Her come-up has been “high’ since her Fresh Face crowning: Jersey’s draglesque beauty, Mary Jane Monroe! [Cover photo: Clavel]
Thotyssey: Mary Jane, hello! Thanks for talking to us today! How was your Labor Day Weekend?
Mary Jane Monroe: Hey hey, I’m so excited to be sitting down with you and having this interview! My Labor Day weekend was good; it was very productive. I’ve been working on a few things for an upcoming pageant competition called “Crystal Envy’s Diamond Race” that I am super excited to share with everyone. The pictures and videos went live this week, so I’ve been working really hard on getting my packages together for that. Other than that, I spent a good amount of time making sure to get some rest and relaxation in with close friends and family.
“Diamond Race” will serve all the opulence! We’ll get more into that in a bit… but first, as far as your drag in general goes, it looks like you’re inspired by classic burlesque?
Yes! I absolutely love what burlesque represents. To me, it’s a true celebration and admiration of the body. Burlesque honors all bodies—big, small, and everything in between—by showcasing them through glamour, sensuality, and intimacy. I embrace that spirit in my drag, where the body becomes both the canvas and the art.
Mary Jane is all about that embodiment. There’s always lots of glam and sparkle with many dashes of raunchiness and campiness. She never takes herself too seriously, and it has been a great way for me to fall in love with my body even more,
Can you tell us a bit of your origin story? Where’s your original hometown, and what sort of interests did you grow up with that may have ultimately put you on the drag path?
I grew up in Monroe Township, New Jersey— I’ve always been a Central Jersey girlie at heart. My siblings and I are first-generation Americans; my parents immigrated here from Portugal. With that came a very traditional mentality about masculinity, and what I was expected to be as a boy. But clearly, that never felt right for me. I was the kid strutting around in my mom’s and grandma’s heels with my cousin, wrapping towels around myself as gowns or long, luxurious hair.
It was such a gift to have a queer sibling and cousin to share those moments of play, expression, and fashion curiosity with. I’ve always adored fashion—red carpets, runways, fragrance ads—I was amazed at how clothing could be so powerful, fun, and beautiful. I begged my mom to subscribe to Teen Vogue, Popstar Magazine, and Seventeen so I could absorb every ounce of fashion I could get my hands on.
Bless my mother for never being judgmental, lol. She was just a mother who wanted her kid to be happy. She also exposed me to classic films like Gone With the Wind, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, and Some Like it Hot (and various Turner Class Movies). That kind of shaped my inspiration for drag that I held onto for years (far too many).
Then in my late 20s I felt like it was time to get out there, shake the nerves off and release that desire. I am so so happy I did. I discovered so much about myself, and accepted so many more parts of me after doing so.
How and when did you become Mary Jane?
Mary Jane was born when I finally gave myself permission to merge all the things I love—burlesque, fashion, camp, weed and queerness—into one unapologetic persona. She came to life around four years ago, when I realized drag wasn’t just about putting on makeup — it was about creating a character that lets me express the boldness I had always carried inside. Mary Jane is the fully realized version of that little kid who never stopped dreaming. She’s the woman in me that has allowed me to love my femininity and explore my gender identity. She’s my love letter to glamour, to queerness, and to celebrating every inch of this body through performance and fashion.
You were crowned the Fresh Face of Drag at Paradise in 2023! What was that whole experience like?
Being crowned Fresh Face of Drag 2023 was truly surreal. Fresh Face is a newcomer pageant that consists of monthly meetings to learn all about the scene, makeup and business behind drag. When I entered, I had been going to “Drag Wars” at Paradise monthly to get my name out, and get the experience I needed to work on myself and my art. So it was still one of my early steps into the spotlight as Mary Jane. I didn’t see myself early on as a possible winner. I was in it to push myself, grow and gain a community. Don’t get me wrong, I most definitely wanted to win… but I had been (and sometimes still am) my own toughest critic.
Once I made it to the end of the experience, I saw the growth and potential I had to win. It was also so heartwarming to have the community respond with so much love and support. It meant everything. That night gave me the confidence to trust my artistry, to know that I belonged on that stage, and to keep pushing myself further. It wasn’t just about winning a title—it was about realizing that this queer little dream I had growing up could actually blossom into something real, powerful and celebrated in my community. It makes me smile to hear people are excited to see what I will do next, or what my next look may be!
That’s a wonderful evolution! And starting October 8th, you’re about to go on another competitive drag journey at Paradise as former Miss Paradise and Drag Race alum Crystal Envy premieres her new “Diamond Race” pageant there, featuring yourself and seven other hopefuls! Can you tell us a bit of what you know regarding how this pageant came about, how you got involved, and what the kids might expect from its eight week cycle?
I’m so excited for this new competition! Crystal Envy designed “Diamond Race” as a celebration of all forms and identities of drag. Shortly after announcing the show, she opened signups for contestants. At first I was hesitant to throw my name in, but with some encouragement from my husband and family, I realized this was the perfect opportunity for Mary Jane to step out and show what she can really do. The competition is packed with challenges and runway themes that will definitely push me out of my comfort zone—in the best way. Some are inspired by Drag Race–style challenges, but of course with Crystal Envy’s signature twist. Each week brings a brand-new runway and challenge that forces us to think outside the box. With eight talented contestants, it truly could be anyone’s game—and I’m so ready to dive in!
Amazing and good luck! Anything else to report?
This competition is going to have my full attention over the next few months, but I always make sure to promote any other events and shows on my page… so keep an eye out! Thank you so much!
Excellent! Okay lastly, what’s your favorite or most essential item in your drag bag?
It might sound funny, but some of my favorite go-to items in my drag bag are my marijuana leaf pasties (a true Mary Jane staple), plenty of body glitter, and of course a designer fragrance—because she always has to seal the deal with a signature scent (and also to mask the weed, LMAO)!
Thank you, Mary Jane!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Mary Jane Monroe’s upcoming appearances, and follow her on Instagram, TikTok and LinkTree.
Thotyssey 