With Florida drag roots, Persian-American gorgeousness and a fierce Halloween gig coming up, Mehmooni is the Party Girl of the Moment.
Thotyssey: Mehmooni, hello! Thanks for chatting today! Halloween is almost upon us… is your closet full of spookiness for the rest of the week?
Mehmooni: Hello hello hello! It’s been a long October, so I’m excited the day is almost finally here. I’ll be giving my best Nicole Scherzinger Sunset Boulevard impression.
Have you gotten to see her in it yet?
No…I really need to…
Are you a Broadway Gal at all?
I wouldn’t say that. I’ve actually never seen a play on Broadway before, and I’ve lived here for five years. The girls are going to come for me for that one!
So you can you tell us a bit about where you’re from originally, and what were your interests growing up that may have put you on the drag path?
For sure. I grew up for most of my life in Florida. I ended up going to college in Orlando at UCF, and lived there until 2019. There was such an incredible and vibrant drag culture in Orlando. I still remember seeing my first live drag show at Pulse Nightclub around 2012; it was Roxxxy Andrews. From there I would routinely see the Sunday show at Parliament House; seeing legends like Jazell Barbie Royale, Kylie Sonique Love, and Shantell D’marco definitely informed my love for the art form.
While in Orlando, I was still mainly just a fan of drag. I started to go out in makeup, but it definitely leaned more masculine–maybe even a little “club kid” at times. When I moved to NYC is when I started to really dig into my drag artistry.
What’s the origin of your name, and where were some of the first places you performed here?
Mehmooni is the Persian word for “party.” My dad’s side of the family are all from Iran, so I wanted something that paid homage to that part of my heritage… and I am the fucking Party, so it fits! My first performance here was at Sultan Room: “Nefertitties,” a queer MENA party hosted by Ana Masreya. It was a big full circle moment for me.
How might you describe your drag today?
Sexy, fashionable and sultry, with a hint of light hearted humor. I love to laugh.
There are no doubt some unique joys and challenges of being a Persian American, a queer person and a drag performer all at once, especially in this moment. Do you kind of feel like a warrior every time you come out as Mehmooni, or is it mostly about fun and art?
I am so lucky to have the opportunity to be queer and live my most authentic life here in NYC. That is not the reality for most people–not just in Iran, but around the world. I don’t feel like a warrior; I have it easy compared to many many people. Those who face persecution actively are the true warriors. I have a huge support system, and what I want more than anything is the opportunity to use that system to help those who may not have one. The fun and the art of drag is certainly a great thing, but as with anything there is an element of social responsibility and seriousness that underpins everything do.
Well said and well done! This week, folks can see you at Metropolitan Bar in Brooklyn for the Halloween edition of their Thursday party “And What About It?”
Ah, so excited for this. Working with my divas Slagatha and Mambiché is always a time. You can expect very pussy looks, fun and campy numbers, and some sick beats by P_A_T and Ivenchy. There’s also a $100 cash prize for the most iconic and sickening costume, so you won’t want to miss it.
What else is coming up for you?
Down the road, I’m excited to explore new opportunities to grow my drag persona and elevate my performances. I’ve been working on some new looks, experimenting with different styles, and refining my brand. I also have plans to collaborate with other creatives in the community, so stay tuned for some fun projects! Beyond that, I’m always looking for ways to connect with audiences, whether through live shows, social media, or other platforms. It’s all about pushing boundaries, having fun, and celebrating the art of drag.
Okay, so to close in a spooky fashion: would you rather be abducted by aliens, or trapped in a haunted house?
Abducted by aliens. Love space!
Happy Halloween, Mehmooni!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Mehmooni’s upcoming appearances, and follow her on Instagram and Twitter.
Thotyssey 