Seamas Gormley

This abstract summarizes a 27-minute interview with Seamas Gormley, recorded on July 1st, 2012, focusing on Gormley's involvement in the "Queen of the Whole Universe" beauty pageant, a notable event in the 2010s cultural landscape of Aotearoa New Zealand.

Gormley recounts their unexpected entry into the world of drag performance and pageantry. Initially attending a meeting out of curiosity and a simple desire to assist backstage, Gormley quickly found themself participating as a contestant representing Miss South Africa. Their participation stemmed from a desire to broaden their social circle and have fun, rather than from any previous performance experience which was limited to a school play. Despite initial nervousness, Gormley emphasizes the supportive atmosphere of the event, the camaraderie among participants, and their own personal growth through the experience.

The interview dives into the details of Gormley's transformative journey, from procuring materials for their costume to learning to walk in high heels. They highlight the learning process involved in performance, from adopting a woman's walk to preparing elaborate headgear and an outfit that reflected the spirit and culture of South Africa. Gormley explains that various specialists, like seasoned designers, were instrumental in bringing their costume to life, while shops like Ronnie's became familiar spots for acquiring pageant necessities, signifying a communal involvement in the event.

Gormley's engagement extended beyond a personal adventure to include their familial context, noting their transparent upbringing of their child within diverse environments. They touch on the supportive reactions from the public and on salespeople getting excited about Gormley’s participation in the pageant.

Through the discourse of the interview, it becomes apparent that the pageant serves as a catalyst for self-acceptance and confidence building. The participant’s reflections contrast their previous life experiences with the surprise and personal satisfaction of successfully embracing a new form of artistic expression within a supportive community. The event’s impact is clear as it facilitated self-expression, pushing boundaries, exploring new talents, and ultimately, the development of lasting friendships.

Discussing the program's finality, Gormley views its conclusion philosophically, recognizing that all things come to their natural end and expressing gratitude for being part of its concluding years. When queried about future performance aspirations, they remain open to possibilities, acknowledging the pageant's role in shaping their character and not discounting potential future engagement in the arts.

The interview concludes leaving a tangible impression of the transformative power of theatre and community, not merely as entertainment but as an avenue for personal evolution, diversity acceptance, and collective support amidst the queer milieu of Aotearoa New Zealand.

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.

Seamas Gormley

2010s, aotearoa new zealand, arts, auckland, drag, performance, queen of the whole universe, seamas gormley, theatre

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