Julie Byrom is one person who will step up and help out when there's a need to raise money. She not only performs as herself, but will also do her drag king act if it is for a good cause. As a “real job” Julie is employed in commercial real estate property management.

When asked where she grew up and how she got to Little Rock, Julie said:
“Most of my childhood was spent in the Beaumont, Texas area. How I made it to Little Rock is a funny and true story. In early 1999, I was fed up with working in Washington, DC and decided to go home to Texas to rest. About six weeks after I arrived, I had three job offers in three different cities: Springfield, Mo., Miami and Little Rock. Since I had never been to any of them, I bought a U.S. map, opened it up, closed my eyes and wherever my finger landed closest would be where I moved …. and obviously Little Rock won and I'm still here.”

We asked her to talk about some of the work she has done for the GLBT community.

“I have volunteered in several capacities and donated money to DSRA since 1999 and have organized a fundraising show for their arena crew, have performed on a few occasions as my alter ego Digger Moonshine, the drag king, for fundraising and have judged the DSRA royalty pageant.

“I also organized a few fundraising shows for the Club UBU (formerly Aquarium) softball team. Most recently, I was one of the organizers of “Cancer Sucks” and we're not through raising money yet!”

What are your thoughts on coming out, advice to others, etc.?

“The best thing you can do is to be true to yourself. I know no one who has had a ‘cake walk' in coming out. It is best to stay true to your values and principles and find a support structure that can give you strength.”

What do you see in the near future and long-range for gay rights/equality?

“The interesting thing about this is that I see that it is not going to be us (the gay community) pushing these issues, but others who see the injustices and lack of equality affecting the gay and lesbian community that will make the inroads for us. It is not going to be soon nor easy. If we remain confident in ourselves as a community, willing to be noticed and stand up, then who knows … stranger things have happened."

Profiles in Pride Questions:                                                             

Date and place of birth?
Newport News, Va., July 6, 1972

What is your favorite food?
Anything my mother, grandmother or partner cooks

What food will you not eat?
Eel and most southern or soul food ‘delicacies' – pickled pigs feet, intestines, etc.

What is the best job you've ever had?
My first job: I was a waitress on roller skates in a ‘50s themed diner. I even wore a vintage 45 in my hair!

What is your dream job?
To have my own party planning and eccentric gift shop called Party Czar, or have a sweet little boutique restaurant with my partner.

If you didn't have to work, what would you do with all of your time?
Travel, spend more time with my family, volunteer and raise money for charities.

Who do you admire most (living or dead)?
My mother

Who would you lunch with if you could have anyone (living or dead)?
My great-grandmother, grandmother, mother and partner.

Who has had the greatest influence on your life?
My mother, hands down

What one thing would you not have done if you could go back in time?
Not smoke that first cigarette.

What one thing would you have done if you could go back in time?
Spent more time with my deceased grandparents and find out more about their lives.

What is your favorite word?
Elizabeth

Least favorite word?
Weapons of Mass Destruction

Favorite curse word?
F*ck or ‘Monkey Nuts' when in front of my elders

What turns you on?
Intelligence, drive, honesty, altruism and liberal thinking

What turns you off?
Pretentiousness, greed, apathy and Republicans

What words would others use to describe you?
(I had to ask around – two words) Sincere and Energetic

What words sum you up?
‘Hopelessly hopeful'