Tempest DuJour is, literally and figuratively, one of the biggest drag queens in the Old Pueblo. Tempest is involved in countless community events as a hostess and performer. She enjoys participating in activities that will benefit people, and loves indulging audiences with her inappropriate jokes, extravagant costumes and mountainous hairstyles. During the day, Tempest is known as Patrick Holt, an associate professor at the University of Arizona's School of Theatre, Film and Television. At 9 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 13, Tempest will host Retro Game Show Night at Hotel Congress in conjunction with Tucson Pride, as an after-party for the weekend's celebrations. Admission is $5. For more information, visit tucsonpride.org, or call 622-8848.
When and how was Tempest DuJour born?
I was created (as part of) a failed attempt to create an Amazon master race. It was sometime in the 1990s, when the Cold War ended, and the Soviet Union broke up.
What are some of the challenges you have encountered?
The greatest challenge is finding clothes for an 8-foot drag queen. I am an 8-foot, full-figured lady.
Who assists you with your makeup and clothing?
I make all of my clothes, and I will continue to do so until there is a giant, drag-queen drugstore down the street where I can shop for them. Most of the time, I do my own makeup and hair for quality control.
Who is a strong influence in your life?
My biggest inspiration is a performing artist named Leigh Bowery. I always look for artists who are risk-takers. I admire people who are willing to live on the edge, such as Pete Burns, the lead singer of a 1980s band called Dead or Alive, and Boy George.
Who is Patrick Holt?
He is the kindest, loveliest, biggest gentleman I have ever known.
What is it like having two children? Tell me more about them.
I am very protective of my two babies. My youngest one is 2 years old, and my oldest one is 6 years old. In public, I call them by the names Duvet and Cleveland. The nicknames were, of course, influenced by Michael Jackson's Blanket and Paris. They are truly the light of my life. They are two amazing, adopted children.
What is Retro Game Show Night?
Retro Game Show Night is an event where we re-create 1970s game shows. So far, we have cycled through re-creations of Password, The Match Game, Family Feud and our take on Pyramid, which is called The $9.95 Pyramid. David Hoffman, my producing partner, and I created it. It started out at a bar called Colors, which recently closed. Since then, we have moved Retro Game Show Night to Club Congress, where it will be a monthly event after its comeback in October. ... We have raised funds for organizations such as the Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation and the Humane Society of Southern Arizona. The upcoming one will benefit Tucson Pride in the spirit of Pride weekend.
Why should everyone come to Retro Game Show Night?
If you love the unexpected, it is a great place to be. ... It is all based on crowd interaction and participation. ... Also, it is important to know that this event is not exclusive to the LGBT community. One of the big reasons we have Retro Game Show Night is to bring everyone together.
What other projects are you involved with that benefit the community?
I do quite a bit of charity work. It usually comes in the form of hosting. I regularly host Turnabout for TIHAN and the Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation Jell-O-wrestling event. I also do a lot of benefit shows. ... For example, a friend of a friend who had an accident and needs help to pay a medical bill. It depends on what issues there are at the time, and what is happening with local organizations at the time. Coming up, I will be doing a political-themed drag show, where we will be raising money for a political organization. Drag can be very self-indulgent, and there is much more to it than that. I hope that is what I represent. I am a queen with a cause!
Where would you like to see yourself in the future?
As the all-omnificent queen of the universe!
