We had the good fortune of connecting with Monique Madison and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Monique, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
I honestly think the most important factor behind my brand is my work ethic. I am definitely a workaholic. When you enjoy what you do though, it is hard to punch that time clock to clock out for the day. Don’t get me wrong…I enjoy my time off. However, I am just blessed to be passionate about my careers!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I think being a drag queen is one of the most difficult careers that anyone could possibly have. Every single day is a challenge because you wake up to a world that is full of people who don’t believe that you should exist in it. Morning after morning as I check my social media/emails/texts there are messages filled with hate and threats. Drag has somehow become political in our country’s current climate. It is being used as a distraction to deflect from the real issues America is dealing with which is super frustrating for someone who is just trying to do their job on a daily basis.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Oh my GOD! This is so easy for me to answer. First we would have brunch at Pronto in Royal Oak, then head over to the Detroit Zoo, followed by a little shopping at Sidetrack Bookshop, followed by coffee at Five15, a concert at Little Ceasars arena, then sushi at Tigerlily, and end the night with a little gambling at MGM casino. Perfect Day!!!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Where do I begin? First and foremost, my amazingly supportive husband Jose. I could not do any of this without him. Gary from Five15 in Royal Oak for the last six years of having me as one of his house divas for Drag Queen Bingo. Five15 is the number one drag venue in the state of Michigan. Melinda Bryce my partner in crime on my novel Serial Showgirl. We are literally soulmates and I could not do it without her. Paul Schneider for giving me my first role in his amazing film A Holiday I Do and I could not be more grateful to him for believing in me. My producer Tennille for giving me a leading role in her comedy sitcom called The Agency. She saw something special in me as an actress even before I did. My promoter Melissa from The Comedy Series who made me one of her main hosts for her standy up comedy company. She is like my twin work horse wise. To ALL of my kittens who hold down the fort while I am busy doing projects and away from my entertainment company The Kunty Kittens. My PR genius Tyler who keeps getting me opportunity after opportunity and I am so thankful for his hard work. Also, five people who elevated my career in Michigan: Bradley Powers, Lavender LaRue, Robert Walter, Chanel Hunter, and Tamara Martin…I wouldn’t have the opportunities I do if it wasn’t for the five if you. Last but not least, OutFront Kalamazoo has believed in me from the very beginning and always created space and opportunity for me in my hometown. It is an amazing organization!

Website: www.thekuntykittens.com

Instagram: @iownamonique2021

Facebook: Monique Madison

Tiktok: @momo_iowna_dan

Image Credits
Karalash Photography

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