Virginia Wright is leaving us because she’s a selfish cow. Leaving us in our HOUR OF NEED. Bloody immigrants, coming over here, hosting our club nights, snatching our wigs.
We’re kidding obvs! Virginia is doing what we should ALL do, which is – following her heart. Cue Disney music! And right now, it seems, her heart belongs to the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave – America! She’s heading off there to get herself a lovely clapboard house and a gruff man in a checkered shirt named Clint.
If you’re not familiar with Virginia, she’s fab. She’s one of those lovely people who…well she’s actually quite mean, but with her, you know it’s always with love. Jokes aside, we’re really gonna miss her. She’s an amazing person and a great friend. She sings, she dances, she serves AMAZING looks. She’s the full package.
Ahead of her swansong at Daddy Issues this Saturday, we had a final catch up with her. Booooo! *Sad face*
Virginia! You’re being a selfish cow and leaving London – WHY?
MOOOOOOO, bitch! Hahahaha! I know, I’ve been contemplating it for some time now and it boiled down to a few things. One – I want to be closer to my family. They’re all in the States and I only get to see them once a year. I don’t want to move home later in life, when my parents are all old ‘n’ shit, and regret spending so many years away from them. Years when they were active and youthful! Family is the most important thing in this world, and our time with them is precious. Two – I want to buy my own house, and I’ve accepted that that is never going to happen for me in London. And three – I miss my giant, burly, American men! RaWRRRRR!!
What’s been your favourite moment while you’ve been here?
You want me to pick one moment out of thirteen years? This makes my head hurt. But, some of my greatest nights were during my indie years (circa 2006-2007), before I even started drag. Nights when I’d go crazy in the Popstarz indie room at the Scala in my skinny jeans, converse and eyeliner, rocking a mullet. Yes ma’am. I was the coolest.
What drew you here in the first place?
I moved to London in 2005 for University. I never planned to. I was fully prepared to go to community college back home in Virginia. My mom works for the World Bank and they have a special sort of financial aid for children of the World Bank. BUT, you can only receive this financial aid if you study OUTSIDE of the US. So one day, my mom was like, “Ok, you can study anywhere you want to study. It just has to be outside the US.” I was like “Dafuuuq?!” I knew I wanted to study fashion, so I was looking into various fashion capitals and decided on London as I wouldn’t need to learn a second language during my studies. Thirteen years later, I’m still here. I love this city and I’m so glad to have moved here.
What’s the best thing about the scene here?
There is something for everybody. And if you can’t find what you’re looking for, you can start up a new night. In terms of drag, there are all kinds of drag. And there are no rules. Queens in London aren’t trying to be the “fishiest” or the most glamorous. They’re creating something that’s theirs.
And – real tea – the worst?
Clubs close too early. I know there’s a select few that stay open until the sun comes up, but I want MORE! I want Soho to run ALL NIGHT! And I want more 24 hour food joints! I’m hungry at all hours.
What will you miss most about London?
I know it probably sounds real dumb, but I’m going to miss taking the bus. Completely spacing out with my headphones on and staring out the window and just watching London! Transport here is fantastic. It’s going to be such a big transition for me to start driving a car again. More importantly though, I’ll miss all the wonderful people I’ve met here. Shout out to my skank sis @HAWTPHOTOXXX
What advice would you give to people looking to move here?
Go to G-A-Y bar to get a free entry flyer for LATE and a wristband for HEAVEN lol. Pay for entry? Me dear? No dear. Seriously though…ummm, always carry a mini brolly because weather here can’t make up its damn mind. Make sure service isn’t already included before you tip. And if you see a giant pair of tits wrapped in fishnets strutting down Old Compton Street, don’t worry, you’re not hallucinating. That’s just Raven Mandella.
AND FINALLY – what are your plans for the future? Will you be back?!
I plan on spending some time at home with my family for the next few months. Going to Zumba. Assimilating American culture. I’m returning home, but after thirteen years in London, I feel like I’m moving to a foreign country. New music is also in the works. My next single ‘Movin’ On’ will be coming out later this month along with a video! I’m a dual citizen, so y’all better KNOW I’ll be back. Stay tuned. London hasn’t seen the last of Virginia Wright.
Virginia Wright is hosting Daddy Issues this Saturday at Beach Blanket Babylon. Follow Virginia on Instagram @virginiawrightx
