I had the pleasure to have an Interview with Charlotte Goodenough, a tall leggy blonde bombshell, stomps the catwalk of Seoul’s drag scene with the grace of a “Walmart Mom” on Fifth Avenue. She’s one of the many Drag Queens in Seoul you and Rupaul Dragrace’s Kim Chi ought to know about! So let’s dish!
For folks not familiar with your work how would you describe Charlotte Goodenough?
Charlotte is perhaps best known for her big hair and even bigger hips. She has often been described by other drag queens as a “concept queen”. She loves to take a song or idea and run with it. For example, her costume for Adele’s Hello is a fully body suit paired with a range of accessories made out of phones and phone cords. She’s also pretty darn chill off stage, and then comes alive as soon as her lipsync music begins.
What or who inspires you as an artist?
My first direct exposure to drag was from the club kid and drag scene in NYC, where I lived from 2006-2009. Seeing drag artists like Acid Betty, Deryck Todd, and Amanda Lepore made me understand early that drag and “nightlife art” are about more than just looking pretty. They are all very conceptual and take their ideas to the maximum in order to create a complete look.
Also, there was a drag queen called Peppermint (@peppermint247) that I used to see host a show everyWednesday night with my friends. She was often labeled the nicest queen in NYC, and I hope to emulate her kindness and positivity in my own work.
How did you conceive of Charlotte?
It actually took me quite a while to find my ‘true’ drag name and persona. Many years ago, I taught a rather eccentric middle school student who insisted on calling me Charlotte, rather than my boy name. I wanted to channel her energy into my drag persona, so chose that name. My last name, Goodenough, comes from a famous anthropologist who I came across in my grad school studies. When I became a drag queen, I wanted a name that had a positive message to it, and felt the name Goodenough reminded myself and others that you are always good enough. I hope that Charlotte Goodenough can be a drag queen who spreads positivity and motivates others to explore their own creativity and talents.
Drag already explores gender roles what motivated you push the boundaries farther with Charlotte? How has the reception been from your contemporaries?
I’m pretty tall as a boy, so I knew I could never be a petite “fishy” drag queen. So rather than hide my more masculine features, I wanted to exaggerate my height and size. So, I wear 6 inch heels, huge wigs, huge hips, and form fitting costumes. Overall, I have gotten positive feedback from friends, fellow drag queens, and viewers. Both Koreans and foreigners have come up to me for photos or to just chat, and I always welcome that. Also, my friends and fellow drag queens will be sure to tell me if my makeup or outfit can be improved, which I’m always thankful for.
How do you think theories such as the male gaze, sexual fetishism, and gender performativity are reflected in your work?
I think my use of big (sofa cushion) hips has been the single biggest eye-opener for understanding the male gaze and gender performativity. Simply said, EVERYONE wants to touch them. Some people ask before they grab, others don’t. For some reason, drag makes people less afraid to interact with that gaze or desire. It also makes me understand better how my female friends feel sometimes when they get stared at by men. It was definitely a strange experience the first few times I did drag.
Describe your routine getting ready?
When I first started, it took me a good 4 hours or more to get ready. But as I’ve gotten more practice, I can get it down to about 2 hours. I always do my makeup first, starting with gluing down my eyebrows and contouring. Next, I do the eyes, followed by a touch up of the contouring and then my lips. I always do my eyebrows last, because they are the hardest part to make look symmetrical. Most drag queens call our eyebrows “sisters”, rather than “twins”, because they never quite look exactly the same. After makeup, I put on my hips and several pairs of stockings. Then the dress, accessories, and shoes. Last, the nails, cause it’s hard to do anything in long nails.
What’s your Seoul connection?
I moved to Korea in 2010, and Seoul in 2012. I’ve been here ever since. I’ve lived in other big cities, like London and New York, but feel the most comfortable in Seoul. I never dreamed that Seoul would be the place I began to really explore drag.
My first show was for Heezy’s Rainbow Gathering, and my second for Kuciia’s Meet Market, who I both thank for allowing me to jump into performing head on. I now do shows mostly at a new lounge bar called Lollipop in Seoul with my fellow queens Cha Cha and Ani Mal, as well as other special events once or twice a month.
What’s the most outrageous thing you’ve done on stage?
I can’t really say I’ve done anything TOO outrageous on stage. I think that one is yet to come in my drag career. Stay tuned!
What is it like when you’re performing?
Each show feels different for me. Some days the crowd just has an energy about them that makes me feel alive and in the moment. Other times, when the crowd is more reserved, I make it my task to get at least a few smiles/cheers/reactions. I love to focus on one or two audience members and really make them feel like I’m performing for only them. It’s always fun to see how they react!
When did you start to do drag?
My first time in drag was in 2008 in NYC, and it was a hot mess. I didn’t put on a wig again until Halloween 2013. Since then, I always prepared a Halloween drag costume. Only this year did I decide I wanted to take my drag to the next level. I began performing early March at my friend Heezy Yang’s Rainbow Gathering, and went from just a show each month to now performing every weekend. In fact, a few of us Seoul queens are headed to Busan this weekend for a show. I’m pretty excited.
How has your life changed since you started doing drag?
Being in grad school now, I felt like my life was solely focused on studying. I missed being creative and drag has brought the creative side out in me again. I also feel like I’ve made a great group of drag queen friends and supporters who I can count on and we help support each other in all our creative projects. I love sitting down on Friday or Saturday night with the other Seoul drag queens and chatting while we get ready for a show.
What’s your most fabulous drag possession?
My favorite possession is probably my light up dress. I sewed the entire thing myself, adding lights inside the skirt portion to make it glow during my performance. It’s made of a beautiful white checkered fabric that I bought in Dongdaemun. Oh, and it even has light up boobies! What more can you want?
Describe the perfect night on stage in three words.
No lost nails.
If you were exiled to a deserted island and could only take one other drag queen, who would it be and why?
The one and only Alaska. We both have deep voices, so can have fun making that silly sound she makes with her voice.
If you were a pop song, what would it be called?
“Sad Bitch”, because I have a tendency to perform sad or emotional songs.
What is your life motto?
“News travels fast…but glitter travels faster.” Basically, your attitude can affect others, so make sure you find something bright and positive to share with the world. And I’m telling you, you start with a tiny dab of glitter, and soon it’s everywhere!
What can people expect from a show?
People who come to my show will get a fully realized concept and performance. I think carefully about the costume, accessories, song choice, choreography, costume changes, etc. Also, I’m not only looking for a laugh, but for the audience to feel a range of emotions. One of the best compliments I’ve ever received was from a fellow performer who said I made her nearly cry when I performed a more emotional song.
How do your family and friends react to Charlotte?
My family has been amazing. I send my all my videos and photos of performances to my parents and siblings. They all watch and give me feedback. They also ask about future shows and how each show went. I feel really lucky that they are so open to this sort of artistic expression and are supportive of my efforts to share Charlotte with the world.
What is your number one Drag beauty tip?
Pay attention to proportions. I have a long slim face, so I learned that big hair up top and down the back really balances that out. Also, it took me some time to balance out the hips and chest to ensure the best proportions for my height. It’s not just about a style you want, but finding the right hair and outfits that match with YOUR body shape and height.
What are some of the biggest misconceptions about drag queens?
There are so many misconceptions about drag queens, but one is that I think there is an idea that we all want to be the so-called “Beyonce” of the drag world and can be overly competitive with other queens. I’ve found the exact opposite of that in the drag community in Seoul. We share our makeup, our ideas, and our hopes for increasing the awareness of the drag community in Korea. Drag is not cheap, so it helps that we can work together to be resourceful. Also, we all recognize that each of our skills, drag styles, and talents are different, so we can support each other in each project and hopefully respect all forms of drag.
What are the best parts of being a drag queen? The biggest challenges?
My favorite part of being a drag queen is seeing an idea come to life. The finished project isn’t always what we initially intended to make, which makes the creative process fun and keeps in interesting. Also, being on stage is always a thrill, because you never know what reaction you are going to get. I’ve performed the same song in different bars and it’s always a different reaction.
The biggest challenges include having to always order new heels online because my size does not exist in Korea. Also, having my room always covered in thread, glitter, and other assorted drag accessories. Drag really does take over your life. Walking in 6 inch heels took SO long to get used to, as well.
Favorite song to lip synch to?
Candyman by Christina Aguilera. It’s upbeat and cheeky, a fun costume, and the audience always loves it.
Who should EVERYONE be following right now?
There’s a drag queen from Leeds, England that I discovered on Instagram Called Ellis Atlantis (@ellis_atlantis) recently. Her looks are always on point and her ability to use unexpected colors in her face makeup is phenomenal.
What song should play when you enter a room?
Cindi Lauper’s “The Goonies are Good Enough”, because it’s good enough for you! It’s good enough for me! In fact, my good drag friend Winny already sings that whenever I see her, so it kind of already happens.
What will the name of your autobiography be?
I’m Goodenough, dammit! And so are you!
In the Real Housewives of Seoul Today, what would your Housewife tag line be?
Whenever I wear my sleek sexy body suits, my friend calls me “Walmart Mom.” But I gotta be more classy than that to be on Real Housewives of Seoul, so let’s say “Shinsegae Mom”.
What’s the hardest part about being a drag queen?
Finding my shoe size in Korea! I can’t even find boy shoes, let alone beautiful lady pumps.
What advice would you give to anyone who’s interested in doing drag?
Many people tell me they want to do drag, and I always just say “do it”. Even if you look terrible, you have to start. Drag takes practice, so the more practice you get, the more polished you can become.
How can people discover your past work and what projects are you working on currently?
I usually post my latest videos and photos to my drag Facebook and Instagram pages. Search for Charlotte Goodenough on Facebook (www.facebook.com/charlottegoodenoughforme) and Instagram (@charlottegoodenough). I’ll be sure to post any upcoming shows, events, and projects.
