Tobygo.com (Where the Boys Are)

Every now and then a drag queen comes into the scene with such force she could take over a football field, or in this case an ice-skating ring. I'm talking about the fabulous Paju Munro, our pick for I Am Diva for the month of January and what better way to start off the year.

In her short career, Paju has already done a lot for our community through various charity events and has also ran for Miss Gay San Francisco. This girl is a tower of beauty and joy and I had the opportunity to ask her a few questions:

JR: Where are you originally from?

PM: I was Born and raised in Brazil

JR: What made you move to San Francisco?

PM: I was living down in Monterey with my sister but as everybody knows, that is a great city if you are married or if you are married! So I convinced my sister to move to san Francisco 5 years ago.

JR: Who is Paju Munro and what is she all about?

PM: Paju Munro is everything that Fabiano cannot be, and she is all about making people happy. She does not like sad people around her, she has been away for a while but she is coming back in 2009 very strong and ready to help the gay, lesbian and transgender community.

JR: What made you start drag?

PM: Well, well, well…once upon a time a little braz…wait a minute…a very tall Brazilian boy moved in to a house in the Castro area and little did he know that his new roommate would become his Drag Mother and a very good friend.

My first Month living at my new house my roommate said he was going to enter the Miss Gay San Francisco Pageant, I though that was the most amazing thing ever and I began to help him beading his gown among others thing and I just fell in love with the drag world. Sure enough the night of the pageant he won Miss Gay San Francisco and 2 weeks after that Paju was born and began to give her first steps in high heels. A year later I entered the pageant and got second runner up, Mom was very proud.

JR: How long have you been doing drag?

PM: About 2 years and loving every minute of it.

JR: What and who are some things and people who influence you?

PM: Mercedez Munro for sure because I am what I am today thanks to her, And of course Sister Roma, I think her body of work is amazing and I really wish one day to be just as helpful to the LGBT community as she is.

For those who don't know Fabiano, Paju's boy name, is a professional ice-skating athlete who has won gold medals at the Gay Games and is preparing to compete again in 2010.

JR: Can you tell me about you ice skating competitions?

PM: Well that should be another whole interview because Paju and Fabiano are 2 different people that can't live without each other but they need to be separated. Though Fabiano has won the GAY Games in Chicago and he loves ice-skating as much he loves to dance in heels. I try no to mix my skating career with drag, to be honest I never have. I think of Ice-skating as my yoga, if I'm sad or anything troubles me skating is what clears my mind.

JR: Favorite movie?

PM: Wow too many, The Ice princes, The Cutting edge, Connie and Carla, The holiday, etc etc etc etc,

JR: Favorite party in SF?

PM: Gloss Party at the Lookout, Adonis, and Fresh

JR: Favorite drink?

PM: Water mellow Martinis

JR: Guilty pleasure?

PM: Buying Dresses

JR: Favorite celebrity?

PM: My Drag Mother Mercedez Munro and Sister ROMA

JR: What tips can you give to future Divas?

PM: Be true to yourself and learn what you can from everybody. Don't limit yourself to one type of drag or what I would like to call Female Impersonation.

JR: Why is it important to you to give back to the community?

PM: I think if you can help, why not? There are so many people out there that need helping so put on your favorite pumps and your tallest wig and come out and aid.

JR: What are some charity events you've worked on?

PM: Helping the SF Treat softball team, The emperor Consul of San Francisco, BCLA (Black Coalition on Aids), Stop Aids Project, Aids Housing Alliance, Bay Positives and New Leaf.

JR: Do you have any parties or events coming up?

PM: Not yet but I am waiting for invitations. Feel free to email me at pajumunro@yahoo.com

For more information on Paju Munro check out her page at www.myspace.com/pajumunro