In a remarkable display of talent and authenticity, Jinkx Monsoon, the Broadway actress, Doctor Who villain, and two-time RuPaul’s Drag Race winner, takes on a new role as a standup comedian. Her latest comedy special, “Red Head Redemption,” now available for streaming on Prime Video, showcases her most vulnerable work to date. Within the hour-long special, Jinkx fearlessly delves into her gender identity, sexual fetishes, and even shares comedic anecdotes about airport bathrooms.
Having initially gained recognition as Seattle’s premier Jewish narcoleptic drag queen on Drag Race season five, Jinkx has since used her appearances on All Stars 7 and her recent string of career milestones to showcase the full range of her artistic abilities. The opportunity to participate in All Stars 7 allowed her to demonstrate her talents as an actress and comedian, expanding her artistic reach. A decade ago, Jinkx had to fight for recognition and validation of her unique form of drag, but now she stands at the pinnacle of her artistic prowess.
In an exclusive interview with Them, Jinkx Monsoon discusses her foray into standup comedy, explaining the creative impulses it offers her. She views standup as a powerful means of communication, inspired by her biggest female icons, standup comedians, and actors. Although initially unsure about her ability to perform traditional standup as a drag queen, Jinkx received reassurance from trusted comedians who recognized her talent for crafting and delivering comedic material through her drag performances. With a background in improvisation and a knack for captivating audiences, Jinkx found standup comedy to be a joyful and fulfilling experience.
Throughout “Red Head Redemption,” Jinkx embraces vulnerability on stage, openly discussing personal topics such as sobriety, foot fetishes, and even sharing humorous insights about airport bathrooms. She explains that her approach to storytelling differs from traditional standup routines in that she tailors the order of her stories based on the energy and response of the audience. Some nights, she starts with the sex-themed material, while other nights she begins with political anecdotes. This flexibility and connection with the audience are elements she deeply enjoys in standup, setting it apart from her other artistic endeavors.
Balancing audience expectations with personal growth and artistic exploration is a challenge that Jinkx Monsoon navigates skillfully. In her standup special, she acknowledges the desire to give her audience what they want while also pushing the boundaries and introducing new material. Jinkx and fellow drag performer DeLa both enjoy toying with the fact that some audience members attend their shows solely based on their recognition from television, but they aim to engage these viewers and provide an authentic experience that goes beyond their televised personas. Over time, Jinkx has reintroduced her audiences to the multifaceted nature of her character, showcasing her growth as an artist and reinforcing her commitment to taking drag into the mainstream world of theater, screen, and acting.
As a trailblazing drag performer, Jinkx Monsoon envisions breaking down more boundaries in the coming years, not only for herself but for drag performers as a whole. She acknowledges the immense contributions of those who came before her, dedicating their lives to drag without the same levels of recognition or acceptance. Jinkx emphasizes the need to remove the subcategorization of drag performers, advocating for recognition as legitimate actors and artists. She envisions a future where drag queens are not confined to a subcategory, but rather celebrated for their diverse talents and contributions across various entertainment mediums.
Jinkx Monsoon’s journey as an artist has been a testament to breaking boundaries and defying expectations. With an unwavering commitment to her craft, she continues to captivate audiences, both as a standup comedian and through her various creative ventures. As she looks toward the future, Jinkx envisions further success on Broadway, in television, and perhaps even another Doctor Who appearance. Undoubtedly, her unyielding pursuit of her dreams will lead to even more remarkable achievements in the years to come.
Watch Jinkx Monsoon’s “Red Head Redemption” on Prime Video and witness her fearless, hilarious, and poignant exploration of gender identity, fetishes, and much more.