By Hollie Harris
Monty Thomas is the epitome of hard work. This determination of this 26-year-old Noosa hairdresser is contagious and it’s difficult not to get wrapped up in the excitement of his grand plans.
Talking with Monty about the difficult journey he has faced throughout his life, it becomes clear that he is wise far beyond his years and his goals are not fuelled by ego, but a grounded calling to inspire people to really love themselves.
“I’ve had to overcome a lot of struggles and the road is still rough. Like many people, I have experience loss, heartbreak and health issues,” Monty said.
“But my struggles will lead me to greatness.”
Growing up near Imbil, Monty began dancing from the age of four and continued throughout his childhood, eventually becoming qualified as a professional dancer.
“Being so individual in a Queensland coastal town has been hard. I have been bullied and shamed emotionally and physically. I suffer a lot of post-traumatic stress from the trauma.
Monty continued to burn through those difficult years to become a self-taught costume designer, a make-up artist and then later, he took a very long and rocky road to becoming a qualified hairdresser.
These days, he is styling for award-winning salon Surrender Dorothy. Monty’s broad range of talents have slowly begun to merge together, nudging his already impressive career into a direction of something even bigger.
Combining all his skills, he began moving into the art of drag. Under the stage name of Jess Whoo, Monty has honed the art for nine years now.
Throughout these years, the young and gentle natured stylist established himself as a performer, an artist and as a figure who stands against gender and societal norms.
“I have held my own and carried on, putting eight years into my art to define myself, heal the pain of my past and really sculpt something that truly amplifies a positive and important message to others who have been through similar.
“Although the road has been tough, I wouldn’t change my experiences because it’s grounded and matured me and led me to this amazing chance at something really new and exciting,” he said.
Last year, Monty’s work in front of the camera lead him to the Sunshine Coast Fashion Festival runway where he was to model menswear. Always pushing to create awareness of human diversity, Monty did something no one in Queensland had done before – he walked the runway in ladies wear.
“I couldn’t believe it hadn’t been done before and felt quite sad about that fact. I am extremely proud of this achievement and excited to be a part of the movement where drag artists can be taken seriously in the fashion industry.
“I want Australian fashion to push boundaries and represent the true colours and quirks of our people and shed the boxes and norms we seem to be confined by.”
Pushing the stereotype of “drag” out the door, he has created his own muse in the form of “Jess Whoo”.
Throughout Jess’s eight-year career he has performed with numerous drag acts and celebrities, modelled for esteemed photographers and designers, and acted in Australian national commercials.
Jess’s constant urge to push boundaries, open doors for the art of drag and raise awareness on gender and sexuality issues has him pegged to become one of Australia’s leading drag superstars.
The ego so often associated with a successful drag artist seems far away from Monty’s softly spoken demeanor. He avoids drama and has a level head about business, taking his career very seriously.
“I want to break the stigma behind homosexuality and drag. What I am trying to do doing SO important.
“Australia is very diverse. It is such an amazing country and we seem to silence that.
“It’s important to the 12-year-old me who needed to see someone else get through all the crap and truly be 100 per cent authentic.
“It’s important for anyone who doesn’t understand (about diversity) to become educated and it’s important to let people know its OK to be yourself, no matter the content,” Monty said.
Monty is currently working with numerous photographers, designers, make-up artists and publications to build a strong portfolio of work and take active steps to achieve his goal in becoming a pioneer of diversity in Australia
Focused on breaking down the walls of gender roles and inspiring people, Monty is unapologetically himself and hopes to inspire people to do the same.
For such a young man, Monty has a work ethic from another era. His determination and positivity is inspiring to say the least and the self-marketing strategies he creates are quite genius. Taking on the role of his own PR and marketing rep may just be his most successful career move yet, as he is now booked out a month ahead.
“I have set a business plan, five-year goals and intend to see this through. I am passionate and focused on making this work,” he said.
Recently launching his gofundme page (www.gofundme.com – Monty Thomas) to bring his dream closer, Monty is keeping the pressure on the momentum, feeling that time is of the essence and that Australia really needs this.
“I feel extremely blessed and humbled by the support of my friends and family who’ve gotten me this far. However, I need help to reach my goals.
“The intention is to help me kickstart a career in Melbourne. The money will support my move and settling interstate. I’ll be able to support myself once I’m settled,” he said.
If there was ever a horse to back, Monty is that hard-working horse. Or more of a Pheonix perhaps – rising up from the ashes to spread its brilliantly coloured wings and fly.
“The biggest drive for me is making a little dent of difference and of course being able to do what I love for a living.
“I never lost that fire within me to continue to be happy and unique. It’s vital that people hear stories like mine so they don’t give up. The privilege of a lifetime is being who you are.”
Watch this face.
