Drag Me To Lunch
Balcony Bar & Oyster Co. have joined forces with one of Australia’s most fabulous showgirls Penny Clifford. Since starting her career in 1979 Penny Clifford has won numerous awards and contests. She won Transexual of the year in 1999, The Prestigious Diva Hall of fame in 2006 and continues to surprise us with her motivation and talent.
Who’s Penny Clifford you may ask? What is a Drag Lunch? We took 5 to chat to this stunning queen to find out just a little more about her past and what to expect from Byron’s first ever ‘Drag Me To lunch’
WHAT WAS IT LIKE GROWING UP TRANSGENDER IN THE 70’S?
Difficult to say the least, it was harder to be accepted, to get work and to be safe . Most girls had limited options and I was very lucky to get employed as a Showgirl.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME A SHOWGIRL?
I always loved dancing and went to dance school as a child, seeing my first Drag Show as a teenager I thought it was magical and aspired to join the business. Before long I managed to make this a reality.
DID YOU EXPECT TO BECOME SUCH AN INFLUENTIAL SHOWGIRL WITHIN AUSTRALIA?
No and to be honest I still don’t feel like that about myself, but I have worked hard, long and tried my best over the years to give back, whether it be fundraising for charities or being on volunteer committee’s to create more magic in the LGBTQ community. But sometimes if I read a bio or story about myself, I’m pleased how far I have come, even with distracting voices in my head.
YOU HAVE WORKED ALONGSIDE SOME ICONIC QUEENS, WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE SO FAR?
There have been many of course but touring with Simone & Moniques Playgirls to Alice Springs and performing at the casino there, (where Priscilla the Movie was shot a decade later) in 1986 and climbing back then as it was known Ayers Rock was incredible
WHAT MADE YOU MOVE UP TO THE NORTHERN RIVERS?
After many years as a showgirl and then managing a few major LGBTQ Clubs and bars I felt like I needed a sea change to be in a calmer environment. Many of my long term friends live here so it was an easy choice.
THIS IS THE FIRST DRAG EVENT IN BYRON BAY, WHAT WILL PEOPLE EXPERIENCE FROM THIS LUNCH?
I think they will have fun, laugh, enjoy themselves immensely but most of all get to know the girls Martini & Mya and realise what delightful Humans they are!
MYA CRAFONE & MARTINI ICE
It’s official then friends, we are going to lunch and dragging our darlings with us too of course! Join us Saturday 23rd March @ 1pm for one of the most fun filled lunches you may have experienced. Our Queens Mya Crafone & Martini Ice are set to impress with Drag Bingo, Drag Performances and of course an absolutely fabulous and unforgettable lunch with us here on our balcony.