Sister Sledge In his Sister Sledge drag persona Hamilton's Steven Mallet is Miss Fountain City 2005. Who are you and what's your background? I will just skim the surface, my name is Steven, nickname Sledge. I'm a father of three great kids, was married for twelve years, with my ex-wife for 16yrs. Came out just over three years ago (I know, the closet door was jammed stuck, but I managed to break it open) and have been doing drag for just over a year. Was flatting with Coco Channel and used to watch her get ready for drag, she talked me in to it, so blame her. What do you hope to achieve by your performances/persona? I don't know if I do want to achieve any thing, I get dressed up in drag for shits 'n' giggles, I mean what else is there to do? Collect stamps? What characterises the New Zealand GLBT community for you? I think its comradeship, its like, you have something in common with other gays, and it just breaks down a barrier. What is the worst thing for you about being GLBT? Showing emotion in public. I noticed it after I first came out, with my ex-wife we would walk down the road showing affection, holding hands, touching etc. But I never see guys holding hands or kissing, etc., walking down the main street. We still have to keep it our secret. What is the best thing about being GLBT? Having cool friends who know how to dress, decorate a home and throw a fabulous party. Relationship status? Single. Hamilton is a small playing field and hello! a guy with an ex wife, three kids, 30-ish and doing drag!!!!! That really narrows it. Favourite food -) Most noble feature? Hmmmm, dunno. Favourite TV programmes? Six feet under, Medium Qualities you most appreciate in a GLBT person? Honesty, integrity and endurance. What are you reading at the moment? Electorate enrollment forms, they send me one every other week. Favourite (non-GayNZ.com!) website? National Bank Who in the world including New Zealand would you most like to have coffee and a chat with? My nana, just one last chat would be awesome! Role models? My dad, he can drink sooo much, I just can't keep up with him. Oh, and Beaver Brown, she rocks! What is the most pressing issue currently facing the New Zealand GLBT community? That freak, Brian Tamaki. He is a very dangerous man. I'm surprised at the glbt community, why aren't we organising ourselves and getting right in his face? If you could have one wish granted what would it be? To have infinite wishes. GayNZ.com - 29th June 2005