June is a Queen

We’re joined by the iconic June Jambalaya—born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, where Tyler also grew up—to talk about identity, artistry, and the power of drag. June opens up about her journey from church performances to RuPaul’s Drag Race, and how drag became the space where she could reclaim her power, voice, and story. She shares how attending Douglas Anderson School of the Arts changed her life, surrounding her with other creatives and giving her the freedom to express herself fully. Her first performances were in church, inspired by her mother, who taught her how to command a room with grace, presence, and body language. In many ways, June’s drag is a tribute to her. We talk about her late father, who always knew—and once smoked with her boyfriend. We also dive into her dance journey: being told she wasn’t tall, masculine, or thin enough for dance, and how drag let her create her own lane. June tells us about quitting her job to go on Drag Race, auditioning as a joke, and what it was like to step into a space built by and for queer creatives. “We are just the vessel,” she says, reflecting on the show’s impact and the community behind the scenes. She also shares the grief of losing her drag mother, Jiggly Caliente, and the deep love she’s found in her chosen family. And while she may light up the stage, offstage, June is soft-spoken, thoughtful, and more introverted than most people expect. Follow us: @tylerandgabriel @junejambalaya 🎙️ New episodes every week 🌈 Subscribe and join the journey