Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to William/Jada Bailey/Valenciaga. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

William/Jada, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Any thoughts around creating more inclusive workplaces?

The first step to creating a more inclusive workplace is hiring somebody who knows firsthand what it means to not feel fully comfortable as themselves in an environment where people don’t understand what it means to be LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, BLACK, or a woman. Someone who knows how to look at someone’s work rather than, they choose to identify or move through the world. I’ve worked on musicals that have gone off Broadway where people on the production team were visibly uncomfortable around me especially when it came to using pronouns. And I’m not one of those people who berate somebody about my pronouns, but rather educating them. But they never gave me a chance to assure them that everything was OK because they were so scared of offending me. I was eventually cut from the show in the next iteration. That environment alone taught me how to create a safe space for me, and people like me, and even other people that society deems “normal.” Going through that situation, taught me how to foster a space where any artist who comes into it is able to grow without fear of judgment or ridicule.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am currently a working Drag Queen in New York City who goes by the name, Jada, Valenciaga and I host a Tuesday night Broadway drag show called “Curtains Up!” at my Tuesday night show I hire artists who have been on and off Broadway and a bunch of other performers who have yet to get their break. It’s a place for artists to practice new materials, perfect their craft, and make a little money in the process if they are in between contracts or jobs. when I’m not doing that I’m working on writing and composing music as well as working on my new musical “Where You’ll Find Me” which will be making its 29 hour reading premiere April 18. My musical is written out of frustration from not booking shows because I was not “cis” or masculine. Someone said to me “well if you don’t see yourself on Broadway, then write some thing”… So I wrote an inclusive piece of musical theater with rolls for LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and BLACK performers of all shapes, sizes and backgrounds! And when I’m not doing that, I’m running my own gay, friendly, owned baking business called “CAKEZ on CAKEZ.” All my work provides a space and voice, for people like me!

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I was cut from a potential Broadway musical, that I spent seven years with. I thought that it would be my big break. I was angry, and I was hurt. I spiraled. But it was really just a blessing in disguise, because as soon as I was let go from that project, three more picked me up where I was allowed to be my full trans self and exist in my skin and not try to play a role to make everyone around me comfortable. I have since gone on to perform at Lincoln Center, the public theater, 54 below, Joe’s pub, and a plethora of other big named theaters. I started off when I moved to New York City many years ago I was just a kid from Kansas City Missouri, but now I’m a living testament that it does, in fact, get better if you just keep working, keep your head up, and keep loving yourself in those around you who support you.

Any advice for managing a team?

Love on your people and pay them what they’re worth and what you can afford. Don’t waste their time, and show them and tell them that you appreciate them. Pay them on time and when you can do nice things for them when they go above and beyond what they need to. Every worker loves being appreciated.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @jadavalenciaga/ @cakez_on_cakez

Image Credits
Jeff Eason Steven Menendez