Blokey insurance bosses transform into drag queens and take to the Sydney streets for Mardi Gras

Two bosses of a Sydney insurance company have stepped out of their comfort zone and transformed into drag queens for Mardi Gras celebrations.

BizCover CEO Michael Gottlieb and General Manager Bradley Miller wanted to show their support, inclusivity and acceptance for the LGBTIQA+ community by getting themselves involved.

In a video titled ‘Boss Meets Boss’, the two blokey business owners met with Sydney Drag Royalty’s big boss, Charisma Belle, who did their drag makeup, hair and outfit styling.

The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras began in 1978 with celebrations taking place down Oxford Street, but for the past two years the iconic parade has been held at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) due to Covid.

In a video titled ‘Boss Meets Boss’, the two blokey business owners met with Sydney Drag Royalty’s big boss, Charisma Belle, did their drag makeup, hair and outfit styling

Prior to meeting with Ms Belle, Mr Gottlieb said he was ‘pretty nervous’ as he’s never done anything like this before.

‘It’ll be interesting to walk in someone else’s heels,’ he said.

Mr Miller added: ‘I might’ve put on a dress once or twice in my life, but nothing as grand as this.’

The bosses agreed that while they were nervous, they’re glad to be ‘pushing forward the objective of diversity’. 

First Ms Belle began by covering their eyebrows then started applying the makeup.

‘Mardi Gras for me is family, it’s celebration and all of the families come together, all of the communities for a short period celebrating loving life,’ Ms Belle said.

While having his makeup done Mr Gottlieb admitted that personally his background is ‘pretty conservative and boring’, but encourages diversity within his business and says it should be celebrated.

Quickly the duo realised that it takes hours on end to prepare and transform into a drag queen prior to every show.

Ms Belle went on to explain that there are in fact straight men who also participate in drag because it’s a ‘form of art’. 

The bosses agreed that while they were nervous, they’re glad to be ‘pushing forward the objective of diversity’

The big reveal stunned both men who were blown away after looking at themselves dressed in drag. Mr Gottlieb, the SHE.E.O, had pink hair, matching glittery pink lips and a stunning multi-coloured frock on (right)

Mr Gottlieb took the opportunity to ask questions about what it takes to be a drag queen and if only males ‘dress up’ in drag.

Former Drag Queen and current BizCover Product Manager, Nathan Richmond, said: ‘No not at all. Anyone can do drag. There’s bio-queens that are on the scene – people who identify as female.’

Since Mr Gottlieb is the brand’s CEO, he decided his drag queen name will be ‘SHE.E.O’, while Mr Miller chose the name ‘Hedda Operations’ which was his previous job title.

The pair then took to Sydney’s streets to don their new looks for the day with smiles spread on their faces 

The big reveal stunned both bosses who were blown away after looking at themselves dressed in drag.

Mr Gottlieb, the SHE.E.O, had pink hair, matching glittery pink lips and a stunning multi-coloured frock on.

‘Love those eyes and glitter on the lips, very cool. I think [I look] pretty stunning,’ he said.

Mr Miller, the ‘Hedda Operations’, was shocked when he saw his purple hair, bright coloured eye shadow and matching lipstick.

‘That’s amazing, you guys are actual miracle workers … I think I could keep [the look] for a while,’ he said.

The pair then took to Sydney’s streets to don their new looks for the day with smiles spread on their faces.