Ryan Johnson

What do you do, why did you choose to go down that path, and what do you love about it?

I am currently working in fast food (not as fun!). But in my spare time I do make-up for friends and family. I am also a Drag Baby (newbie drag queen). I chose to become involved in doing makeup and drag because since I was little I’ve always been fascinated with this kind of thing. Thanks to the many people I have around me I have found the courage to follow what I have always loved. I really love doing people’s makeup. It’s such a rewarding feeling when you have done something good for them. They start to feel good about themselves and the best reward is seeing them enjoying being themselves. I LOVE performing and so doing drag really puts all my passions in one basket.

What are you currently working on project-wise?
I am working on many different performance pieces and also trying to get into a makeup school to reach my goal of being a makeup artist.

What led you to where you are today?
Firstly my mother has always been there beside me every step of the way. My friends have also been really loving and supportive. I think having the Open Doors youth service and their guidance has helped me in the best ways possible too.

What do you get up to in your down time? Do you have any hobbies?
I dance, draw anime, read, hang in the CBD/Southbank with friends and just chill where ever I please. My hobby at the moment would have to be belly-dancing. I love doing it, and it’s an awesome work out.

What’s it like being a young person in Brisbane? What suggestions would you make to improve the city?
It has not been easy in the past but as times are changing people can be themselves in public. For me this means I can feel like ME when I leave the house and don’t have to put on my “mask” to hide who I am. Organisations like Open Doors and other youth services around Brisbane can be really helpful because having a group you belong to is great for being a young person in Brisbane.

What advice or inspiration would you share with other young people?
I really believe you should never give up no matter what. It may be hard now but if you close your eyes and shut out the world how can you see the light coming up? I also think you should be yourself and if your group of friends don’t like it then they are not worth your time or energy. Just put your energy into finding people like yourself and then have fun with your new friends.

Is there anything else you’d like to add? Where can people get in touch with you?
just like to say that being young in this time and age when everything is about to change is amazing and we all need to do is just let time show us the way to whatever life has in store for us and use it as a lesson to learn from as we are always learning. If anyone wants to get in touch with me they can reach me through Facebook or email me at ryan.jay18@hotmail.com.au