When Melbourne queen Lazy Susan entered the werk room on season four of Drag Race Down Under, her entrance line was “I am a drag queen” and over the course of the season she proved that – and so much more. This comedy queen, known for her zany sense of humor and kooky drag aesthetic, was the first queen on the series to win the first two maxi challenges in a row. Her runway looks were stunning and her portrayal of Lindsay Lohan on “I’m a Celebrity Impersonator – Snatch Me Outta Here!” was freakily funny. Thanks to her creativity, talent and sense of humor, she snatched the crown to become Down Under’s Next Drag Superstar – a victory she truly deserved.
Lazy Susan’s drag is unmatched by any other queen on the Melbourne scene. Her most recent achievements include performing with Charli XCX, appearing in a Troye Sivan music video and selling out at Melbourne’s comedy festival. She is also known for her online content as well as appearing on“Kick Ons” with Art Simone.
We had the chance to chat with the latest member of the international Drag Race Hall of Fame about her experience on the show and got to know her better with the Socialite Seven in our exclusive interview.
How did you get your start in drag?
I started doing drag at a screening party for RPDR season 7 hosted by Karen From Finance. The best dressed would win a jug of beer and there are few things I won’t do for a free beer.
What was your reaction when you were cast on Drag Race Down Under?
When I found out I was cast on the show I was sitting in the middle of a library, so I had a very muffled scream and then ran home like Charlie Bucket in Willy Wonka. I’d auditioned for the show six times by the time I got the call to come on. I was beginning to think I would never get on. It felt like an absolute miracle to finally be selected.
What was the biggest challenge for you on the show?
I am not a dancer. Going into every dance challenge I couldn’t escape the feeling of going into an exam that you haven’t studied for.
What was your favorite challenge?
My favorite experience on set was the Girl Group challenge. It was the first opportunity to work with the other girls of the season. It was during this challenge that it became apparent that our cast was focused on lifting up each other. We had so much fun “yes-and-ing” each other’s stupid ideas for our faux Grease musical. It wasn’t shown on the show, but Brenda (Bressed) and I became very close on that episode and it was the beginning of a lovely friendship. Brenda is such a wildly talented human being and I was just thrilling to bask in her talent.
You really stood out this season with your looks. How would you describe your style?
I love the challenge of drag. I want to make things that are exciting to look at and silly. I am so delighted by the art of spectacle. Drag is the art of pulling focus and I’m so excited by the possibilities of how to get people to look and engage with what you’re wearing or doing.
I loved your virtual reality inspired runway look (for the Sheer Genius runway). How did you come up with that (and really all of your looks)?
The sheer genius look all began when I saw one of those fans outside of a Chinese restaurant. Sometimes it’s that simple. I saw it and put it in the little filing cabinet in the back of my mind and every so often I would pull out the idea and think over the logistics of how to use it. How could I mount it to my face? How much does it weigh? How much does it cost? How do you program them? How could you power them? Where could you hide the power source? These are the little puzzles I mull over when I daydream. I find it so satisfying to finally figure it out.
What was your favorite runway look?
My favorite look that I did was my two-faced look. I just love how simple and crisp the execution of it was.
Did you learn anything surprising about yourself while you were on the show?
Apparently I love to cry a lot. My friends were very shocked to see me crying on television as I’m not much of a cryer in my everyday life.
Did you learn anything from your fellow queens?
Nikita Iman has a miraculously calm worldview that I found so refreshing. She never lets anyone or anything decide what her mood is going to be. I found that very inspirational during the show and since. I aspire to be as absolutely as unbothered as that woman.
If you could go back and do anything over, would you?
The makeup…I wish I’d covered my whole face with it, instead of just the center.
Would you want to participate in a versus the world season of Drag Race?
Never say never. But I need time to find more inspiration. I feel so proud of my run on the show, I would hate to rush out a sequel without some good material to back it up.
What’s next for you?
I am working on a low budget feature film script at the moment that I am hoping to get made in the next few years. It’s a drag horror film and if that doesn’t sound like a good time I don’t know what does. But if you’re eager for a weekly dose of Lazy, you can always find me on the podcast “Death to Everyone” that I co-host with my drag sister (and future Down Under winner) Zelda Moon.
Lazy Susan Answers The Socialite Seven
What three things would you take with you if you were stranded on a desert island?
Sunscreen, A hat and some kind of fabulous second hat for when I tire of the first hat.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Wear sunscreen every day.
If you had to write your autobiography, what would the title be?
Lazy, The Life and Times of an Incredibly Beautiful Woman
If you could only drink one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?
A gin Martini, dirty with three olives. Sure, my life would be much shorter, but what a way to live.
What talent or superpower would you like to wake up with tomorrow?
I would love the ability to wear shirts with turtlenecks. Unfortunately, that is a fantasyland and dare not dream it.
What’s the weirdest question you’ve been asked?
Are you actually Lazy Susan?…Like who is lying about that?
What are you most grateful for?
Parker Posey
Watch every episode of Drag Race Down Under on WOW Presents Plus. Check out “Death to Everyone” on Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen (and follow the show on Instagram). Keep up with Lazy Susan on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
