INTERVIEW
Jade Esteban Estrada who recently performed his ICONS show at the MCC in Cape Town is a Latin pop singer, comedian, burlesque performer, choreographer, actor, journalist, political commentator, & human rights activist. Out Magazine( USA) called him“ the first gay Latin star.”
Born in San Antonio, Texas to Mexican American parents, this dynamic performer has made his mark on the entertainment circuit in the States and beyond as a Latin pop singer, and his numerous one-man shows the most successful of which have been the ICONS: The Lesbian and Gay History of the World, Vol. 1 series of shows – he’ s currently working on ICONS Vol: 6.
His father was in the military which meant that they moved around a lot sparking his love for travelling. From an early age he discovered that he could make friends and captivate people by entertaining them. A natural performer. After completing school he studied journalism but it was his teacher who encouraged him to take to the stage – explaining that he was far too creative to be a journalist, although he sees his brand of theatre as a kind of theatrical journalism – after all he is making both political and social comment in his show he said.
With his journalism studies behind him, Jade enrolled at The American Musical & Dramatic Academy in New York City where he excelled and his experience confirmed that a lifetime as a performing artist was to be his passion.
QUE SERA SERA...
“ ALSO AVAILABLE
I asked whether coming out to a military father and Catholic mother had been easy …
“ My father is a real macho man. There was a real don’ t ask don’ t tell policy in the family. Are you familiar with the Jerry Springer Show … I came out on the Jerry Springer Show. That’ s how my family found out! Including my mother who was on stage with me!” … well that was theatrical, dramatic and true to character.
IN JADE”
Mag 18 Photo: Simple Creature Photography
Are they supportive today?“ My mother is enquiring and constantly asks about friends and other gay people she meets. My father doesn’ t talk about it but things have been smoothed over somewhat by my step-sister who lives on his ranch with her girlfriend – and he adores her”