100% SYNTHETIQUE

Being on a stage in front of thousands of people would be a pretty daunting experience for most people, but for Big Gay Day hostess Miss Synthetique, the BGD stage has almost become a second home. In fact this March, Synnie will celebrate 10 years of introducing the celebrities, entertainment, Mega Drag and diva moments that have made Big Gay Day so special.

“I remember every one was a bit curious about it, wondering how it was going to go,” Synthetique recalls when thinking back to the first Big Gay Day.

“We were all nervous. All of us from management at the hotel, to bar staff, to the drag queens all hoping for the best. And it rocked – it was such a big success. It really surpassed all of my expectations.”

Since that time, Synthetique had watched Big Gay Day grow and grow every year, and always from her unique vantage point.

“I just love the fact that I get to see it all just a little bit differently to everyone else. I get to stand there on stage in front of thousands of people out in the street and surrounding the hotel – It is pretty cool to get my own personal view of the day that almost nobody else gets to see. The first year I actually got a bit emotional about it, because it was just so amazing to see all of those queens, dykes, friends and everybody just celebrating something that was new to Brisbane.”

Another highlight she explains is getting to work with all of the amazing artists who perform each year.

“Marcia Hines would have to be possibly the nicest artist I have ever worked with, but the most generous performer was definitely Leo Sayer. He was amazing, because when he finished his bit he stayed around for the whole day and encouraged every single person that went to walk on stage. He was just so positive to everybody.

“My personal favourite though would be Kate Miller-Heidke, followed by the Rouge Traders.”

While the majority of the performers were a pleasure to deal with, Synthetic lets out one of her famous laughs that have become so famous at the Wickham Hotel over the past 14 years when asked about any behind the scenes diva tantrums.

“Martha Wash from the Weather Girls was a bit nancy about a few things at the end. She wanted to sell her singles or autographs after her spot and nobody put it on the talk sheet so I didn’t announce it so she got a bit nasty about that.”

There were a few more stories of precious performers, but she admits that most of the diva moments belonged to the drag queens from all over Queensland when they come together & share the one stage as a part of Mega Drag.

“Most of the girls get along, but drag queens being drag queens there are always a few egos, but thankfully the ones who don’t get along normally have the decency not to start shit when they’re in the space of others. But it is a stage full of egos, but I don’t think that’s a bad thing – I think everybody wants a bit of drag queen bitchiness don’t they?

“There are some pretty special plans in the works for this year, and I do really love to get the chance to work together with Wanda, Trixie and all of the other girls. Also it’s really great to see them out and about during daylight because you get to see all of their flaws!”

Talking about celebs and drag queens came easily, but there was a slight pause and consideration when Synnie was hit with the next question: What is it about Big Gay Day that has made it such a phenomenal success?

“Besides the fact that it is an awesome party, and besides the fact that we always have amazing acts on stage, I think much of the success has to be put down to the fact that we are also supporting our own community with the fundraising side of it. Everyone feels as though they can contribute but at the same time they get to celebrate being gay and being in Brisbane.

“And as for the entertainment, these are quality acts who are tailored to our community that we are talking about, not just some dickhead down at the local pub with a guitar and a hat out the front.

Is Big Gay Day worth going to? Well…we will give the final word to your hostess.

“You would be really stupid not to go to Big Gay Day. Where else for $30 where you get the entertainment line up of Big Gay Day? You normally pay $80 to get into anywhere these days – minimum!”