Trevor Hynes

In this podcast, Trevor Hynes shares their experience of being part of the "Queen of the Whole Universe" beauty pageant, a unique and vibrant event held in Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand. The recording captures an interview conducted by Gareth Watkins, delving into Hynes's journey with the pageant, with particular focus on the 2010s decade.

Initially unfamiliar with being on stage, particularly in the context of drag performance, Hynes recounts being drawn into the pageant through the enthusiastic invitation of another cast member and the pageant's director, Jonathan. They vividly describe the whirlwind process of joining the cast, being assigned the country of Guatemala, and the rush to prepare for the performance without prior experience in either geography or drag.

For Hynes, participating in the pageant provided a significant avenue of self-expression, especially as someone who had come out later in life. They took pride in being part of each show and anticipated the final mega show with a mixture of excitement and pride, cherishing the journey shared with Jonathan and the rest of the cast.

Hynes brings to life the chaos and camaraderie of the pageant's early days, from getting dressed onstage due to limited backstage areas to the nerve-racking yet thrilling moments before stepping into the limelight for the first time. Despite the competition element in the pageant, Hynes emphasizes the strong sense of community and mutual support among the participants, which extended beyond the pageant into various community functions.

Reflecting on the challenges of performing in drag, Hynes humorously notes the pitfalls of navigating high heels, which once led to an onstage fall and an emergency visit to the hospital. Still, they highlight the resilience and supportive nature of their fellow participants who helped Hynes continue performing, even with a cast on their arm.

Discussing the creative aspects of the pageant, Hynes comments on the magnificent headgear, the process of gown-making, securing sponsorships, and the enjoyment of applying their newfound drag persona. Hynes also briefly touches on the creative naming conventions for the contestants, which often involved playful innuendos, reflecting the light-hearted spirit of the event.

The interview shifts to audience reactions, noting the differences between cities and the electric energy of the first show that fueled the performers. Hynes also opines on the directing style of Jonathan, the pageant's sustained success across a decade, the increasingly youthful influx of participants, and how the pageant connected across generations within the community. They further share personal growth gained from the experience, including increased confidence and a deeper understanding of the community's diversity.

In conclusion, with the final show on the horizon, Hynes anticipates an emotional and celebratory end to an era that brought laughter, challenges, and unity. They express immense pride in the accomplishments of the pageant and the collective journey of everyone involved, from the original cast members to those behind the scenes and the audiences who supported them.

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.

Trevor Hynes

2010s, auckland, drag, performance, queen of the whole universe, theatre, trevor hynes

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