Television gets a dose of gay reality

Put your perfectly manicured hands together for the talented Miss Man. She is the new darling of the social scene, new favourite of the paparazzi, the new Diva from Down Under and semi-finalist of Channel Seven’s hit-program Australia’s Got Talent.

After making it through the first round with nods from all three judges -“ Dannii, Red and Tom -“ Miss Man is on her way to becoming the first drag queen to win the talent competition.

The audition was so much fun. I felt really confident and was ready to give it my best shot -¦ we had a ball, Miss Man told Sydney Star Observer.

Getting the go-ahead was amazing. [I] was like, wow, now we can make the next show bigger and camper.

Insiders say Miss Man’s alter ego, Mitch Bartlett, has a strong connection with the Minogue family. Not only has Bartlett toured with Kylie as one of her dancers, he has also appeared in many of her saucy videos.

I did Kylie’s first video, Locomotion, and played her lover in the French song for the video when I was 19. I also did many Australian TV appearances with her as a backup dancer and was on tour with Kylie in Dublin, Bartlett said.

I’ve also worked with Dannii in her first video, Love and Kisses. I’ve learnt so much throughout my career -¦ now I’m putting some of that into practice as Miss Man.

Miss Man now has her gorgeously made-up eyes focused on getting through the semi-finals. She has come this far with over-the-top dance moves, stunning costumes and amazing vocals.

A drag act qualifying for the semi-finals of a prime-time television program brings the obliteration of homophobia one step closer. Miss Man brings a subculture usually reserved for gay clubs to the fore of public consumption.

Drag on television is fairly new for Australia and I hope to make this an everyday event. There is so much talent out there -¦ everyone should be given the opportunity to show it off, Miss Man said.

I don’t think [being a drag queen] is a disadvantage, I’m just out there doing my best like the rest of the contestants. Everyone [on the show] is so supportive of each other.

I am in the semi-finals and there is a lot to see in my act . But if I get into the grand final I have a huge trick up my sleeve, and I don’t think it’s ever been done before on television -“ so don’t forget to get texting and vote me in.

Miss Man is a completely live singing and dancing comedian with killer legs, oh-so-high stilettos, plus an attitude to boot.

Australia’s Got Talent is on Channel Seven at 7:30pm on Tuesdays. For more info on Miss Man visit www.missman.com.au or www.myspace.com/missman08.