Philly PR Girl’s First Friday Interview series returns, and our star for this month, Brittany Lynn, is incredibly relevant, as Philadelphia officially recognizes March 15 as Brittany Lynn Day! A philanthropist, legendary performer, former editor, and Jill of All Trades, Ian Morrison’s stage name is gospel throughout the city of Philadelphia. The First Lady of the Gayborhood has been and continues to be a highly influential force affecting progress and change on behalf of the LGBT community. We were thrilled to learn more about Ian and his incredible career!
Philly PR Girl: Tell us about yourself, Ian! Where did you grow up and go to school? What are your hobbies and interests?
Ian Morrison: I was born in Parkwood, way down in Northeast Philly. I went to Northeast High School but was in a Mentally Gifted Program since the first grade. I was a big nerd and had all of my graduating credits plus honors by the end of my ninth grade year. To sound even more of a dork, my interests include documentaries on quantum theories, nutritional/holistic healing, and I’m OBSESSED with tiny space living and the impact of our current way of life on the environment.
Philly PR Girl: What was Philadelphia’s LGBTQ culture like when you began performing as Brittany Lynn in 1996? How has it changed over the last two decades?
Brittany Lynn: Philly’s culture has changed so much since the 90’s. When I first moved to center city, everyone was still focusing on “coming out” and wearing pride t-shirts-the pride ring jewelry was still a thing. People congregated at Afterwords (the gay bookstore on 12th street that’s now a coffee shop), Giovanni’s Room, and after the clubs closed, we practically took over the Savoy Diner and Duck Soup. Being gay and out was just becoming socially acceptable thanks to MTV and Clinton getting into office. There were grassroots groups still marching like Act Up, the Radical Fairies-it wasn’t the 60’s but still a great time to be GAY! Now everyone person you meet on the street is a damn drag queen-guess we overdid our job doing all of that marching. Today it’s the norm to be gay, have gay friends, or at least be bi-even after college lol…
Philly PR Girl: Your career has spanned to include a number of different roles, from PR and advertising to editorial work and bartending. What positions have you found to be most fulfilling? What does your typical week look like as of today?
Ian Morrison: Being a former editor for the Philadelphia Gay News really allowed me to network all over and learn so much about gay society. It was a beginner’s class to everything gay. I still love doing PR and marketing for the charities I work with in Philly-producing events for MANNA, City of Hope, PAWS, and Qflix among other charities. I have made the majority of my living producing and performing in shows that I landed through my networks-not just in the Gayborhood, but all over Philadelphia. So I made the decision to start giving back when I turned 30. The charities keep me updated on where the money goes that I raised during my events. It’s always touching and rewarding to see how the work me and my “girls” do helps others. It gets really hectic at times since some events cross over each other and make my person time zero to none, but when you love your work it keeps you going.
My typical week includes managing Tabu Sportsbar and Lounge three days a week-being onsite as well as handling their promotions, events, and social calendar. I also bartend at Tavern on Camac on Saturdays on the first floor piano bar. I am on the board for Qflix and the Anti-Defamtion League’s Walk Against Hate so that takes up alot of mornings helping to produce their events. The other days I am usually performing all over the city – Icandy, Bob & Barbara’s on South Street, and events through my website, phillydragmagfia.com. Every week my performance schedule is different – I can end up in another city doing anything from a birthday party or a gay bingo, or like last week when myself and my girls opened for Debbie Gibson at Harrah’s! It’s always an adventure.
Philly PR Girl: What is your favorite event that you’ve been asked to host or run? Which venues are your favorites to perform at and/or watch others perform?
Ian Morrison: I have to say I’ve done a millions gigs with tons of celebrities – I have worked with everyone from Sandra Bernhard to Sir Ian McKellen, and just about everyone from all the reality shows at one point or another. But four years ago I was asked by the Philadelphia Mummers, PGN Publisher Mark Segal, and Mayor Kenney (Councilman at the time) to create the first all drag brigade to march in the New Year’s Day’s Parade down Broad Street. It has been such a great journey to bring all the different LGBT communities together to what once was a typically white and hetero phenomenon. Each year myself and my Mummers LGBT Liason Committee gather together a new set of drag queens, drag kings. and transwoman to proudly march in the parade and help open the eyes of parade goers who have never interacted with our different communities. I feel like we help mend bridges and enlighten some minds.
As far as my favorite venues I have to say Bob & Barbara’s, being one of the original girls that started performing there in the mid 90’s. I usually get a Friday off from Tabu each month to do a show over at Icandy and keep in touch with all the gaybies (the younger gays). And of course, the casino shows I still land a few times a year. I’ve worked in Atlantic City since the Studio Six days, and love hitting the shore points.
Philly PR Girl: At PPRG, we love working with nonprofits towards a greater cause (including DVLF, from which you received the 2015 Community Hero Award after receiving a record-breaking number of nominations!). What are some of your favorite organizations you’ve partnered with in the past?
Ian Morrison: I produce the Hairball for City of Hope with my love Harry Giordano. They are the pioneers of cancer research, stem cell research, and diabetes-they have cure various forms of cancer and are on the verge to the diabetes cure.
My love of animals keeps me close to PAWS, I would work there full time if I could.
And of course, my heart is always with MANNA. The work they do to provide nutritious and amazing food to the elderly, those battling illness, and those in need is an always, ongoing battle that they take on everyday and make it happen. Each time I do a show for them, they let me know how meals were provided by my work, and it always wants me to do MORE. These people and their charities are my HEROES!
Philly PR Girl: The name Brittany Lynn was inspired by your younger sister. Where do you draw inspiration for your hair, makeup and wardrobe? How has your look transformed over the years?
Ian Morrison: I love, love, love 60’s mod styles. If Endora from Bewitched had a baby with Divine, and was raised by Sandra Bernhard to appear on Laugh-In, well that would be me. When I was a club kid learning the craft, I was much more avant-garde. But now, in my 40’s, I have accepted my age and role as Philly’s biggest drag mother. A big majority of the girls you see everywhere today got their start with me and the Drag Mafia family. So I dress the part-mafia don meets Bar Mitzvah mother with an office chic. I still love me a skimpy mod dress to show off my gams, but now I do more of the old school gown and big hair reminiscent of the way drag used to be. Many girls can run on stage with ripped fishnets and a bodysuit and call that a costume. But I was raised by the legends of NYC where costuming was EVERYTHING – and I try to keep that alive.
Philly PR Girl: It can be incredibly challenging – physically, mentally, and emotionally – to maintain a lifestyle that’s always on the go. Can you share any tips here for those in PR/event management on how you sustain that energy and momentum? How do you balance out work life with your social and personal needs?
Ian Morrison: I usually take everything day by day. Every Monday I look at my calendar and say, “I can’;t wait until next week when I have a moment.” But that moment never comes. It’s always something to do, someone to meet, and someplace to be-which is overwhelming at times. But, take a lesson from from the Buddha and just make sure you have time to be present and enjoy each day and each experience. At times I get frustrated knowing weeks can go by without a full day off, but this is the life I chose and would never give up. So I take a deep breath and take on each challenge one moment at a time. It sounds cliche, but that really is what works best. I live a blessed life. In June I will be celebrating TWENTY YEARS as Brittany Lynn. That kind of staying power makes me think I did something right. When the phone stops ringing, I’ll take a break. But until then, you’re all stuck with me!
Philly PR Girl: How will you be celebrating Brittany Lynn Day 2016?
Ian Morrison: It still seems like a crazy dream that the City Council of Philadelphia gave a drag queen her own day, and even crazier that I’m that queen. Although the day falls on the 15th (two days after my birthday, which is the 13th), I’ll be performing at Tabu and celebrating with a birthday brunch on March 20th. That day is also my father’s birthday so we will be celebrating our days together. I rarely get to let loose because I am always running from one event to the next, but I put that day and the next aside to take off and enjoy some time with my friends and family. I have a huge celebration planned for June for my 20th anniversary, so I guess I get to celebrate for a few months haha. Like every other drag queen on the planet, I get to make it about me for awhile.
Thanks so much for sharing with us, Ian! Have you seen Brittany Lynn perform? Share your love for her in the comments!
