Artist, Illusionist, Model and Muse

A decade ago, the spectacularly talented Juanita More had her beginnings in what was simply a jokey get-up on typically outrageous Halloween. Today, she has evolved into one of the more strongly felt drag personas in current San Francisco circles.

Never one to hide her light under a bushel, the garrulously extroverted Juanita quickly graduated to performances at local comedy clubs, night clubs and special events, armed to the heels with a masterful lip-syncing ability and undeniable charisma. The Juanita More character had become fully fleshed out, and her star was on the rise. A bewildering array of accomplishments followed: founding the drag troupe Fishstix, helping produce the Trannyshack pageants, appearances at the Folsom Street Fair, the Castro Street Fair, Bimbo’s nightclub, the Warfield theater, Wigstock West, the Lesbian-Gay-Bisexual-Transgender Freedom Day Parade, as well as solo and group performances across the country.

Her instinctive love for the coin of the realm, coupled with an almost lunatic altruistic bent, compelled Juanita to loan her talents to a variety of fundraisers over the years, among them Visual Aid, AIDS Benefit Counselors, Academy of Friends, Larkin St. Youth Center, Tom Ammiano for Mayor and many others. Juanitaís efforts helped raise over $100,000 for such causes.

Miss More approaches each event, no matter how large or small, as a total art project. Every detail — fabric, color, shape, music, hair and makeup — is considered at the outset of the creative process and is constantly revised and refined throughout. Forever the consummate perfectionist, she surrounds herself with the most talented collaborators around to create the final, fantastic illusion.

The gowns are designed exclusively for her by Mr. David couture in a collection that has grown to over 100 outfits, not to mention countless hats, gloves, hair accessories, and shoes. Mr. David’s are the only gowns worn by Juanita, who, as might be expected has gowns she has never worn twice.

Today, Juanita More remains a creation of fashion and glamour, of generosity and nerve. And, much to our benefit, of uncommon beauty.