Name: Shay Fox
Location: Part owner and headliner at Julia’s on Broadway in Seattle, WA
How has your understanding of gender evolved over time, and what experiences have influenced that journey?
My understanding of gender has expanded tremendously over the years. Growing up, I was often presented with very rigid ideas about what it meant to be masculine or feminine. Working in entertainment, drag, and LGBTQ+ spaces showed me that gender is far more complex, personal, and beautiful than the narrow definitions many of us are taught. Through conversations, friendships, and witnessing people’s lived experiences, I’ve learned that gender isn’t something that should be assigned meaning by others—it’s something each person gets to define for themselves.
In your work or leadership role, how do you create space for people of identities to feel seen and valued?
As a producer, host, and leader, I believe representation starts with who is invited into the room and who feels safe enough to stay there. I work to create environments where people feel respected, heard, and celebrated for who they are. Whether it’s casting performers, mentoring new talent, or interacting with guests, I try to lead with curiosity, respect, and the understanding that everyone’s experience is different. Inclusion isn’t just about having diverse people present—it’s about ensuring they have a voice and an opportunity to thrive.
What do you wish more people understood about the distinction between gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation?
I wish more people understood that these are three separate things. Gender identity is who you are. Gender expression is how you present yourself to the world. Sexual orientation is who you’re attracted to. They can influence one another, but they are not the same thing. When people recognize that distinction, it creates more room for understanding and less pressure for individuals to fit into boxes that were never designed for them.
Can you share a time when you challenged traditional societal norms—either your own or someone else’s—and what the outcome was?
Stepping on stage as Shay Fox was one of the biggest ways I’ve challenged traditional expectations. Drag gave me permission to embrace creativity, confidence, glamour, humor, and vulnerability all at once. For some people, that challenged assumptions about masculinity or what leadership looks like. The outcome has been incredibly rewarding. I’ve met people who felt seen because they saw someone unapologetically being themselves, and that’s one of the greatest gifts this work has given me.
How do intersectional identities (like race, class, disability, etc.) shape your experience and how others perceive you?
No one experiences life through a single lens. While my own experiences are unique, I’ve learned that every person carries multiple identities that shape how they move through the world and how the world responds to them. As a leader, it’s important to recognize that what feels accessible or welcoming to one person may not feel that way to another. Understanding intersectionality helps us move beyond assumptions and build more compassionate communities.
What gives you hope or momentum in the current fight for inclusion, especially regarding gender?
What gives me hope is seeing younger generations embrace authenticity in ways that previous generations often couldn’t. I also find hope in the everyday moments—the parent supporting their child, the employer creating safer workplaces, the teacher standing up for a student, the performer sharing their story. Progress isn’t always loud. Sometimes it’s found in thousands of small acts of courage and kindness happening every day.
What advice would you give to young people who are exploring or questioning their identities today?
Give yourself permission to take your time. You don’t owe anyone immediate answers. Identity is a journey, not a test you have to pass. Seek out supportive communities, listen to your own voice, and remember that growth is allowed. The goal isn’t to fit someone else’s definition of who you should be. The goal is to become more fully yourself.
Do you ever prioritize one part of your identity over another, and if so, how?
Different parts of my identity become more visible depending on the situation. On stage, Shay Fox may be front and center. Behind the scenes, I’m a producer, mentor, business owner, and leader focused on creating experiences for others. None of those identities are more important than the others—they simply serve different purposes. I’ve learned that people can contain multitudes, and we don’t have to choose only one version of ourselves.
What support would be the most valuable that allies can do to help regarding inclusion and equality?
The most valuable thing allies can do is show up consistently. Listen before speaking. Learn without expecting marginalized people to teach everything. Speak up when something is wrong, even when it would be easier to stay silent. Inclusion isn’t a performance reserved for Pride Month or special occasions. It’s a commitment demonstrated through everyday actions, policies, conversations, and choices.
How can our community come together as a whole, given how diverse we are?
I believe community starts with recognizing that diversity is not a challenge to overcome—it’s a strength to embrace. We don’t have to agree on everything to respect one another’s humanity. When we lead with curiosity instead of judgment, and empathy instead of fear, we create space for meaningful connection. The strongest communities aren’t built because everyone is the same; they’re built because people choose to value one another despite their differences. That’s where real belonging begins.
