The WYATT! podcast does a deep dive into those timely and critical issues that impact Gay/SGL (Same-Gender-Loving) men with a diverse set of LGBTQ movers, shakers, and change agents. WYATT! is absorbing, informative, provocative–and sprinkled with sly, spicy (and sometimes a wee bit) scandalous humor!  The fast-growing podcast airs on both YouTube and Spotify.  

The Saturday, March 4 installment of WYATT! welcomes Harmonica Sunbeam, the internationally acclaimed drag performer, actor, singer, and staunch supporter of children and LGBTQ+ organizations! We dig deep into diverse issues, making for a highly entertaining sit-down.

I begin our conversation by inquiring how the eclectic entertainer created the “Harmonica Sunbeam” moniker and whether that name has a special meaning. Her response is delicious! And she reveals the driving force that compelled her to become a drag performer.

Next, hand in hand (LOL), we travel through The Corridors of Time to learn about her backstory. I ask Harmonica, born in Newark, N.J., what three characteristics or qualities best describe her as a little nipper. Her answer is rather humorous.

We fast-forward to the first time she stepped on stage as a drag performer. Was she trepidatious? Did stage fright take hold? Just how did it turn out? Misgivings? Harmonica reveals all.

The versatile performer discusses all the challenges and obstacles she had to overcome while establishing her brand. Along with that, Harmonica outlines her three most notable accomplishments as a drag performer—and why she considers them as such.

We delve into her career as an actress and singer and her work with Beyonce, the “Queen Bee.“ Ms. Sunbeam shares some tantalizing stories about the mega superstar—including when the Queen Bee phoned her on her birthday!

Soon, Harmonica and I get serious: we explore her work with community-based organizations, including the Bayard Rustin Center for Social Justice, the African American Office of Gay Concerns, and the Hyacinth New Jersey AIDS Foundation. She details what drives her to be the committed advocate she is.

And speaking of advocacy: Harmonica is the North Jersey coordinator for Drag Queen Story Hour (DQSH), a nonprofit organization where drag performers go to schools, libraries, festivals, and parties to read to children about respecting others who are different, providing positive queer role models, and promoting literacy. DQSH began in San Francisco in 2015 and has since exploded nationwide and overseas.  According to Ms. Sunbeam, “We’re trying to raise a new generation of kids who are tolerant of each other, who are open to being who they are, and understanding that we’re not all the same and it’s okay.”

Harmonica describes her experiences with the DQSH. I ask, “What has been the most gratifying? What tugs at your heartstrings the most?” Her responses provide insight into what “really makes her tick,” if you will. She adds, “What really makes the Drag Queen Story Hour special is that it bridges the gap between two different extremes. We don’t always see drag queens and kids together. It’s two different worlds meeting and meeting in harmony.“

Finally, I ask, “What makes for a successful drag performer?” Her answer is, well, you’ll see.

This is another enlightening, entertaining, and electric episode of WYATT! that you can’t afford to miss! 

Simply put, WYATT! is “Eargasm For Tha Grown Folks!” And there ain’t no doubt about it. www.wyattevans.com/podcast/