Ron New

This summary provides insights into the personal experiences and perspectives shared by Ron New during an interview with Gareth Watkins, which focused on New's involvement with the "Queen of the Whole Universe" beauty pageant. The recording captures personal reflections, pageant details, and insights into the pageant's broader social and community context.

Ron New recalls their initial participation in the pageant, describing it as an audience member who was captivated by the fun atmosphere and wanted to become more actively involved. New emphasizes the shift from being relatively shy to taking pride in having performed on stage and becoming more confident. They express admiration for the creative and energetic contributions of the contestants, particularly the elaborately designed costumes and headgear, as well as the pageant's inclusive nature which welcomes a diverse range of participants.

New mentions a personal preference for performing without drag, highlighting comfort in performing as their self-identified gender, which in the pageant's context afforded more freedom and authenticity in their role. They detail the variety of performances expected from the boys in the pageant, which includes dancing, assisting female contestants, and often playing a supporting yet active part in the productions.

The recording underscores the pageant’s dual role as both a community event and a fundraiser for AIDS-related charities. New notes that its success is rooted in inclusivity, embracing participants from all parts of the community regardless of their background, identity, or sexual orientation. The pageant draws a mixed audience, with substantial support coming from both the LGBTQ+ community and beyond.

New discusses the vital roles of commitment and preparation, which involve several weeks of rehearsals and the crafting of costumes and set pieces. Further, personal growth through participation is a central theme, with New attributing increased confidence and valuable community connections to their experience in the pageant.

The pageant's anticipated conclusion after a successful decade-long run brings mixed emotions for New. They acknowledge the importance of ending on a high note but also recognize the gap it will leave in the community. However, New is hopeful for a new initiative that will fill this void and continue the legacy of camaraderie, creativity, and support instilled by the "Queen of the Whole Universe" pageant.

This recording not only documents a unique cultural event in Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand but also captures the transformative effect such an event can have on individuals and a broader community. The full interview with Ron New sheds light on the personal stories behind performers who participate in the colorful and vibrant world of beauty pageants, providing a humanizing narrative that complements the spectacle usually associated with such events.

This summary is created using Generative AI. Although it is based on the recording's transcription, it may contain errors or omissions. Click here to learn more about how this summary was created.

Ron New

2000s, aotearoa new zealand, auckland, drag, performance, queen of the whole universe, ron new, theatre

africa, agenda, alcohol, army, audience, awards, ballet, bars, bottom, building, button, chaps, charity, clothing, community, confidence, costumes, dance, dancing, dress up, dresses, dykes on bikes, energy, events, face, fear, feelings, flowers, friends, fun, fundraising, gay, gender, hell, hit, hope, israel, logistics, love, makeup, morocco, normal, other, parade, people, podcast, ponsonby, queen, running, safety, school, sewing, skirt, smile, straight, support, the edge, ties, time, top, toronto, travel, trust, tvnz (television new zealand), understanding, underwear, venues, vote, wellington, work