20 Queer Q's with Brooke Lynn Hytes

The 20 Queer Q's series seeks to capture LGBTQ+ individuals (and allies) in a moment of authenticity. We get to know the subjects, what makes them who they are, and what they value.

The goal of these intimate conversations is to leave you, the reader, feeling like you just gained a new friend, a new perspective, and that you learned something new about or saw a different side of someone—maybe someone that you don’t see online, but someone that’s maybe like you.

This week get to know Canadian drag superstar, self-proclaimed Queen of the North, and first runner-up of RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 11, Brooke Lynn Hytes! Learn about the advice she has for LGBTQ+ youth, the values she looks for in an ideal partner, her earliest memory of feeling different, and more!

Name: Brock Hayhoe/Brooke Lynn Hytes

Age: 33

Preferred Pronouns: He/Him/They

Sexually Identifies As: Gay

How did you feel attending your first Pride?

I was 18 and it was amazing. I love Pride. It’s such a fun, joyful atmosphere where we get to celebrate who we are. I love seeing when families bring their queer kids out and it’s so nice to see the joys in their faces when they get to be there and see people who are like them that they might not get to see on a daily basis and it’s such an amazing experience.

What does Pride mean to you?

I try to wake up every morning proud of who I am and celebrate my community and our differences so for me pride is an everyday event.

What are your thoughts on PrEP?

I think it’s a wonderful drug. Anything that can prevent HIV I’m here for. I think people need to use it responsibly though. I feel like people don’t realize that they can get other things from unprotected sex, not just HIV. So I think it’s an amazing drug, but I do think it’s important to practice safe sex and be cautious.

Who is someone you consider to be an LGBTQ+ icon?

She’s a drag queen in Toronto, her name is Georgie Girl and she’s an LGBTQ+ icon for me because she’s been doing drag for so long and she's still going strong and is one of the funniest, talented people I know and she’s someone I always really looked up to in Toronto doing drag. Toronto icon.

What’s a song you consider to be an LGBTQ+ anthem?

"Show Me Love" by Robin S.

What advice you have for LGBTQ+ youth?

I would say to buckle down, study hard, keep your head up, and just know that there is something better coming for you. If you’re having a hard time at school, just realize that this part of your life is gonna suck, but there is a big, beautiful, amazing world that comes after school when you get away from this town, this high school, from the people who don’t understand you. And when you grow up and you’re ready to go out into the world by yourself, there’s a bright colorful community that is going to love and accept you for exactly who you are and you’re going to thrive.

Do you believe in love?

Absolutely. Love is everywhere and love is everything.

Favorite drink to order at a bar?

If it’s summer, I am a straight tequila drinker. If it's the winter, I love an old-fashioned.

What are values that you look for in an ideal partner?

Someone who is steadfast, someone with a great sense of humor, who is patient, who isn’t clingy, who is willing to let me go off and live my life, do my thing, and doesn’t want to tie me down.

Describe what being queer is like in 3-5 words.

Fabulous, exhilarating, terrifying, courageous, honest.

Use 3-5 words to describe your coming out experience.

Emotional, relieving, undramatic, exhilarating, freeing.

Fill in the blank: Love is _______.

Necessary.

What is something you want to change about yourself in the next 6 months?

I would like to quit smoking.

What’s your earliest memory that you felt you were different?

I just remember as a kid, I had this blanket and I would walk around with it and tie it around my head like it was a wig or wear it as a dress. And that was the first kind of inkling that I was different when other kids were playing with trucks and I had this gorgeous Cher wig.

What is the title of the current chapter of your life?

"What The Fuck Is Going On!"

What is a quality you find sexy?

Humor.

Did you ever or do you still feel uncomfortable holding another guys hand in public?

I hate to admit it but sometimes depending on where we are, a little bit. But I think that’s a great opportunity to exercise bravery and Pride in who you are. So I don’t allow it to get to me, but I do get a little nervous.

Fill in the blank: When I find someone I’m interested in I ______.

Let them know. I’m a very forward person because I figure, why not? You might as well try! If you don’t try you won’t know!

Are you the person you thought you’d grow up to be?

No, I think I’m so much more than who I thought I’d grow up to be. My life has turned out to be way more than I ever dreamed of. I remember I had a teacher when I was in musical theatre in high school. She was a dance teacher, it was our first day of class, and we were dancing around. We stopped and she walked over to me, grabbed me by the hand, looked me dead in the eyes and said, "You are going to have a very interesting life." So no, I didn’t think I am who I thought who I’d grow up to be. I think I’m so much better.

What value/quality has being queer given you? What have you gained?

Compassion. I think compassion for people who are going through a hard time, who are getting bullied. I think being a gay person has opened my mind and heart to the suffering of others and how it’s not okay to stand by when you see someone else getting hurt.

Keep up with Brooke Lynn’s shows, appearances, and any other updates over on her Instagram and Twitter!