Diversity Rules Magazine

4 Diversity Rules Magazine August 2014 BeBe Zahara Benet— the very first winner of RuPaul's Drag Race — bares all in her new show that premiered at Man- hattan's The Triad Theatre on July 21st with a subsequent performance on July 24th. Fol- lowing her recent critically acclaimed off-Broad- way show "Creature," Reveal will showcase a more intimate, vulnerable side to the Cameroon- born drag entertainer. Through song and never- before-told stories, the live show will explore the Bebe beneath the colorful wigs and make-up by delving into her fantasies as a child, her relation- ships with men today, the community and family she has built since being named America's Next Drag SuperStar and how spirituality has helped BeBe Zahara Benet navigate the fame and re- main true to her self. Bebe says of her show "Fans should prepare for loads of surprises. I will reveal new music, new looks, new stories, and the greatest enigma of them all: me." JRK: Tell us about yourself, your background and how you got started drag entertainment. BB: I was born and raised in Cameroon, specifically in west Africa. From a very tender age I was very in- terested in music, fashion, dance, makeup, hair, etc. and as i grew older i knew i was born to be a perform- er. I had the opportunity to visit a show lounge when I moved to Minnesota, it was there that I put all the puzzles together -- I discovered drag was what it was called because it embraces everything. JRK: You were the first winner of RuPaul's Drag Race. at must have been very exciting! What was it like to be named the winner? BB: OMG, that feels like a very loooooooooooong time ago. LOL. Being named the winner was valida- tion to me about I do. It created the urge to better and challenge myself, to build a strong and recogniz- able brand and I appreciate all the platforms I have been given. JRK: What was the process to get on the show? How many other contestants did you have to com- pete with to be considered? BB: Well during the first year, producers were sent out to different states to cast entertainers as well as there was an on line voting contest were you could submit your stuff for consideration. As for me I had the opportunity meeting the casting crew and sub- miting to them my press kit. JRK: How has your life changed since being named the winner of the Drag Race? BB: I have had the opportunity to do alot of travel- ling, both international and national, meet and share experiences with so many people from different walks of life, be able to really focus on my brand and start my music journey -- one woman shows . I am also fortunate enough to be hired as a motivational speak- er for different colleges were I talk about celebrating diversity and sharing my own journey, etc. I cannot complain. JRK: Your show "Reveal" debuted in e Triad eater on July 21st with a subsequent show on Living Her Purpose A Conversation With BeBe Zahara Benet An Interview By Jim Koury, Editor/Publisher

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