We caught up with RuPaul’s Drag Race Season Four winner, and Queen of Halloween, Sharon Needles before she hosts the International Escort Awards (aka The Hookies) tonight at Roseland Ballroom to find out what she’s most looking forward to and what else she currently has on her plate.
Have you ever been to The Hookies before?
I have never been to The Hookies before, I remember them happening and thinking that it was a really good idea to reward and have a night celebrating some of the best tops, bottoms, bear and twinks and the whole industry of escorts internationally.
What are you most excited about in terms of hosting the evening?
I’m most excited about meeting Michael Musto, we’d never met before, and I’m such a fan of his work. And I’m also excited about being surrounded by gorgeous men who will do anything for you if you have a credit card, and I have several.
What would be your biggest tip for an escort who wants to win an award this year?
I guess show up with the least amount of clothes on as possible, I know with a lot of awards shows people want to dress nice and wear nice suits, but everyone in the audience is there to ogle your very hard work, emphasis on the hard.
What do you think is the most important quality in an escort?
The most important part is a nice smile and a big dick, I’m not gonna lie. Fuck your personality, I can find those everywhere.
Have you had any frustrating moments watching this season of Drag Race?
I’m always frustrated watching Drag Race. It’s my favorite show that’s ever been on TV. I really believe it’s the only reality show that has real heart, has a real message, and really does change the life of the viewers. But this season I’m a little aware of the process, I’ve been frustrated by the editing this year. I don’t know what drug those editors are on but it’s really kooky. Every year, I think the show doesn’t grow—like drag, it’s kind of parodying itself—and now that we’ve gotten to Season Five it’s just the editing and the kooky music!
I’m also not happy about the obsession with Alyssa Edwards back fat. In my season, we had the largest performer we’ve ever had, Latrice Royale, and we never discussed her weight. I think drag queens are gorgeous in any shape, size or color. I don’t want these kids that have back fat at home feeling bad. Also, it seems like the season of the fucking bitches. Phi Phi O’Hara would have been a good girl on this. I wish they’d focus a little more on my Alaska, Jinx and Detox. People who are there to make people laugh and have a good time. And let some of the bitchery subside.
What would you say makes you qualified to host the Hookie Awards?
Because I’m famous. I’m one of the most celebrated drag queens in the fucking world. And I’m funny, I’m open-minded, I’m not judgmental and I’m smart. And I think the biggest reason that makes me qualified is that Lady Bunny declined.
Do you have any new videos coming out from any of your songs from PG-13?
We are still in the conceptual stages for doing a video for “Ouija Board” but I did make a cameo in Willam Belli’s upcoming video for “Rupologize”.
