An Edinburgh drag queen who used his social media audience to reach out to youngsters coming to terms with their identities has been hailed as one of the country’s top LGBT role models at a national awards ceremony.
Chichi Monroe gained a cult audience after marrying husband Carl on reality show ‘Say Yes to the Dress Vegas’ in full garb but has since used the platform to raise thousands for a number of good causes.
The 37-year-old, whose performances at the popular Planet bar regularly boost the coffers of care providers and the NHS, told how he had to be ‘hauled’ on stage before his first show after struggling with anxiety over singing in front of a live crowd.
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But the caring queen has since become a mentor for dozens of young people struggling with their sexuality by engaging with fans on Facebook and Instagram.
He has since been shortlisted in the ‘Positive LGBT role model’ category at the National Diversity Awards.
“The response has been a bit overwhelming,” he told Edinburgh Live.
“I don’t think I’ve done anything out of the ordinary, so when people vote for me, it’s very humbling, especially when you’re not expecting something like that.”
Chichi, originally from Cork in Ireland, began his career in the Spanish holiday destination of Gran Canaria after relocating to the popular island in 2012.
However, his profile, alongside that of now-husband Carl, 40, grew following an appearance on the TLC show in 2018 where the couple had their dresses and rings created by renowned fashion designer David Emanuel - becoming the first couple in the history of the show to be married in drag.
Returning to the island, Chichi told how fellow queens and audience members alike began messaging him for advice, often with harrowing stories.
He said he remained ‘desperate’ to make himself available to hear their issues and devoted time to ensuring they got the help they required.
“One of the people, she was a woman in an abusive relationship. Myself and another of the drag queens took her away from that and kind of set her up in a hotel,” he recalled.
“Another person came to me for help with talking to their son before they came out. I said that I would speak to them about it and just told him to be proud of who he is.
“When we did the TLC thing; It was surreal and our following just went up and up.
“But I always wanted to use that to help people, help charities and raise awareness, just spread the love really.”
He added: “A lot of the people I’ve never met. They’ll just like my picture and message me and the next thing they are telling me their whole life story.
“I think if they are trusting enough to open up to me, why should I not help them?
“And if it’s a topic that I can’t really advise them on, I’ll try and find someone who can give them the right advice.”
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The glitzy awards ceremony - held in Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral in September - honours grassroots campaigns across the country in a selection of diverse fields.
Chichi said he was already “ecstatic” with the nomination, but admitted he would love to take home the gong to reach more people who may need friendly advice in the future.
“It is surreal just to be nominated,” he said.
“I’m not expecting it to go any further than this obviously because it is UK wide. But to win it would be unreal. That would boost the following even more which means I can help even more people.”
Vote for Chichi at the National Diversity Awards 2022 at this link.
