An Exclusive Interview with Brenda Bressed
Douglas Magaletti
The glamorously camp (or camply glamorous) Melbourne drag performer Brenda Bressed was sent home during episode five of season four of the successful drag competition franchise RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under.
Unfortunately, Brenda landed in the bottom during this week’s Librarian Makeover Maxi Challenge and found herself lip-syncing against this season’s lip-sync assassin, Max Drag Queen.
Prior to appearing on Drag Race Down Under Mainstage, this tour de force was a finalist on season 12 of The Voice Australia. (For her blind audition she sang Cher’s ‘Strong Enough’, and subsequently joined team Rita Ora)
Currently streaming on Stan, Drag Race Down Under started with 10 amazing drag performers. Throughout the season they will compete for the coveted crown and the title of “Down Under’s next drag superstar”.
In an interview with Gay Sydney Australia, Brenda, 25, shared the busty origin of her drag name, who the shadiest queen on set was (at this point, it shouldn’t surprise you), and the story of her first solo drag performance which happened to be in front of a Drag Race Down Under Alumn. Who could it be?
How was the experience of being on Drag Race Down Under? How does it feel to have made it onto the show?
I honestly had the most amazing time being on the show. It was a dream of mine to just be cast, so I was just happy to be there!
It was so exciting to be thrown into so many different challenges and having to think on our feet. The improv nature of the show made me feel so alive, and it helped that I was surrounded by some of the most incredible competitors anyone could ask for.
I feel so honoured to have been given the opportunity to show the world who Brenda Bressed is, and even more honoured to be a part of an iconic cast of queens!
How has the experience of being on Drag Race Down Under changed you?
Being on the show has been a rollercoaster of emotion, but something that I have learnt is that you can never please everyone; so why waste time trying?!
Drag is such a magical art form, and the thing I find so intriguing about it is that everyone is doing it in their own way. People have opinions on everything and, granted, we did put ourselves in the position to be critiqued by the judges, and in turn the general public. But you’re never going to be everyone’s cup of jarrah. So just do you, and do you well.
I’m unapologetically me, and love what I do. Not even the whole Werk Room saying that my tie-dye fabric was ugly was enough to throw me! Be yourself, do drag in your way – and when you stop trying desperately to gain the approval of others, that is when you will find success.
Who was the shadiest queen on set?
Nikita Iman was hands down the shadiest on set – and it was a privilege to be read by her. But no matter how shady she was, she was always great for a hug when you were feeling tired or rundown. Underneath all the layers of shade and sass, I know she has a heart, deep down… somewhere!
What is the origin of your drag name?
I always thought Brenda was such a fun, camp name – and there aren’t many Brendas around, not in the Melbourne drag scene anyway!
I wanted a name that if someone just said my first name, you would know who they were talking about. I also wanted a name that started with the same letter as my boy name; Bryce.
‘Bressed’ was for the alliteration, the busty nature I bring to my drag, and because it’s silly – you can’t take yourself too seriously when you’re in drag!
What was your first time in drag like?
I’m going to count my first solo drag performance as my first time – which was electric! Like a lot of Melbourne drag performers my first time was at Baby Drag, at Mollies Bar and Diner. The night was hosted by Art Simone, who I didn’t know at the time was a huge Kath and Kim fan.
I performed a Kath and Kim-themed number, in front of Art Simone for my first drag performance and it went down an absolute treat! I won over the whole crowd and was crowned the winner!
Is there anything about you that people are surprised to learn?
People are usually surprised to learn that I’m only 25 years old! Whilst filming, Michelle told me on numerous occasions that I painted and dressed like an old woman! Look – I agree that my drag aesthetic is that of a much more mature lady than I. But that is one of my favourite things about drag, the transformational aspect.
Yes, I may paint beyond my years, and yes I’m an old soul, but I think you’ve gotta be – and frankly, I enjoy it.
You can keep up with Brenda Bressed through her Instagram page
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