Following the passing of legendary Les Girls and Melbourne drag performer Joy Julie Hanley, aka Cherry Ripe, the community will come together in September at DT’s Hotel to send her off in style.
On Sunday, September 20, the community are invited to come together at DT’s and help send Joy/Cherry off in style.
She passed away at the start of August. The Real Drag Queens of Melbourne Facebook Page sharing that “One of Melbourne’s iconic drag performers has left the building”.
“Cherry Ripe was a star in our community, and will be missed. Last Year she performed her favourite song for us. My camera was there to capture this moment in time, and in Melbourne’s drag history.”
“The camera was trying to auto-focus on all that glittered gold, but the real gold was the wonderful person Joy Julie Hanley (RIP). Remembered always.”
‘A fiercely loving and deeply caring person’
“Cherry Ripe’s journey in drag took a defining leap forward when she joined the legendary Les Girls in the late 1970s,” DT’s Hotel shared.
“At a time when performing in drag took immense courage, Cherry stepped into the spotlight with grace, razor-sharp wit and a presence that commanded the stage.”
“By the 1990s, Cherry was taking her own drag troupes on the road, entertaining audiences across regional Australia and keeping the spirit of live performance alive from coast to coast.
“In Melbourne, she graced many of the city’s iconic nightclubs, including Olivia’s, Bojangles, Three Faces, The Xchange, The Greyhound Hotel, and in later years, DT’s Hotel.
View this post on Instagram
“She loved performing, loved a good gossip, but behind the wig, makeup and dazzling gowns was a fiercely loving and deeply caring person, a loyal confidante and supportive friend to so many.”
The community will come together to honour and remember Joy/Cherry on Sunday, September 20.
DT’s Hotel will open the doors at 1 pm for a 2 pm start to celebrate the incredible life and legacy of a true Melbourne drag pioneer.
Please share the Facebook event details with anyone who knew, loved or was entertained by Cherry throughout her iconic career. Especially those who don’t use social media.
For the latest LGBTIQA+ Sister Girl and Brother Boy news, entertainment, and community stories in Australia, visit qnews.com.au. Find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
