Tonight K’ Rd’s Family Bar will celebrate the birthday and one year anniversary of much-loved manager Wilma Balls-Drop. She tells GayNZ.com about the passion for the community that leads her to spend her weekends at Family, despite having a whole other job! Managing Family on the weekends is a job Wilma is passionate about. It must be, as she still has a full-time day job too. Yes, she confirms life is pretty busy – “No,” with a giggle, is the short answer to whether she gets a day off at all. It’s all worth it though. “I love the family. I love the people. I love music - music is a big part of my life. And I love drag. But mainly I do it for the community.” Wilma was created by alter ego Neil about four years ago, who was inspired to do drag by a Pink Flight to Mardi Gras in Sydney. Sovereign of K’ Rd, and friend, Miss Ribena helped her come up with her name. Since she’s managed Family some of her biggest moments have included New Year’s Eve and the massive crowd that packs in to celebrate, and the charity fundraisers the venue does. “You just meet so many interesting people,” Wilma says, of a gay scene she thinks is welcoming and fun. She says people who have never been to a gay bar before can expect a fun environment with great music, “and they can see where they’re welcome in the community. And they can be around people who can keep them safe and perhaps help guide them through things they need to be guided through – somewhere they can be accepted.” There’s a lot to love about her job. The only real frustration she’s had in her role is trying to clear the club at 4AM since the new liquor laws came into force. “It’s been a real task for us all, because gay boys know how to party and turning the lights on at 4AM and telling them to go home is the biggest thing I’ve had to do. They usually come out at four o’clock, not go home at four o’clock!” Get in early tonight to celebrate Wilma’s 34th and her year of management – doors open at 10PM with a free drink on arrival. Wilma will do a show of her own at 1AM. “We’ve put a lot of effort in with choreography. We’ve got new lighting for it. And we’ve got backup dancers,” she says. “It will be one hell of a party. It will be a night to remember.” And of course, her final words? “Wilma kisses to you all! XX” Jacqui Stanford - 26th April 2014