Zealand’s AROHA 2010 Festival Miz Ima Starr mounted a revival of her classic ‘Born Free’ cabaret show – now entitled ‘Hello Miz American Pie’ – which will tour Australian festivals in 2011.

In cinema she most recently co-starred in and shared producer/director credit for ‘Gorrrgeous Vonni’, a documentary currently doing the film festival circuit about the life and times of Les Girls alumni and accidental activist Vonni.

This year sees the release of ‘American Pie’, her new CD with producing partners Starr Industries. It is the long-awaited follow-up to her classic 2002 CD ‘Pop Object’ which was reviewed as “pure pop genius” by DNA Magazine.

“Miz Ima Starr is a truly glamorous drag queen who sings her own songs – part Joan Crawford and part Michael Crawford. Simply the funniest, most outrageous female impersonation act in years” – Adelaide Advertiser

Check out lovely Miz Ima Starr at www.imastarr.com and www.beautyandthebear.com.au

Why have you chosen to represent this same-sex law reform campaign?

I have been involved with fighting for equal rights for ALL PEOPLE since a very young age thanks to my amazingly politically active family. They were involved in many counter-cultural causes back in the USA in the 70s including the feminist movement, gay rights, assistance and protections for people from other countries and other language groups, and opposition to the Vietnam War. Then in New Zealand, the whole family were involved in the lengthy and at times ugly fight for Gay Law reform. This has shaped all the work I do as a performer – giving my cabaret a political edge, as well as driving me to be involved as a fundraiser for a range of causes. Wear it with Pride is an incredible campaign, with so many artistic and community facets!

What sorts of same-sex discrimination have you as / anyone you know experienced?

For every kind of people on the planet, sadly, there seems to be an intolerance or a phobia. Through all the phases of my life I have experienced homophobia, zenophobia, drag-phobia and trans-phobia. And what can we all do? Be more tolerant of ALL PEOPLE ourselves! Remember: no racist jokes are funny, and not all gay jokes are funny, just because the teller is gay...

Why do you think this is a huge step forward for Australia?

Legislative reform is crucial for an active democracy, and these are sweeping changes. They are trying to bring our citizenry to a point of equality where we can all participate in society – so it will make a huge difference over time.

Why do you think people should wear these 85 law reforms with pride?

Because: a) pride is a skill that should be practiced consistently; b) these amazing works of art are G.O.R.G.E.O.U.S.!!

What do you like about your T-Shirt design?

I love the mandala effect, and Andrew’s beautiful and powerful way of expressing love between men.