Season number six of Logo's hit television show RuPaul's Drag Race is peeling out in a race to find America's next drag superstar. Chicago is represented by Japanese lady boy Gia Gunn. The competition promises to be fierce with a whole new batch of fishy queens. Nightspots talked to the son of a Gunn herself to find out the skinny on those fish sticks.
Jerry Nunn: Gia, you are hilarious on the first episode. I didn't realize you are so funny!
Gia Gunn: Yeah, I can be here and there depending on the situation and people I am presented with. Nobody goes on that show to be shy, I can tell you that!
JN: Tell our readers about getting on RuPaul's Drag Race in the first place.
GG: I had a lot of supporters and people who had been on it in the past from Chicago like Jade, Monica ( Beverly Hillz ), and Phi Phi ( O'Hara ), who encouraged me to go ahead and audition. I waited for the right time and, sure enough, it came. I got my photographer, we did the audition tape, sent it in, within two days I got the call back, and I got on!
JN: How hard is it to keep the secret of being on the show?
GG: Before going in it is not as hard just because you can make up stories and throw people off but when you come back the rumors have been going around, then people speculate because they are in the industry and find things out. If you don't tell even one person then you will be fine.
JN: Now it is out in the world and you are representing Chicago. How does that feel?
GG: I feel super blessed and proud that I was able to work so hard at something and really have it pay off, to reach the top of the drag spectrum. I can now make it somewhat of a career and a job now. I can rely on it and enjoy the traveling. I don't have to be just a local queen living on whatever they pay out here. Not everybody out there has it so I don't take it for granted!
JN: Did you grow up in Chicago?
GG: I grew up in a northwest suburb. I went to Barrington High School District 220.
JN: What is the story behind your drag name?
GG: Gia is from the supermodel Gia Carangi. The last name is from Tim Gunn on Project Runway.
JN: What is the first thing RuPaul said to you?
GG: "You look like fish!" I died. I thought I can go home now because that was all I needed to hear.
JN: What did you think of Drag Race judges RuPaul, Santino Rice, and Michelle Visage?
GG: I think it is a great cast. Ru is super cool. I never felt like anyone said anything to me that was out of context or I couldn't take in. Maybe I didn't want to hear it but I felt like they were right after thinking about it. You do get a good amount of feedback, either positive, negative, or in the middle. To be a polished queen you always want that.
JN: Did you learn a lot from being on the show?
GG: I did learn a thing or two. I got more into my head and how I wanted to portray my character. Creating an image is really important. Being true to myself is something I always promised myself to do. It is easy to lose yourself to your persona and a lot of other things that come along with drag.
JN: What is your favorite cocktail?
GG: Malibu and pineapple. When I am feeling extra fishy I put a little Red Bull in it!
RuPaul's Drag Race: Season 6 burns rubber February 24 on Logo TV. Watch it at the official Chicago RuPaul's Drag Race viewing party at Spin, 800 W. Belmont Ave.
