20 Queer Q’s with Brita Filter

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 New York City-based drag queen Brita Filter! Learn about what Pride means to her, who she would want to invite to dinner, what queerness has given them, and more! 

Name: Jesse Havea/Brita Filter

Age: 34

Preferred Pronouns: Anything respectful

Sexually Identifies As: Pansexual

Talk about your first queer kiss.

I think I was 15. It was with this boy named Joel and we were doing a play in high school and we would skip rehearsal and kiss in the bathroom. I remember there were fireworks and sparks. 

What are your thoughts on dating in the LGBTQ+ community? 

I can’t talk about anyone else but myself, but I know it’s hard for me because I’m always in drag. So I think in NYC it’s the same dating within our community but for me, I’m a man during the day then I dress up as a woman at night and people get confused thinking Brita is Jesse and Jesse is Brita.

How did you feel attending your first Pride?

It was 2012. I was in my 20s and I was really coming into my queerness. I was marching in the parade and my roommates and I took molly and it was the most amazing, epic experience. I just never felt so proud to be who I was. I also never experienced Pride before but marching in it for my first time, I cried. I make sure to march in the parade every year because it means so much to me. I will skip a rooftop party that’ll pay me a lot because I think it’s important to march.

What does Pride mean to you?

Being 100% that bitch. Giving no fucks what anyone thinks about you, letting your flag fly, and being who you are no matter who you have sex with. 

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

Jonathan Van Ness. 

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

"I’m Coming Out" by Diana Ross.

Do you believe in love?

Yes.

Favorite drink to order at a bar?

Vodka soda (a.k.a. gay water).

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

Someone who’s kind, who can love me unconditionally, and be funny. 

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

Unconditionally being yourself. 

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

I want to be kinder to myself. 

Fill in the Blank: When you think of comfort, you think of _________.

My mom.

Have you found your chosen family? How do they make you feel?

Yes! They make me feel amazing. I can go to them about anything and I know they won’t judge me. 

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

"Waiting to Explode."

What is a quality you find sexy?

Confidence.

What are you most confident about?

Brita.

What’s your favorite way to shake off your nerves?

A shot of Fireball.

How would you like to be remembered?

As a very kind person that was there for people within my community when they needed me. As a person who helps people escape when they need to escape. 

Pick two people to invite to dinner. Who would you invite?

Cardi B and Elizabeth Warren.

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

I’ve gained so much. Everything I owe is to me being queer. My queerness has taught me how to respect other people. I wasn’t educated about the other parts of the LGBTQIA+ community, so being a drag queen and a spokesperson for my community, it shined a light on different people that I had no idea or could even imagine the things that someone could go through. Being queer has taught me about other people and how to respect them. 

Keep up with Brita over on Twitter and Instagram where you can catch if you want to see where she’s performing all over New York City!