As Season 5 of RuPaul’s Drag Race came to an end, there were 3 queens still standing: Roxxxy Andews, Jinkx Monsoon and Alaska Thunderf*ck. Although Alaska came on strong at the end, she stayed too far under the radar for the first 5 or 6 episodes to win. It was Roxxxy and Jinkx who were solid from the beginning.
As Season 5 of RuPaul’s Drag Race came to an end, there were 3 queens still standing: Roxxxy Andews, Jinkx Monsoon and Alaska Thunderf*ck. Although Alaska came on strong at the end, she stayed too far under the radar for the first 5 or 6 episodes to win. It was Roxxxy and Jinkx who were solid from the beginning. As it came closer to the finale, it became clear that the winner was going to be Jinkx; and rightly so. She had the perfect mix of ingenuity, creativity, intelligence and a strong sense of who she is. In addition to all this, we know Drag Race loves a slogan and “Water off a Ducks Back” is one of the best. I am sure the t-shirts and mugs are already printed…LOL! It was a pleasure to sit down with Jinkx, just days after she took the title of America’s Next Drag Superstar!
At what age did drag become an interest?
7 years old when I saw the movie Death Becomes Her. I wanted to grow up to be Meryl Strep. I actually started doing drag at 14.
How did you pick your name?
Jinkx was my nickname at an outreach center for gay youth in Portland, and that name felt natural when I started doing drag. Monsoon came from Adina Monsoon from Absolutely Fabulous.
How many times did you apply to be on RPDR and how did it feel when you found out you got chosen?
I applied once; just this year. I had thought about it almost every year but talked myself out of it. This year I had a gut feeling that I had to go for it. When I got on it was confirmation that this was absolutely what I was supposed to do.
Tell me about your RuPaul’s Drag Race experience?
It changed every aspect of my life as you are in isolation when you are not on camera and it allows for a lot of self inspection. I feel like I am a more fully realized person and entertainer.
What was your favorite challenge on Drag Race and why?
It’s really a toss-up between 3. Snatch Game is what I went on Drag Race to do and I think it was my most stand out moment on the show. I also loved the roast and also the make-over challenges, because of what I learned by making over my vet Dave. It was amazing to hear his life story.
Where did “Water off a Ducks Back” come from?
My drag sister in Seattle, Roby Tuner, taught me to say it me when I faced criticism from fellow drag performers. She reminded me they have no say in my future. The cool thing about a duck is they always stay dry.
Did you expect to win and how exciting was it to hear your name called?
When I started, I wanted to win, but was just trying to keep my eyes on each individual challenge. When I made it to top 3, it became real that I could win. I committed myself 100% to winning from filming the final episode to every moment after that until the reunion. My entire world was about becoming America’s Next Drag Superstar. When asked about it at the reunion I was speaking from the heart. I really would like to change the world!
If you couldn’t win, who would you have wanted to win?
I would have wanted it to go to Alaska because she and I represent similar but different schools of drag and she is fiercely intelligent and a creative performer. I love Roxxxy also!
What’s the first thing you are going to buy?
A Mac Book Pro as I have been working with a broken down computer for way too long. I also want to go out to dinner with some friends and order whatever I want as I usually don’t order what I want. I want to get oyster shooters, champagne cocktails, everything!
Tell me about the man behind Jinkx Monsoon?
Jerick is a very quirky and shy, but outspoken and exuberant; all to battle my shyness. He is also very self critical.
Tell me something people would be surprised to know about you?
Before Drag Race I had only left the Northwest once. It’s the only thing I knew.
Describe Jinkx Monsoon in 5 words?
She is: Crass, Classy, Outspoken, Witty, and Tacky.
What’s ahead for Jinkx Monsoon?
I am so passionate about Drag, but a lot of people don’t know I am a trained actor. I want to be the first wildly successful drag actress. Meaning I want to play real women parts; iconic women leading roles. I also really want to be the first Drag Queen to host Saturday Night Live. This summer I will be in Hair Spray and debuting an original show called the Vaudevillian.
For more information on Jinkx Monsoon go to JinkxMonsoon.com, where you can get her booking info, insider information, sho Jinx stuff and much more!
