Joseph Harwood, better known as JoJo, is a rising star in the world of contemporary drag. As the CEO of a global fashion artist brand, JoJo has made a name for herself as a model, artist, social media personality, and winner of Simon Cowell’s “The You Generation” competition, making her the first-ever trans person to win a reality-based talent competition.
In a recent interview with Queer News Tonight, JoJo discussed her upbringing in Brighton, a seaside town on the English Channel, and how the LGBTQ+ community in the UK differs from that in the United States. JoJo credits her love of makeup and fashion to early influences like makeup artist Sturgen and music icons like Boy George and Marilyn, who identified as androgynous back in the 80s.
JoJo’s fashion and makeup tutorials on YouTube have garnered over 100 million views, making her a force to be reckoned with in the beauty world. She notes that while the UK may not have as much diversity in terms of LGBTQ+ creators, much of the queer theory and diverse perspectives in the community come from the United States.
JoJo’s unique perspective on drag and fashion has earned her the title of “Yoda of contemporary drag,” and her global fashion artist brand is a testament to her creativity and business savvy.
